Have you ever wondered why many people always seem to put their outfits together so effectively, while others don't? If it seems like some people put thought into what they wear, that's exactly right. They do plan what they're going to wear. There’s a difference between just throwing on clothes (hoping for the best) and putting thought into what you will wear by coordinating your wardrobe. No matter which category you fall into, you can only change the way you dress by making an effort. The motivation for change starts with you. It's important that you want to look good for yourself. What you wear can lift you up or bring you down. For me personally, when I look great, I feel better. Even when other aspects of my life aren't great, dressing well can often be a confidence boost and improve my self-esteem.
If you want to change the way you dress, start by committing to taking the time to sort out your wardrobe. You'll find clothes that flatter your shape and size. You'll learn how to layer up and still look good. Eventually, you should commit to getting rid of clothes that do little to enhance your appearance. I know this is hard. So for every new piece of clothing you buy, get rid of one piece that you know does nothing for you.
Re-invent yourself through style. How do the fashion experts do it? Flip through magazines to see how the experts put outfits together in terms of style, patterns, colors, cuts, and accessories. Watch TV shows about fashion. The Clothes Show on UKTV Style hosted by Louise Redknapp, Carolyn Franklin, and Brendan is one example that showcases high street fashion trends as a spin-off from the catwalk. Another aspect of the show included a "Yummy Mummy" segment where Cheryl Konteh - a fashion stylist, transformed a weary mom into a beautiful swan. Check out your local TV and Cable Networks to see what's available. You can learn a lot by watching these fashion programs.
Look at others around you. Identify people whose style you admire and start to emulate them. And I say people because some individuals might be one-dimensional in their dress sense. Take the best from various people and create your own look. Ensure the styles you're emulating are appropriate for your body shape and size or can be adjusted to suit. For instance, you may not have small enough breasts to wear certain thin-strap tops or dresses without feeling overly exposed or spilling out. If the cut and shape of the garment work for you, try wearing a camisole or vest underneath the top or dress.
Get your underwear right. Wear appropriate underwear with your outfits. As emphasized by Trinny and Susannah of "What Not to Wear" fame, "Nowadays, professional knickers, tights, all-in-ones, and bras are industrially enhanced solely for the purpose of improving our shape...". When you're wearing a body-hugging garment, wear underwear that keeps your stomach and bulges in place. Bras should provide the lift needed to support larger breasts properly and boost smaller ones if that's the look you're aiming for. Either way, while underwear is functional, it should also make you feel alluring. Visit a store that offers bra size measuring services. Women with large busts will feel right at home at Bravissimo, which "offers a wide selection of lingerie and swimwear in D-K cup sizes." Check their website for store locations or shop online at bravissimo.com.
Accessorize, Decorate, Accessorize. The bottom line is... you need to make an effort to look good. Like everything else, dressing well is a habit. The more you do it, the better you become at it, and it develops into a routine. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun mixing and matching your clothes. Find new ways to wear old favorites. Sometimes we have to get it wrong before we know we're getting it right. But once you get it right, you'll realize that your sense of style is improving when you receive compliments on your outfits or are asked "where did you get that?" or "what's the occasion?". So enjoy the attention if it comes. Soon you'll be wondering why you didn't make the effort before. Next, you'll be critiquing the dress sense of others around you in your head and thinking "how can someone dress so badly?". Finally, dressing well becomes second nature.
Change the way you dress.