Personal stylists share their best fashion advice

Before you rush out to buy new style essentials to add to your weekend look, work wardrobe, or date-night ensembles, you’ll want to read what these professional stylists have to say about nailing the perfect look. Their suggestions might surprise you – and land you with more compliments than ever. Read on to see which key pieces you really need, how to update and wear the looks you already own, and try new things without spending a bundle. Use this information wisely and you’ll not only understand the style secrets of woman who always look put together – you’ll actually be one of those women!

“Fashion doesn’t mean having to be super girly. I am a tomboy at heart, so I like to encourage women like me to experiment with menswear or more casual pieces. One tomboy trend I love is a trench coat with cute sneakers!” – Olivia Pierson, fashion expert.

“Not enough people have heard of decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is the result of making too many decisions during the course of the day. All of these little decisions add up and actually drain the brain of decision-making power later on. So don’t waste your brainpower in the morning trying to get dressed. Get rid of things you can’t or don’t wear regularly and simplify your wardrobe to pieces you like. Keep your clothing simple so you will have the energy to tackle life’s tougher problems.” – Dan Moyer Jr, stylist.

Don’t miss these must-have styles that look good on every woman.

“There are so many trend pieces, online articles, news snippets, and magazine blurbs about what the next ‘it’ things are or what things you ‘should never be seen in again.’ All that is propaganda. True personal style is that which looks great to the outside world but makes the wearer feel even greater inside. If you are confident in your style, it will project beauty no matter what you’re wearing.” —Stephen V. Hernandez, personal stylist.

“Many people think they can’t afford high-end style. But you’ll get more value if you spend your money on one good investment piece that you’ll use for years, like a cool bag, instead of wasting money on multiple pieces that aren’t classic.” – Natalie Halcro, fashion expert.

Check out these style secrets of women who always look put together.

“Whether you’re buying or selling, consignment shops can be your best friend. Sell last season’s key pieces and you’ll have a bigger budget to pick up some fun pieces for next season!”  – Halcro

Here’s a first timer’s guide to shopping second hand: everything you need to know.

“If you have an hourglass body type, look for styles and fabrics that reduce bulk and showcase your waist. Tailored pieces and stretchy fabrics that hug and accentuate your frame will bring out the natural lines of your hourglass shape. Look for blended knit fabrics and slimming neckline styles such as V-necks and scoop necks. A simple wrap dress is the one go-to piece a woman with an hourglass frame should have in her closet.”  – Kristina Michniak, stylist.

“If you have a pear body type, look for styles that elongate your figure to take the emphasis away from your lower body. You want to draw attention to your upper torso, and the best way to do that is by pairing dark-coloured bottom pieces with lighter shades and patterns up top. Think of bold patterns and necklines that have detailing like embellishments or ruffles. You should avoid skinny jeans and instead opt for bootcut or those with a slight flare. Showing your shoulders also helps in drawing attention upwards and balancing your top half with your bottom half proportions.”  – Michniak

“If you have a boxy (or apple) body type, the goal is to create curves and elongate your silhouette. Stay away from boxy, loose-fitting shapes and monotone colours on both top and bottom. Instead, select wardrobe pieces that have a strong emphasis on the waist, and when in doubt, wear a belt to give the illusion of a natural waist. An ordinary boxy sweater, when paired with a thick belt, can add instant curves to your body.”  – Michniak

Read on to find out how to get in shape without working out.

“Whenever you think something looks good but you think you couldn’t pull it off, take it to the dressing room and try it on. Some of my most successful styling jobs started with a client saying to me, ‘Forget it – it’s not my cut, or colour, or length,’ only for them to end up loving it after they tried it on. What do you have to lose?” – Hernandez