Easy Style Hacks to Elevate Your Basic Outfits

1. Basic look one

The base we’re working with is a simple t-shirt, a pair of black pants, some sneakers, and a trench coat.

This is a classic and timeless outfit, but it can look a little bit too mundane.

To elevate this, I would swap the shoes for heels, but nothing too high.

Every time you wear heels, you improve your posture and add a bit of sophistication to the look.

I would also swap the classic trench coat for a more of a statement version of it, like an oversized denim one.

This is a striking piece that will instantly elevate your look but still be very effortless and classic.

I would also add a scarf to accessorize, as well as a structured bag, since no outfit is complete without a bag.

This transformation has made the outfit more polished, elegant, and cool.

2. Basic look two

The next basic look we’ll be elevating is a midi skirt and a turtleneck. The midi skirt is in an a-line shape which is very flattering and falls at the slimmest part of my body and gives me the opportunity to showcase my shoes.

To elevate this outfit, I’m adding an oversized pinstripe blazer that has a masculine feel to it. Then I belted the blazer. The belt is simple enough not to interfere with the other pieces, and it ties everything together nicely.

The blazer isn’t 90s oversized, but it’s slightly oversized, so the shoulders have to be a little bit wider than normal, which gives a fresh and current look to the cut.

The masculine fit of the blazer also contrasts really well with the feminine mules.

I finished off the outfit with my black bag and bold sunglasses that tie the look together.

You could also opt for a biker jacket which adds an extra dose of coolness to this feminine look.

3. Basic look three

For this look, I'm wearing a shirt dress - another staple in everybody's wardrobe.

The first thing I did to dress up this look was add a vintage scarf.

When it comes to scarves, I really like vibrant colors and abstract prints. A scarf is a great way to add some color and texture to a look.

Then I swapped the dress belt for another belt and the shoes for boots.

I also tied a sweater around my shoulder, which is another fun way to add a dimension to your look.

You can also tie the sweater around your waist.

The sweater gives you the opportunity to wear another color, and it doubles as a practical piece because if it gets cold, you can always pop the sweater on.

The ultimate cool way to style a shirt dress is to wear it as a shirt. For that, simply wear it unbuttoned at the bottom.

I like to show my waistline and the belt I'm wearing. I also like to play with proportions by wearing wide-leg pants underneath.

Opting for a crossbody bag on top makes it even more fun.

Invest in classic pieces

A final tip is investing in classic, staple pieces that are plain but very well cut with great quality to them.

This will give you the opportunity to invest more in jewelry and accessories that typically cost less than items of clothing but can completely change your look.

Easy style hacks

There we have a handful of tips to make your outfits more chic.

Remember that classics don't need to be boring, they just need to be updated and styled in different ways to make them more interesting and intentional and allow you to showcase your personality.

Next, learn How to Style a Slip Dress in 24 Classy Ways.