Is it time for you to change your style? Want to add a little sophistication and class to your everyday outfits? It is not uncommon to prefer a more sophisticated outfit for work than for weekends. Maybe you have a new job and the acquisition of some rather chic new business outfits appeals to you. Maybe you've moved to a new city, or maybe you just need a refresh to represent who you've become. Are you wondering how to make this transition and how to dress chic? We will guide you to facilitate your search for what will dress you elegantly and adapt perfectly to your personality. This new wardrobe should accompany you for several years.

Chic style is timeless. A navy dress and beige pumps bought today will still be wearable in ten years. Buying a good pair of pearl embellished earrings will always have more longevity than earrings that look hip and fashionable and will be out of style a year after you bought them. Having a sophisticated, chic style means you can wear your outfits to work, to dinner at a fine restaurant, to a cruise on the Danube, or to traveling the world on a famous train.

Creating chic outfits is about bringing together crucial elements and ensuring that your style and confidence contribute to your daily fulfillment. A few basic rules not to be neglected will be the keys to the success of your objectives. 

How to dress elegantly?

Tips you need to know to change your style safely...

Define and know your personal style

Personal style is something that each of us possesses; we just need to identify it, understand it, and then embrace it fully. It projects your mood, your personality, reflecting your interests, your lifestyle, your inspirations and your past.

When you find your personal style , you know that you inspire confidence and you have a strong morale, capable of facing any situation. Whether you prefer a haute couture look, a classic style or even a bohemian look, harmony between the different pieces of your outfit will be the key to your well-being.

What to do to elevate your style?

You probably have friends who assure you that they don't have a personal style or that they don't know what their own style is. Every time we hear this, we recommend opening the closet doors and looking at the contents! If you're trying to find your personal style, this is an easy technique to implement. Take your favorite pieces out of your wardrobe. Lay out the clothes you wear over and over again on your bed and look for what makes them stand out. Is it mainly solid color items or more graphic or floral prints, do you have more dresses, skirts, pants or jumpsuits? Do you have a collection of suits or jackets in multiple shapes.

What category would you classify your clothes in? Do your clothes define your rigorous spirit or on the contrary a cooler spirit? Or are you one of those who only feel comfortable and well dressed in solid colors like black, gray or even navy? Your rigor of mind requires you to have straight lines and well-fitted cuts. 

Typically, classic and minimalist styles will look chic all the time. Minimalist and classic styles are generally defined by neutral color palettes, shapes, fabrics that make it easy to put together chic outfits. But rest assured, even if your style is more bohemian or streetwear, nothing stops you from obtaining a chic and elegant style.

Let's take a look at what it takes to take your style to a more sophisticated level.

The 6 essential points for a chic and elegant style

1- The choice of materials:

Classic and timeless clothes will be made with materials that will last well into the next decade, so these are the ones you will prefer to complete your wardrobe to guarantee you chic outfits for a long time. Think cotton, wool, linen and silk. These four basic fabrics will stand the test of time if cared for properly. Cleaned delicately or sent to the dry cleaners, items made using these materials tend to give an elegant image on their own.

These fabrics lend themselves to multiple variations in cuts, patterns and even finishes that add an extra touch of class. Denim is an example of a cotton fabric that crosses all style lines. For example, cotton chino works very well with pants, some blazers and even sporty cut jackets. Then there is cashmere, a type of wool that is very pleasant in contact with the skin, one of its great qualities is that it does not pill! Cashmere sweaters, whether cardigans, V-neck sweaters, or funnel neck sweaters, pair perfectly with denim jeans, as well as figure-hugging pants and skirts .

Some precautions to follow: read the labels and take care of them properly to make them last. While wrinkle-resistant cotton is quite common, most cotton items will need to be ironed so as not to ruin a very studied look. Wool, linen and silk often need to be dry cleaned or hand washed. Do not respect the care instructions and it is the assurance of definitively sacrificing your beautiful sweater. The dryer is a comfort item but it is better not to use it for cashmere as you risk seeing your garment shrink by 50%.

2- When in doubt, limit your boldness

Bold patterns and prints work great for a sophisticated and elegant look, but you may not be comfortable with such prints if you are just starting to change the way you dress on a daily basis. If so, solid shades are your friend. You will find an abundant offer of plain clothing which will have the enormous advantage of allowing you to glimpse multiple combinations, to renew your appearance every day.

Typical neutral shades are white/beige/cream, navy, burgundy, black and gray. But it’s not necessarily about adopting a total black or beige monochrome look . Have fun with these neutral shades, timeless and always chic. You can always add small accessories to transform a classic outfit into a more remarkable outfit: A wide burgundy belt, a Paisley scarf, a pair of red pumps... 

3 -The perfect match for your figure 

Chic, well-cut clothes are generally fitted to your body shape and gracefully emphasize your figure. Skirts worn just above or below the knee, just like your chic dresses , are ideal for an elegant look. Classic straight, slightly wide flared or bootcut pants, like those of masculine inspiration, should ideally be worn on the heel and between 2 and 3 cm above the ground. Wide-leg pants and skinny pants in classic fabrics are also perfect for chic style, as are ^7/8 pants that hit the ankle (think Audrey Hepburn's elegant and timeless style ). For tops (jackets, blazers, blouses, etc.), choose cuts that are perfectly adjusted to the shape of your bust.

Don't hesitate to take items to a seamstress to be altered to perfectly fit your figure. Do you like this straight dress, but it is too long for your figure? This is a touch-up that will cost you a few euros but will ensure a perfect result. Are those pants in your closet too long for your 2-inch heels or do you want to wear them with flats? Here's another type of alteration that won't cost you much but will allow you to wear those pants in style. Remember, good quality clothing can last more than 10 years, and it's a modest amount of money to spend for a result that's tailored to your size, personal clothing style, or shoes you like to wear.

Not everything you wear has to be perfectly tailored and snug to your figure. You can definitely mix in unstructured tops for a more relaxed vibe. You can also pair a blue striped t-shirt with chinos and a denim jacket and flowy maxi skirt with a white, button-down shirt (roll up those sleeves for added panache!).

4- Stay in the right measure

Dressing chic requires a little modesty, no tops that are too low-cut, no mini-skirts with too bold patterns or even tights in a flashy shade!

Collars and necklines suitable for a chic outfit include simple, straight collars, boat necks or even V-necks. If you want to vary a little, you can also try square necklines, cowl necklines and rounded necklines. For more chic and formal occasions, asymmetrical necklines, sweetheart necklines and halter or halter necklines also work very well. Do not hesitate to check which neckline is best suited to your body shape to make the right choices. Either way, keep your cleavage and belly button covered. In addition, the armholes of your sleeveless tops and dresses should not reveal your bra.

As noted above, the length of your skirts and/or dresses should be just above or below the knee for everyday wear. In certain cases, this may nevertheless be shorter or longer. It is up to you to make good judgment and use common sense.

5 -Limit accessories 

Wearing simple jewelry is the best way to reinforce a chic and sophisticated style. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Earrings: small silver or gold rings, small pearls or diamonds.

Bracelet: silver or gold bracelets – design identical to the earrings –, fine handcrafted bracelet, a reasonably sized watch whose bracelet coordinates with the other jewelry.

Necklace: Long pendants, pearl necklace with a single row, choker necklace, elegant long necklace…

Ring: Perhaps you like to wear one or more rings which are gifts given by your loved ones or even inherited from your family. Their main quality will be discretion in order to participate in the elegance that you wish to reflect. These rings or rings will preferably be worn on the middle finger or even the ring finger. 

Scarf: Scarves are a great way to add color and visual interest to a sophisticated outfit. Especially if the scarf is bright or with an original pattern. Again, cotton, silk, and wool are the best fabric options. Try several colors and materials, with lightweight silk or cotton for spring and heavier wools for winter. Florals, Paisley (paisley) prints, stripes and bright hues are great options. If you need more inspiration to complement your outfit or for added comfort, look for how to delicately tie this one.

And don't forget the shoes. Yes, shoes are an accessory! Pumps, moccasins, boots... in a neutral shade like beige, navy or black, are your best investments. All these shoes go with a multitude of outfits, which means you won't need to multiply pairs of shoes to cope with the multiple outings that await you.

But don't think you can't be bold with your shoe choices. Every woman should own a pair of red shoes. Red is a very interesting color to bring a touch of vibrant color to a very classic ensemble! 

6- A neat hairstyle

Now that we have determined the colors, fabrics, style and accessories that complete your outfit, let's consider the hairstyle. It would be a shame if at the last moment you were disturbed by your hairstyle which would not bring a bonus to the whole . We don't all have the same hair type, some just brush it with a brush for spectacular results. If this is not the case, you will need to set aside some time to obtain a more sophisticated hairstyle. Especially for special occasions. You don't want to appear unkempt, do you?

If you are limited by time and/or don't like styling your hair, opt for a haircut that is easy to do alone or a haircut that only requires brushing. By elegant and chic hairstyles, we think of a bun or a ponytail. Both, depending on the form you choose, will require time. Find a hairstyle that is easy to achieve and matches your style and technical abilities.

You're almost done getting ready, all that's left is a touch of makeup to complete your new look. The eyes, lips and cheeks will concentrate the few touches of color. Put on a little mascara to open your eyes, add a little blush to bring a little life and dimension to your face, and a lipstick which will complete the ensemble with a more or less bold shade, depending on your tastes.

You are now ready, dressed in a chic and classy look . An outfit that will accompany you in style at the office or in the evening. All you have to do is enjoy all the good times.