It’s hard to summarize your own personal style in three words or less, but there’s one word I always include whenever I’m asked to describe it: polished. I gravitate toward sophisticated silhouettes, luxurious fabrics and pieces tailored to perfection. Sure, I have my messy, unkempt days, but nine times out of ten I want to look elegant when I’m out and about. Whether I’m casually running errands or going to a fancy cocktail party, I want to look put together.

If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe and start investing in my pieces that will stand the test of time (while also making it easier to get dressed each day!), keep reading for my tips for building a more polished, classic collection of clothing and accessories.

MY TIPS FOR CREATING A MORE TIMELESS AND POLISHED WARDROBE

KEEP ACCESSORIES MINIMAL

I’m more of a no-frills gal when it comes to jewelry and accessories. Generally, I find less is more. I love a statement earring, a colorful Hermes scarf and a chunky necklace, but would I wear them all together? Absolutely not. If you want to wear a statement accessory, let it be the hero piece. Don’t over-accessorize with multiple loud statement styles. Statement accessories also age fairly quickly with a lot of other passing trends (remember the bubble necklace?!), so that’s part of the reason I love to keep my jewelry looks minimal and understated most of the time.

FIT IS KEY

Finding silhouettes that fit and compliment your figure is key to a more polished look overall. Whether that means investing in higher quality items, or taking budget buys to the tailor, finding a good fit is an attainable goal to work towards. Most clothing is not one size fits all. What works for me at 5’9″ will likely not work for someone at 5’0″. As a tall woman with a larger chest, there are certain silhouettes I avoid and others I gravitate towards. Find silhouettes that work for you and not against you! Some things to think about:

• Avoid pieces with a lot of extra fabric or are boxy/oversized without intention
• Make sure any darting or cups on a dress are lined up/arranged properly
• Is the item cut too long or too short for your torso?
• Is the inseam a flattering length?
• If it’s a belted item, the belt should line up with your natural waist
• Consider proportions – if you’re wearing a wide leg bottom, consider a more fitted top

DON’T WEAR COMPETING LOGOS

I’m all for a fabulous designer bag, belt or pair of shoes, but when it’s obvious and and there are too many competing logos it can be totally tacky. If you’re wearing a Chanel bag with big CC’s, I wouldn’t also wear the Hermes Paris loafers and a Celine logo belt in the same outfit. Similar to my accessory advice above, choose one loud logo and then select accessories with more of a minimal, quiet luxury vibe to compliment it.

WHEN IN DOUBT, WEAR NEUTRALS

Keeping the color palette streamlined is the simplest way to achieve an effortlessly chic look. While I’d certainly never discourage wearing color, having a collection of high-quality basics will only serve you when you’re getting dressed each day. And who says these basics have to be boring? As long as the color palette is neutral, you can opt for statement styles that are easy to mix and match with other items in your wardrobe. Let’s use this blouse as an example – it’s a piece you can style with denim for a more casual dinner, with a skirt for the office, or with satin pants for a cocktail party! Because of their versatility, neutrals are often more easy to style and you’ll get more bang for your buck over time.

BE SELECTIVE ABOUT FABRICS

Just because an item is expensive doesn’t mean the fabric is high quality. So many designers use synthetic fabrics just like fast fashion brands do! Not all synthetic fabrics are undesirable, but you definitely find more variation in quality. They may be excessively rough or shiny, feel too thin or see-through, or have a loose, uneven weave that ultimately makes the item look and feel cheap. Check the labels and make sure you’re selecting fabrics that look high-quality, even if they’re not expensive!

DON’T BE A TREND CHASER

I love mixing in a trend here or there (hello, barrel leg jeans!!), but I generally prefer to buy streamlined, timeless pieces. Classic silhouettes have a much longer lifespan and will be more versatile for styling in a variety of looks. Shoes are a great example of this! I have always loved the idea of a trendy statement shoe, but in practice they get wear for just a few months before I go back to relying on my most wearable, easy-to-style basics – like these Manolo Blahnik pumps. I’ve had them for YEARS, but they still feel incredibly elegant and fresh. Usually by the next year, any super trendy shoes I’ve purchased sit unused – doesn’t seem worth it to me! I’m not saying don’t buy trends – just don’t buy every trend. If you’re only buying trends, your wardrobe will look dated quickly!

ALWAYS USE A STEAMER

This one is sort of a bonus, but it’s worth mentioning! Wrinkles happen, but they’re also the quickest way to take down an outfit. You instantly cheapen your look by wearing a piece of wrinkled clothing, and there’s such an easy fix! This steamer is a great price, heats up quick and is very effective at getting out wrinkles on everything from denim, to satin, to knitwear.