How to instantly rescue a boring outfit, according to our fashion director

Let’s face it, we all (yes, even fashion editors) have those days where our outfit looks a bit ‘meh’. Maybe it's because you’re bored of everything hanging in your wardrobe or your favourite items are in the laundry basket. Or, of course, the question that many of us constantly ask ourselves; “Why don’t I have anything to wear?” - no matter the amount of clothes overspilling from our wardrobes. But fear not: you probably already own everything you need to banish the boredom, it’s just a case of thinking outside the box.

Most of the time, you probably won’t realise why your outfit looks a little humdrum. Does the top go with the skirt? Do I tuck it in? Should I change the shoes? Will an accessory make it better? There are endless reasons why an outfit looks a little ordinary and if we don’t feel fabulous in our clothes, it can really affect our mood and self-confidence. This is why I follow the style mantra; if an outfit is not interesting through colour, then it has to be interesting through shape. If it’s not interesting by shape, then it has to be interesting through texture and if it’s not interesting by texture, then it has to be interesting through layering.

Whether I’m styling-up clothes for a fashion shoot, dressing celebrities or choosing an outfit for myself, these are my favourite simple style tricks that I promise will completely transform mediocre outfits from frumpy to fabulous in an instant. It’s not what you wear, it’s the way you wear it!

Play with texture

Having a mixture of textures in your wardrobe is key. If you only have one or two types of fabrics in your wardrobe, your outfits will feel very one dimensional. You need to mix things up, especially if you often wear one-colour top-to-toe. This is the reason I am so obsessed with raffia bags and shoes - the rustic woven fabric always adds a wonderful charm and a certain je ne sais quoi to my summer outfits. But I’m not suggesting for one moment you have to change your personal style!

For example, if most days you’re very comfortable and confident wearing a white cotton shirt and blue jeans, and it suits you, you don’t have to suddenly start wearing shimmery sequins, but what about investing in a broderie anglaise white shirt? Or a white shirt with more of a statement sleeve, a ruffle or a pussy bow? It’s the same with jeans, maybe experiment with a few different cuts? Lighter or darker blue washes? Also look at different denim details such as frayed hems, turn-ups, or what about a denim jumpsuit (it’s just like a pair of jeans but with a matching top attached)?

Experiment with clever contrasting

If I’m honest, too much of a similar style worn together such as casual chinos, worn with a casual sweater, and casual trainers, can look a little dull. Wearing contrasting clothes is key to looking modern. You’ve probably heard me banging on about the term ‘high-low’ fashion, but what does it actually mean? It’s when relaxed, low-key pieces and wardrobe basics such as a simple cashmere sweater or a cotton T-shirt are mixed with formal, high-octane dressier pieces, like metallic silver leather trousers. When the party’s over, try pairing your sequin skirt with a chunky knit, a shiny satin shirt with denim or smart tailoring with sportswear. Some of my favourite combinations include knitwear + sequins, floaty + chunky, feminine + utility, denim + satins - think opposites attract. Honestly, it’s the fashion formula that will totally transform your everyday outfits!

Learn to layer

When it comes to day-to-day-wear, mastering the art of layering is one of the savviest styling tricks going. Layering is your best friend for making any ensemble feel more dynamic. A luxe hoodie, tailored blazer, puffer gilet, knitted tank or waistcoat, crisp white T-shirt, cotton shirt, fitted rollneck and a chic cardi - these are the hero pieces I have on standby to layer under or over items, which will help to create interesting outfits. The overlapping of fabrics, silhouettes and lengths just feels effortlessly modern and remember, three is the magic number! ME+EM have a ‘layering’ top section on their website for thin tops that are designed to be worn under things – I own many! Remember, if in doubt, always add an extra layer, and voila, your outfit will look 10x better.

Add a pop of colour

"Colour can raise the dead," wrote the late Iris Apfel, who’s unforgettable kaleidoscopic outfits made her a style icon. As we age, dark colours can become draining as we lose colour from our hair and skin while brighter tones or vivid hues can create highlight and lift. Blending brighter shades in with navy, khaki and denim, makes the transition easier and less alarming to a colour-shy minimalist. You don’t have to go top-to-toe technicolour, whether you’re 18 or 80, a little unexpected flash of colour via an accessory or a shoe is sometimes all you need to give boring outfits a fashion boost.

Create a strong silhouette

Clothes with a strong shape or silhouette, in my opinion, look naturally more interesting even if they’re in the simplest of colours such as a black or white. A-line skirts, ruffle high-collars or cuffs, tired dresses, statement sleeves, wrap tops, wide-leg trousers, oversized bows, fluted hems, pintuck shoulders, asymmetric lines, pleats, belts, twists, knots and ties…they all create drama, even when teamed with your beloved basics such as a simple sweater, chinos or trench.

Another trick up my sleeve (excuse the pun) is to push back your sleeves! It’s the no-cost styling trick all fashion editors absolutely love. I don’t know why it works but it just does! Trust me, jumpers, shirts, jackets, long sleeve T-shirts, dresses… simply pushing back or rolling up long sleeves to your elbow, not only highlights your waist, it also creates a stronger silhouette up top, which for me being a pearshape, is incredibly flattering. It not only widens my top-half (creating an illusion of balance), it’s also particularly effective on simple one-colour outfits as it somehow brings them alive and it showcases the slimmest part of our bodies, our wrists.

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