How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

  • Categories
  • Personal Care and Style
  • Fashion
  • Fashion Wardrobes
  • Putting Together Outfits

Download Article

Explore this Article

parts

1Finding what's fashionable

2Coordinating

3Layering

4Changing a look

5Making use of accessories

+Show 2 more...

-Show less...

Other Sections

Tips and Warnings

Related Articles

References

Co-authored byKathi Burns, CPO®

Last Updated: January 18, 2024References

Download Article

Plain clothes can feel a little dull. They're dependable, easy to choose from and always simple but they're hardly eye-attracting. When you're keen on turning plain into awesome, find ways to spruce up the existing clothes and introduce more exciting pieces to your wardrobe.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Finding what's fashionable

Download Article

  1. 1

    Do some research. Buy, borrow or check out some fashion magazines and websites. Most celebrities have stylists who are always current with the latest styles, so make use of their efforts to direct your attention to what is current.[1]

    • Which items do you like? Which don't you like? It's important to work out what you do and don't like from fashion trends, so that you can focus solely on what you like.
  2. 2

    Consider what already works from your own wardrobe. Which of your items could be combined with other things to mimic current trends? Some items are timeless and can be slipped in with other more trendy clothes, while other items are staples that will always be suitable, whatever the fashion. These can form great base items for building on.

    Advertisem*nt

  3. 3

    Work out what works for you as a whole. While fashionable trends are fun to check out, they're not something to be enslaved to. If you don't like the trends, that's fine. Do not copy them. Wear what makes you happy and represents who you really are. Above all, that is about good style that will take you beyond plain.[2]

  4. Advertisem*nt

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Coordinating

Download Article

  1. 1

    Coordinate outfits. Make a list of your favorite outfits and accessories.[3]

    • Vertical stripes make you look slim.
    • Two shades of the same color (darks like black or navy) are slimming, but only if they match exactly!
    • Choose colors that match but vary in shades. This can create a very interesting effect.
    • Belts, purses, unusual shoes or accessories can spice up a monotonous outfit.
  2. 2

    Choose appropriate colors.[4]

    • Blondes are stunning in black or navy.
    • Brunettes are stunning in purple and red.
    • Redheads are beaming in dark green shades.
    • Light complexions are accentuated with green or blue.
    • Dark complexions are accentuated with pastels.
    • Black looks good on everyone.
  3. Advertisem*nt

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Layering

Download Article

  1. 1

    Try layering.[5][6]

    • Wear two tops with different necklines.
    • Wear a cute vest, shrug or bolero with a top or dress.
    • Wear a camisole or tank top beneath an open blouse.
    • Wear a sweater or cute leather jacket.
    • Wear a shawl in the evening.

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Changing a look

Download Article

  1. 1

    Add fabrics.

    • Add a bright scarf to your hair or neckline.
    • Add a contrasting pocket.
    • Add a fabric belt with dangling beads.
    • Add a lace ruffle to the hemline of a top or skirt.
  2. Advertisem*nt

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Making use of accessories

Download Article

  1. 1

    Accessorize with jewelry. Accessories can change the whole appearance of an outfit. Just be sure to not overdo the accessories; typically, it is most effective to wear one item at a time.

    • Try dangling earrings to accentuate your face.
    • Try necklaces of different lengths. Chokers add sophistication.
    • Try colorful costume jewelry. Contrasting colors are chic.
    • Try elegant vintage jewelry from a thrift shop.
    • Make jewelry. You'll get just what you need to compliment an outfit.
    • Try a splash of color in a wrist bracelet. Try an ankle bracelet.
  2. 2

    Be creative with your hair. You can make a ponytail, pigtails, braids,and a bun. There is so much more!

    • You want to make sure your hair matches your outfit.
    • For sports, a ponytail, for an outing, a bun or add cute flowers or ribbons to lazy hair, and just to look cute, pigtails and braids will do fine.
  3. Advertisem*nt

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

  • Question

    How can I make a black dress stand out?

    Kathi Burns, CPO®
    Image Consultant

    Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University.

    Kathi Burns, CPO®

    Image Consultant

    Expert Answer

    Try adding accent colors to your outfit with some accessories, like necklaces, bracelets, or colorful shoes.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 0Helpful 5

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

      Advertisem*nt

      Tips

      • Be confident. Have a good attitude. Wear a smile.

        Thanks

        Helpful1Not Helpful0

      • Mix and match to see what goes with what.

        Thanks

        Helpful1Not Helpful0

      • Find the correct size. Clothes should glide over your body whether sitting or standing.

        Thanks

        Helpful0Not Helpful0

      Show More Tips

      Submit a Tip

      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

      Submit

      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Advertisem*nt

      You Might Also Like

      What to Wear and How to Act at a Drag PerformaceHow toChoose a Class Reunion Outfit
      How toPick Out an OutfitHow toMake a Sexy Outfit With the Clothes You Have in Your Closet13 Perfect Outfits for Football GamesHow toDress for a Night on the Town (for Guys)How toPut Together OutfitsHow toMake Cute OutfitsHow toDress for a Night at the CasinoHow toFind the Perfect Outfit

      Advertisem*nt

      About This Article

      How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (30)

      Co-authored by:

      Kathi Burns, CPO®

      Image Consultant

      This article was co-authored by Kathi Burns, CPO®. Kathi Burns is a board certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Organized and Energized!, her consulting business with a mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by assisting them in taking control, making change and organizing their lives. Kathi has over 17 years of organizing experience and her work has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens, NBC News, Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur. She has a BS in Communication from Ohio University. This article has been viewed 160,879 times.

      9 votes - 69%

      Co-authors: 40

      Updated: January 18, 2024

      Views:160,879

      Categories: Putting Together Outfits

      • Print
      • Send fan mail to authors

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 160,879 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (31)

        Shelia Demakas

        Apr 22, 2018

        "What fabrics and colors to use as a base was very helpful...I needed a starting point...which the article provided."

      More reader storiesHide reader stories

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisem*nt

      How to Make a Plain Outfit Look Awesome: 9 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)
      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Article information

      Author: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

      Last Updated:

      Views: 6315

      Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

      Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Kimberely Baumbach CPA

      Birthday: 1996-01-14

      Address: 8381 Boyce Course, Imeldachester, ND 74681

      Phone: +3571286597580

      Job: Product Banking Analyst

      Hobby: Cosplaying, Inline skating, Amateur radio, Baton twirling, Mountaineering, Flying, Archery

      Introduction: My name is Kimberely Baumbach CPA, I am a gorgeous, bright, charming, encouraging, zealous, lively, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.