What makes style

However, more often than not, as much as we like the piece that we buy, it rarely gets more than one outing. Instead of purchasing something specific for certain events, try to have a few dressier pieces in your wardrobe that are more versatile. Accessorised cleverly, it will never feel like the same look. Be realistic and honest with yourself. An excellent way to keep your wardrobe at a sensible size is to adopt the one-in, one-out policy: every time you add something new, take a piece out and sell it or donate it to charity.

Not only will it keep your rails and shelves from overflowing, it also means you have to be much more confident about what you are purchasing. One great way of keeping your wardrobe feeling fresh is to swap pieces with friends. Operate your one-in, one-out policy by getting rid of something that you haven't worn in months and trading it for a piece your friend has got bored of wearing but you have always had an eye on. Whether you host clothes-swap parties with a big group or just have a deal with one friend, trading clothes is a great way of having an exciting wardrobe without spending any money or doing any further damage to the environment.

Often we get stuck in style ruts, feel like we hate everything in our wardrobes and have nothing to wear. When this happens, more often than not, we go on a big shopping spree and end up spending huge amounts of money on exactly these trend-led items that end up sitting in our wardrobes forever, never being worn. Instead, keep an eye out all-year round for pieces that you love and make a note of the things that you are lacking when you realise it.

Think of it as a constant and evolving process, rather than going back to square one every few months. Allowing yourself to buy one really nice piece every month, rather than having two huge shopping sprees a year will likely result in much better thought-out decisions and, as a result, a far more stylish wardrobe.

Another reason we get stuck into style ruts is because we get attached to and comfortable with certain shops. From high-end designer labels to more affordable mid-range brands, keep exploring all year round. Nobody likes throwing things away. To part with a piece of clothing sometimes means letting go of memories, which can be really tough to do. One of the big misconceptions about being stylish is that you should never buy something similar to what you already own.

Of course, nobody aims to have an entire wardrobe consisting only of 15 navy blue jumpers and 10 identical pairs of black skinny jeans. It's about your state of mind, who you are, your attitude, your personality.

We spoke with the sassy screen queen—catch her on Netflix's The Santa Clarita Diet —about getting into character and why everything is sunnier in L. She wears a suit to work every day and always manages to balance her strength with her femininity. I've always loved that juxtaposition of a powerful female presence. It's a very sunny place—and you see that [reflected] in the fashion with bold colors and fun patterns. As an actress, the first part of creating any character is the way they look—their aesthetic.

How you dress is an integral part of each character you're playing. It's inherent to that transformation. Shop Elle. United States. Created for. No matter where you are on your path to mastering your personal take on fashion , there are certain actions you can follow to hone in on it. Ahead, we're breaking down ways to tap into your unique style and all of the many nuances it has.

See something you love? Then, shop the pieces our editors are praising right now. The likelihood of finding a single style icon who defines you? Kinda low. Most people are more of a mix, think a little Selena Gomez with a dose of Bella Hadid plus a dash of Rihanna. The Style Stalker. Take a second pass at your inspiration photos, look beyond the names, and focus on the outfits.

Pick a few words to describe the vibe of the looks. Are they classic, modern, eclectic, bohemian, or trend-forward? Settle on a handful of words that feel true to your style, and write them down for future reference, as they will help you clarify and define your look. You know those special days when you walk out the door feeling like your most stylish self? Snap a quick picture for future reference.