How to be a "fashonista" before you count to 10!

This post is dedicated to my amazing, smart, fashionphobic friend T.

So as most of you know my day job is working at Dress Barn (a ladies clothing store). So I'm a professional at giving fashion and style advice! ;-)

Frequent concerns/questions I hear include: "I never know what goes together" "How do I accessorize?" and for people needing a whole new wardrobe... "Where do I start?"

The Answer?

Start with your favorite color. Or the color that looks best on you. Build on that.  I recommend you start with 10 things:

1. A great fitting pair of jeans or slacks (disclaimer: the jeans I have on in the photos are NOT my favorite pair, but I happened to have everything else I needed to I went with it)

2. Flattering T-shirt or Tank Top

3. Coordinating cardigan/jacket

4, 5, & 6. Earrings, Necklace, and Bracelet in the same color family (note that they don't have to be a perfectly matching set)

7 & 8.  2 pairs of shoes. 1 pair sensible and versatile and 1 pair in a fun color or eye catching style. Express yourself!

9. Scarf - I may do an entire post someday on how much I love scarves. Doesn't matter where you live, there are tons of light weight ones for warmer weather! Plus, adding 1 more scarf that coordinates can completely change the look of the outfit!

 10. This one is semi optional. A great belt. I know not all body types look good in belts, but experiment with different colors and styles. If you find one you like, you'll be amazed how many extra options it can give you! (notice in the pictures below that never once does the belt go through any actual belt loops!)

Once you have your starting 10 pieces, adding more will be so much easier! For example: I have other purple necklaces and earrings I can mix and match. I have a Maxi Dress that will go with the cardigan and the jewelry!  If I want the outfit to be dressier, I can add a skirt or a pair of nice slacks. I have a lacy purple cami for a more feminine feel! Keeping your main wardrobe in one color family makes looking great easy! Once you've gained confidence from all the great compliments you'll start getting, then adding in other colors gets easier!

Believe it or not, the scarf and earrings above can actually be swapped out for the scarf in step number 9 and the earrings in step number 4 for a whole new look with just two changes!  Easy peasy!

And there you have it!  Apologies for the poor lighting and "selfies" this was a VERY impromptu photo shoot!

 

If you'd like to see steps 11-20 for what to do next, leave a comment and let me know! Have your own favorite fashion tricks? Please share!  Happy Shopping!  

~ Chelsea

Credit where credit is due:

T-shirt and Black shoes came from Target

Jeans came from Dressbarn

Cardigan came from Hannah D's

Earrings I made!