"Wear something unexpected or outside of your usual style today, weather an accessory or full ensemble."
A quote from one of our favorite Serenflipity Spark cards, exploring your closet for things you haven't worn in years might be just what you need to switch up your style and boost your confidence. Elizabeth Entin, the Founder of Runway Passport agrees. To take your flip even further, follow her 10 tried and true tips for a fun refresh.
Try a line you’ve never heard of
Everyone has their favorite designers and brands; chances are that you know what works for you. But instead of playing it safe, try something you've never heard of before. It's fun to be the first to discover something great before it becomes the next hot name or trend.
Add a statement piece
Wear a standout piece of jewelry (or even layers of jewelry) when you're casual and comfy. Go for a dramatic necklace, big hat, or a group of chunky and quirky bracelets that cover half your arm. Pair your pick with jeans and t-shirt for a fun twist during your normal day.
Be bold and show off
It's easy to get caught up in thinking, "I won’t wear a crop-top until I do 100 sit-ups a day for 6 months”, but you shouldn't let a misconception of having a perfect body stop you from wearing something you love. Instead, embrace what you think is a flaw, and you'll notice that the rest of the world doesn’t see it that way.
Mix prints
Wear a floral top with a striped skirt—or put any other two creative patterns together. Not sure where to start? Try gingham, plaid, or polka dots. Go for it!
Do the fashion “don’t”
Magazines always feature trends and knock styles from previous years. Instead of following along, wear a look you love despite the fact that it's a "don't". You'll feel (and look) awesome doing it anyway.
Try an unusual combo
Why not put on your sexiest pair of heels with a casual pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt? Balenciaga did it on the runway, and style bloggers do it daily. You can too.
Dress it up on a casual day
Put on your favorite dress, a pair of heels, do up your makeup (hello, bright lip!) and meet a friend in a casual coffee shop or a hole in the wall bar for a beer. Heck, go do some errands! You'll enjoy the “I’m going to a special occasion” feeling during an otherwise ordinary day. What an inspiring way to live.
Style the same piece as many ways as you can
Here's a challenge: How many different outfits can you make with a single dress or skirt? I have a cute little black dress that I've worn as a top with jeans, to formal black tie event with stockings and heels, and with high boots and a mini jacket to an investor meeting. Your turn.
Wear the “wrong” color
That color that's just not you? Try it anyway. I was always convinced that green looked awful on me; but I tried it one day just for fun and I got so many compliments. Now I wear green often. Turns out, we don't always know what looks great on us!
Reach for the back of your closet
If you've saved clothes for years, reach into the dark, deep corners of your closet to round up outfits you used to love and have hung onto. Try them on again, and incorporate pieces that fit well into your wardrobe again. You might be surprised at how easy it is to mix and match, creating a brand new look.
About the Author
Elizabeth Entin founded Runway Passport, a platform that sells clothing by emerging and fashion-forward designers from around the world. She loves traveling and discovering new and creative designers. Elizabeth is also passionate about animal rescue.
Connect with Liz: Instagram, Twitter, runwaypassport.com