The Top 50 Best Style Tips for Women

The first step in establishing your sense of style is to build your message. Think of this as your personal branding – an external package that shows the world exactly who you are on the inside and highlights your strongest qualities.

Begin by asking yourself how you’d like to be perceived by the people you interact with. Choose words that paint a vivid mental picture of the way you want to represent yourself. Adjectives like powerful, compassionate, sophisticated and intelligent, provide a measurement to assess your image against, so it’s important to get as clear and concise as possible. When we first begin the personal styling process with a new client, this is the initial step we start with. Before knowing what your clothing will look like, you have to be clear on your message.

Keep in mind that you’re always driving your personal narrative, whether you’re conscious of it or not. What do you want your style to say?

The clothing you wear is an extension of who you are. It should strengthen your image and be an expression of your true self, so don’t force it. This means not wedging your feet into 5-inch stilettos that require an hour foot massage at the end of the work day if you’re more comfortable in flats, or wearing the latest trends just because all of your friends are. Wear clothing that feels like YOU.

If you’re unsure how you feel in something, take the authenticity test by asking yourself 3 simple questions: Does the outfit feel comfortable or will I be constantly adjusting it? Do I recognize myself in the mirror or am I trying to be someone I’m not? Does this clothing bring me joy and am I excited to wear it? If you answer yes to all 3, you’re good to go! If not, look for another option.

When it comes to style tips for women, this one is a non-negotiable.

If torn between style and comfort, always opt for what feels the best. When you’re uncomfortable or restricted in any way, you’re not able to exude power. The old adage that beauty is pain is not a reality we should ascribe to. As women, we juggle busy careers on top of child rearing and family life. The last thing we need to worry about is spending an 8-hour work day in a dress that sucks the life out of us or jeans that feel too restricting. There’s always an alternative, equally as stylish option, that we can find.

Studying the work of those who’ve already mastered a skill is a useful place to start when learning something new. As you begin to determine the framework for your sense of style, it’s helpful to draw inspiration from people who fit your mold.

Whether it’s celebrities, politicians, TV characters, or co-workers, make a list of individuals you view as consistently well-dressed. Getting clear on who you look up to helps you better identify what your preferences are as you build a unique personal style of your own.

This exercise can often feel difficult. As creatures of habit, it’s challenging to envision ourselves wearing something other than what we’re familiar with. For the time being, ignore the natural hesitation to step outside your comfort zone and instead focus on what appeals to you.

Create a collection of images that reflect your desired sense of style – search for outfits you’d like to try, icons who embody your aesthetic, and anything else you can use as reference to help build your personal brand.

Pinterest is a great platform for compiling ideas. Their algorithm is quick to learn your preferences and make personalized recommendations. If you need a place to start, our account has lots of outfit inspiration to get you going.

Alternatively, you can save images into a designated folder on your phone, or cut out pictures from magazines and build a physical mood board.

Collecting photos allows you to see what your preferences look like as a whole and easily identify patterns in your taste. This visual framework serves as your style guide while you begin to put outfits together and decide what you’re going to wear.

Getting clear on the image you’re creating for yourself will help you assess what’s in your closet with honesty and objectivity. Chances are you’ve been wearing the same thing for years, not because you chose it strategically but because it was familiar. It’s time to be more methodical about what you’re wearing.

Review your current wardrobe piece by piece, to determine if each item fits with the style you plan to achieve. Commit to letting go of anything that doesn’t align. Holding on to clothing out of sentimental attachment will only guarantee you repeat old patterns. Keep the items that match your goals and part with the rest.

If you want to learn how to organize your closet effectively, try our simple 7 step process, which will help you easily maintain a more effective, comprehensive wardrobe.

Clothing is a gift that keeps on giving, and what no longer works for you will most certainly provide value for someone else. Check with family and friends to see who may be in need of a clothing refreshment. Businesses like Goodwill and the Salvation Army are easy donation drop offs, and you can also look into local non-profits that partner with the homeless community. We donate our clients’ unwanted clothing to organizations like Chrysalis and Dress For Success, which are both fantastic options for giving clothing to people in need who are working to re-enter the job market.

And finally, if you want to make some extra income, sites like Poshmark, The RealReal and thredUP are all great options for reselling your unwanted items.

After you’ve done a major edit, you’ll still want to keep an eye on everything you’ve kept in case you held on to something that isn’t getting used. To see which clothes you never wear, try the hanger test. Start by turning all the hangers in your closet with the hook towards you, opposite to what you’d usually do. As you wear items, re-hang them back with the hook facing away from you in the normal direction.

Set a time frame to reassess what you’ve used, generally 6 months to 1 year, taking note of everything still hanging in the original manner.  These can be donated or sold as it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever wear them again and they’re taking up valuable real estate in your closet.

Now you’re organized with a wardrobe that’s ready to showcase your updated style. To keep it that way, you’ll have to be disciplined. Remember, the objective of an overhauled closet is to maintain a selection of clothing you wear on a consistent basis, all of which makes you feel like your most confident self. As time moves forward, put systems in place that prevent you from over-accumulating. A great way to do this is to maintain your organization by removing an item each time you add something. If you buy a new pair of jeans, one pair should go. Everything needs a purpose within your closet so that you know it’s there and don’t lose it within the clutter.

Understanding your body shape is a key piece in successfully achieving a great sense of personal style. When you know which cuts and silhouettes work best for your body, you eliminate a lot of the confusion around what to wear and a closet filled with items that go unworn.

One of the best style tips for women is learning how to master balance. If you hold more weight on the bottom, the trick is to offset it by adding more volume to your top (think structured shoulders, jackets with breast pockets). If your bust or shoulders are bigger, than you fool the eye into creating visual balance by increasing the weight on your lower half (ie. A-line skirt, wide leg pants).

Women who dress with ease know exactly what flatters their body and what to avoid, always enhancing their best assets. If you aren’t sure of your shape, do some research into the most common female body types so you can easily identify which category you fall into.

The most important part about developing your style is choosing clothing you feel great in – and there’s nothing that feels better than wearing clothing that enhances your body.

Women with great style know that spending a little extra money on the basic wardrobe essentials means that they will always have access to good quality pieces that stand the test of time. Basics are items that belong in every woman’s closet and can carry them across a variety of settings. The point is to have less, while getting more out of what you own.

We suggest investing as much as you can afford into neutral denim and slack options, versatile coats, classic white button downs, fitted dresses, structured blazers, classic leather handbags and staple footwear. These pieces will be worn time and time again, thus making them worth the investment.

While you may need to spend a little more upfront to account for the better quality, you’ll be replacing your basics much less frequently than if you were to buy cheaper, fast-fashion versions. Ultimately, you’ll be shopping less often and saving money you would have spent on repeat purchases.

A capsule wardrobe is the intersection between fashion and functionality, where everything in your closet can be mixed and matched with ease and has a cohesive theme running through it. Think of it as your own personal uniform in the sense that everything works together by setting the foundation for your personal style. When you have a capsule wardrobe, getting dressed in the morning becomes that much easier. Everything already pairs together so the guesswork is removed from making great outfits.

As you edit your existing wardrobe and begin to shop for new pieces, the ultimate goal is to have a collection of like-minded items. The importance of the capsule wardrobe methodology isn’t to achieve a certain number of items in your closet, but rather a framework for dressing that makes everyday life much more simple.

Fads or trends are the items that gain overnight attention but have little staying power. A key style rule is knowing not to waste too much time focusing on these pieces, spending money on something that won’t be relevant for long. While we always suggest buying something if you truly can’t stop thinking about it, make sure you keep these purchases to a minimum and focus on the classics. Establishing your sense of style means not getting overly distracted by trends so that you don’t have to continuously update your closet. If you’ve built your capsule wardrobe successfully, you should have everything you need to perfect your everyday look.

Fit is the number one most important thing when it comes to great style. Why? Because wearing clothing that fits us properly, highlights our assets, flatters our body type, and most importantly makes us feel good. Beautiful clothing has no place in our closets if it doesn’t hang, drape or mold to the shape of our bodies properly.

When it comes to fit, the items we choose to wear should create a clear shape and allow for breathing room without looking bulky. Too big and they end up making us look sloppy and ill-proportioned, too small and they cut in all the wrong places. Proper fit is how we achieve effortless style while feeling comfortable in the clothing we wear.

Don’t go a size down just because the number makes you feel better, or a size up because you think it hides problem areas. Clothing that fits you properly will always look the best.

Building your image doesn’t happen instantaneously, so give yourself permission to play around and explore. Creating a sense of style is a trial and error process designed to help you discover what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Use what’s in your closet to experiment with new outfit combinations. Go to the store and try on silhouettes you’ve never seen your body in. When you step outside your comfort zone, you discover new possibilities for yourself.

When it comes to clothing, the term ‘age-appropriate’ is ill-fitting if not entirely outdated. The prescriptive notion of giving into a quieter, more controlled image as we age suggests that looking our best has a time limit.

Being a woman is challenging enough without the added social pressure of having to fit a style-by-numbers approach to dressing. As with everything in fashion, the most important element is how we feel and what our clothing-choices do to elevate our confidence.

Perhaps the way we dressed in our 20s isn’t something we want to re-create in our 40s, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t allowed to be just as in love with dressing our best. Regardless of the age you’re at, embrace the styles that make you feel good, experiment with fashion, and know that it’s well within your right as a woman to be as stylish as you wish to be….regardless of your age group.

To shop effectively, you’ll need to have a plan in place otherwise you’re destined to repeat similar buying habits you’ve formed up to this point. Make a list of specific items you’re missing in your current wardrobe, so you’re clear on what you’re looking for when you get to the mall. That top you already have 3 of that just so happens to be on sale now, is not why you came. Stick to the plan!

It helps to break up your shopping, and focus on a few items each trip. Our minds have a tendency to get overloaded when we have too much to consider. If blazers and pants are on your list, save blouses and sweaters for another day. You’re much more likely to find what you need when you’re not clouded by decision-fatigue.

Trying on clothing in a dressing room is often an overwhelming experience. A combination of the florescent lights, unflattering mirrors, and discomfort over having to ask for other sizes and styles from sales associates.

Being prepared can help make the experience less stressful, especially if you’re shopping for something significant, like a special occasion outfit. Put on some makeup, do your hair, and bring your proper undergarments and shoes. When you feel your best, you’re much more likely to enjoy the process of trying on clothes and will ultimately have more success in finding something you really love.

We’ve all had that feeling of trying something on and knowing with certainty that we had to have it. But sometimes that’s not always the case, and the clothes we find in the store end up being the best of what we can find.

If you find yourself weighing out the pros and cons of buying something, or convincing yourself that it’s the most suitable option at the store, it most likely isn’t going to get worn. That’s how we end up with so many clothes hanging in our closet with price tags attached.

When you’re unsure about an item, ask the sales associate to put it on hold for you. If you can’t stop thinking about it after two days, go back and try it again with fresh eyes. If you still love it, go ahead and buy it. At that point it won’t be an impulse purchase.

As you experiment with fashion, you’ll begin to learn which brands are cut in a way that highlights your shape and offer styles in line with your aesthetic. Shopping becomes a whole lot easier when you already know which stores have items that work for you. If Rag & Bone jeans tend to fit you perfectly, you can save yourself a lot of time (and energy) by knowing where to look first. When J Crew consistently comes out with collections that match your personal style, it’s a pretty safe bet that you can find something you like there without having to scour the entire mall.

Knowing your go-to brands is an easy way to build the foundation for your personal style while developing your capsule wardrobe. 

We make digital look books for all of our clients and it’s actually our most sought-after service. Even if you’re not working with a Personal Stylist, you can easily build one of your own. When you wear outfits you feel really good in, snap photos of them so you can remember them for later. It helps make selecting an outfit that much easier and also guarantees you never forget a killer look.

Mornings come with a busy to do list, especially if you have children and early meetings.  Automating your routine as much as possible is one of the easiest ways to eliminate decision fatigue and ensure you’re out the door on time. Just as you plan meals, you can also plan outfits so that you aren’t frantically searching for something to wear at the last minute. A strategy as simple as selecting your clothing the night before can save you an unexpected emergency in the morning. We also like the idea of blocking out a week’s worth of outfits on Sunday night so you can batch the task and make all of your fashion choices at once.

If you aren’t sure of the dress code, it’s always better to look more elevated than everyone else than to be the most casual. This is especially true in a new work setting where you may not be familiar with the wardrobe protocol. People look up to well-dressed individuals and instinctively give them more respect and attention. If you’re unsure, you’re always safer erring on the side of dressy.

Building an off-duty wardrobe guarantees you feel your best whenever you step out of the house. Even if it’s on a Target run or a trip to the grocery store.

A small assortment of pieces can go a long way, especially since they’re are mostly reserved for the weekend. When learning how to build casual outfits, think less is more and focus on staple basics like a loungewear set, a go-to denim jacket, and joggers or leggings. 

Every well-dressed woman has a go-to tailor on speed dial and understands the importance of properly fitted garments. Making a minor alteration on something too large or unstructured can have a major impact on its overall aesthetic.

Shortening the sleeve length on a blouse or taking in the mid-section of a blazer, can completely transform their look and instantly elevate your style. Remember that the key to dressing for your body type is balancing proportions, and often times this can be achieved through minor alterations and adjustments.

If you’re a bustier woman, you know what happens when you put on a blouse. A gap forms between the two buttons above and below your breasts, and chances are you’ve been trying to disguise this by layering with a camisole or avoiding them at all costs.

A simple hack can easily take care of this problem. Sew a snap on the inside of the placket, directly between the two buttons in question. From the outside, nobody will know it’s there and it will successfully keep the fabric from separating.

The snap hack can also be done on jackets, blazers and dresses that separate in the same area. 

On the topic of tailoring, don’t overlook the length of your pants. Brands cut clothing to a standard size chart and chances are your legs may be shorter. Clothing that fits your unique body proportions will always be the most flattering, and this is especially true when it comes to pant length.

A hem is a very inexpensive alteration (under $25.00) but makes a big difference in your overall look. Be sure to take your shoes with you when going to the tailor so that they know where to make the cut. ½ to ¾ inch off the floor is where your pants should end, so you’ll need to decide in advance if you plan to wear them with heels or flats.

And when getting jeans shortened, always opt for the original hem. It costs a little bit more but looks well worth the price.

Oftentimes an inexpensive garment can be made to look more high-end by upgrading the buttons or zippers for something more unique or ornate. This is an overlooked style tip for women, because it requires a little extra work. But the elevated results are well worth the time-investment!

Visit your local fabric store and check out what they have in the notions department. If you’re not great at sewing, take the hardware to your tailor and have them make the swap.

White trousers or jeans are always a good look, but not when the pockets are showing through. Depending on the fabric, this fashion faux pas will happen more often than not. Luckily there’s an easy fix. Have your tailor cut out the pockets from your pants and close the opening with a sewing machine. It’s a very simple alteration and will give an exponentially more polished look.

Investing in good bras and shapewear cannot be overstated. If you’re having trouble finding your correct fit, look up an expert in your city or visit the lingerie section at a high-end department store like Saks or Neiman Marcus (their sales associates are highly trained in proper fit). Undergarments that smooth in all the right places, without creating lines, will help bring your outfits to life and guarantee that you feel more confident in your clothing.

Just like the right undergarments, good silk camisoles are essential base pieces to have in your closet. Black and white are a must – other neutral colors will get a lot of use as well. These can be worn under a blazer or cardigan and look more polished than their cotton alternative. 

If your sense of style errs on the more feminine side, look for styles that have lace detailing. 

A good quality tee will beat out it’s cheap counterpart any day based on wash, how see-through it is, and it’s ability to hold a shape over time. If you can, spend a little extra on your tees.

Our go-to style for all clients is the ATM schoolboy tee. At $85.00 it’s certainly on the pricy side, but it means buying one really nice tee that will get you through the entire year, rather than 5 that don’t hold up from a fast-fashion retailer.

Even if you don’t work in an office, a classic white blouse is a staple piece in every woman’s wardrobe. It’s something that can be dressed up or down, and always looks timeless and elegant. Look for one with darts or seams down the back – they tend to form to the body in a more flattering manner.

While lighter washes are always encouraged, when building a capsule wardrobe, dark (and even black) denim is a must-have. Just like the classic white blouse, these can easily take you from day to night and provide endless outfit combinations. As opposed to a lighter wash, dark rinses look inherently polished and are much more versatile – often even suitable in a business casual office place.

“All white everything” is a term for a reason. One of the quickest ways to look instantly chic is to dress in all one color, otherwise known as monochrome-dressing. It’s streamlined, classic, and helps you look extremely stylish with minimal effort. Not only does this fashion formula work with neutrals like white and black, but it’s especially impactful with stronger colors.

One of the easiest ways to build more of a shape and visually enhance your waist is to add a belt. In this case, we’re not talking about the one that goes on your pants, but rather something that sits higher and pairs with dresses, skirts, or over sweaters and jackets. Incorporating a belt instantly creates an hourglass figure while adding a finishing detail to your look, that elevates your ensemble and helps you look more polished.

It may not be an official fashion term, but it’s the one you see every time you look through a J Crew catalogue. The sleeve roll that’s much more chic than a regular roll. Did you know there was such a thing?

Steps to mastering the roll:

• Start by unbuttoning the cuff.
• Fold the sleeve half way up your arm so the cuff lies at your elbow.
• Roll the bottom of the folded sleeve up once, so it covers the cuff’s seam.
• Roll the bottom of the twice-folded sleeve up the arm one more time.
• Starting from the bottom inside corner and tug the upper, outside fold so it sticks out.

Voila! An effortless cuffed sleeve you can try with all of crisp your button-ups.

Front tuck or full tuck – learn how to incorporate them, because they’re a fashion game changer. Just ask Oprah.

Clients often say they feel more comfortable leaving their shirts out because it feels less form fitting and hides “problem areas”. Truth be told, this tactic has the opposite impact. When you tuck in your shirt you elongate your body, create definition around your mid-section, and build a more streamlined silhouette. You appear much longer and leaner with a half or full tuck, than one you’ve left hanging out to form a tent-like shape.

For starters, there’s a huge practicality aspect when considering a suit. Pants are easier than skirts, jackets provide warmth, and it’s one set so you don’t need to stress over coordinating an outfit. It’s a low maintenance and highly functional option.

But even more importantly, suits still predominate in business and bring with them intrinsic feelings of strength and power. They can be thought of as a “suit of armor” – something we put on to walk into our meetings, ready to demonstrate our force.

Women are often intimidated by suiting because their mind conjures up images of shoulder pads and over-sized lapels from the 80s. But luckily the styles of today are much trendier and female oriented, often lending themselves from the boardroom straight into every day fashion.

If there’s one item that can easily bring an ensemble to life without requiring much thought, it’s a fantastic coat or jacket. Why? Because the outfit underneath can be very simple – think black skinny jeans, white tee and booties, and the outside shell does all the work.

Investing in light weight trenches, dusters, wool topcoats, blazers and moto jackets is always a good idea. Opt for styles that don’t have to be taken off, make a statement, but are classic enough that you can wear them on repeat.

The average American woman owns 20 pairs of shoes but only puts 5 into heavy rotation. This means that a small handful of your shoes are doing majority of the work, so it’s important to choose them wisely. Three criteria to keep in mind when shopping for new styles are: quality, comfort, and versatility. If your goal is to build a capsule wardrobe, you’ll want to invest in shoes that work with majority of the clothes you own, and can easily be dressed up or down.

When in doubt, go with a pair of simple pumps matched to the color of your skin tone. Not only are they a classic staple but they extend the vertical line of your body and make your legs look longer. If you can, invest in a designer brand that never goes out of style. While the price point may be higher, the quality is exponentially better and they will be a heavy-hitter in your closet for years to come.

Staple styles we always choose for our clients are Christian Louboutin, Gianvito Rossi, and Jimmy Choo.

The idea of pointed toe shoes makes some women uncomfortable, unsure of whether they’re a fad item or a timeless staple.

Contrary to what you might be thinking, pointed toe heels and flats are the most popular silhouette for a reason. Why? Because they’re the most flattering. The elongated style continues the length of the leg and makes you look longer and slimmer, while the angular toe-shape provides a refined and elegant look. If you’re building a capsule wardrobe and want to invest in shoes that are both versatile and will stand the test of time, pointed toe styles are your best choice.

Look for pumps that are 3.5″ or less if comfort is your primary concern. You’ll still be able to achieve the same sophisticated look, but with less of your weight dispersed on your metatarsal.

As women we often feel obligated to wear high heels, or even pressured by our employer, as a way of displaying our power and femininity. While this may be manageable for some, spending 8 hours a day in uncomfortable footwear can wreak havoc on your body for others. And as we always say, comfort needs to come before style in order to ensure you feel your best.

If you’ve put the work into building a wardrobe that represents your message and highlights your strongest qualities, you can swap out your heels for flats and still feel like your most confident self. Look for styles that are classic and elevated, especially if you’re wearing them in the office place, to help maintain your polished image.

We hear it from our clients often, especially the ones who spend Monday to Friday in a corporate setting. “I live in neutrals – black, white, navy and grey”.

If you want to incorporate color (or even print) into your wardrobe but feel somewhat intimidated, start by adding a pop rather than a full piece. You can stick to the neutrals you’re comfortable wearing and include an eye-catching accessory, like a colorful bag or a printed scarf. It’s a simple way to introduce more color into your wardrobe without having to wear it directly against your face or in a way that feels inauthentic to your personal style.

And if color is in your comfort zone, by all means wear it in excess!

To round out your look, it’s key to have a selection of accessories on hand. And as with personal style in general, less is often more.

Some classic, nice quality jewelry, mixed in with statement costume pieces (J Crew does an amazing job at this), plus a great watch, assorted belts, and a few scarves is often all you need to finish off your ensembles. Remember, a look that’s louder than your voice will generally distract from your personality. When accessorizing, focus on 1-2 staple pieces per outfit so to not overdo it.  

We often receive a lot of questions on handbags, specifically in regards to buying designer. The answer is, if you can afford it then yes, go for the Chanel or the Louis Vuitton you’ve been eyeing. Bags like these are an investment piece and when taken care of properly, you’ll wear them for years to come.

If brands like these aren’t in your budget, that’s no problem. Find the best quality you can for your budgeted price point. Spending money on a bag is never a bad idea – it’s something that gets used on a very regular basis and needs to hold up to a lot of wear and tear.

Mixing high-end designer with fast-fashion affordable items is the secret style weapon of every fashion lover. It means you get to try out trends without breaking the bank, and don’t have to feel guilty when they go out of style next season. High-low dressing means pairing that cute plaid blazer from H&M that’s been having a moment, with your classic Theory cigarette pants, go-to Chloe bag and slouchy Zara booties. A great sense of style isn’t all about designer labels, it’s about balancing what feels right for you and being smart about your spending.

Every Personal Stylist carries an emergency kit with them, whether they’re on set of a commercial or working one-on-one with a client. You should absolutely own one yourself so you can take care of any problems that will inevitably arise with your wardrobe. Items to include are:

• Needle and thread for minor damage that you can repair on your own.
• Double stick tape for keeping a loose hem from falling down.
• Shout Wipes for removing makeup stains
• Lint roller to touch up your darks and woolens before leaving the house.
• Safety pins for a variety of emergencies.

When you’re clear on your unique sense of personal style, and have built a wardrobe that reflects your message, getting dressed no longer feels overwhelming. It’s one step in your morning routine that sets you up to operate from a place of empowerment.

Wearing clothing that makes you feel good, ignites your self-confidence and drives you to perform at a higher level. When you feel your best, not only do you command more authority from others, but you have a greater trust within yourself. You take more risks, assert more attention, ask for what you want, and push yourself to be better. Style is so much more than nice clothing and designer trends. It’s one of many tools at our disposal, we can use to help us show up in the world as the best version of ourselves.

What’s the ultimate style tip for women? Have fun with the fashion process, make it your own, and see what’s possible for you! Remember, it’s a work in progress and you’re always evolving.