How to Elevate Your Outfits

Emma Does Fashion
by Emma Does Fashion

In a world of fast fashion habits that are getting faster than ever (notice how we've sped through the 90s trend and Y2K is already back in?), it is easy to fall into the trap of adding quantity, rather than quality, to our wardrobes. Here's some tips to help you curate a capsule wardrobe and style your high street items so they look more chic and elevated.

A habit really worth picking up is only buying fashion pieces that you've been thinking about for a long time. I have a list on my phone of items I've been thinking about - this doesn't mean sitting and racking your brains for all the clothes you fancy buying if money wasn't an option. Instead, whenever you're getting ready and you think,


'Oh, I could really do with a leather jacket to go with this outfit', ask yourself if that thought has occurred to you more than once recently. If so, add it to your 'been thinking about' list. There might also be a particular dress that keeps coming back to you, not because you are scrolling your own Shoptagr but because it just keeps popping into your brain. That can go on your list too.

I thought about this white dress from Silkfred for 3 years before finally purchasing it! Thankfully it fit when it arrived! You don't need to wait as long as that, but a good rule of thumb is to wait 1 or 2 weeks before purchasing - any longer and it might go out of stock. This helps save your money and ensures you're only bringing items you really love into your wardrobe, which makes for a more elevated look because you will look and feel really happy in those clothes.

Adding a few key pieces to your wardrobe from more premium price-points is a great way to make your high street clothes look more expensive. I wore this Ted Baker coat with an ASOS dress and shoes and it elevates the whole look. As a rule, I spend more money on outerwear and bags rather than things that need washing regularly like dresses and tops. Coats and bags can also be worn with more pieces, making the price feel more worth it.


Learn to check the label before finalising your purchase and check for a mix of natural and synthetic materials - this is where you'll find more affordable pieces that will last longer. Fully synthetic pieces don't necessarily look as elevated, and items made of 100% natural materials can be a lot more expensive. Shops like H&M and & Other Stories are great for finding clothes with the natural and synthetic mixes.

The best way to elevate your look is to ensure that you are not just focusing on clothes. You are a whole package! Ensuring your hair is neat and your makeup is on point will definitely elevate your look. This doesn't have to take all day. A sleek bun and drop earrings is a classic, chic look and makeup can be as natural as you like, or if you don't wear make-up, you could try focusing on your skincare to find a natural glow.

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