The Best Fashion Advice of All Time

Despite the fact that it is something that everyone does on a daily basis, getting dressed (or putting together an outfit, if you want to get fancy) may be the most difficult and unpleasant aspect of the day. Who hasn't thought to themselves, "I have nothing to wear!" in front of a wardrobe full of clothes? You're not alone in this daily dilemma, so don't worry. To that aim, we enlisted the help of a panel of experts—top designers, style gurus, and retail pros—to finally deconstruct the act (art?) of getting dressed.

1 Balance proportions.

 How to accomplish it in practice: You obviously want to flaunt your accomplishments, such as toned arms or a trim waist. The tough aspect is downplaying less popular parts. One strategy? Wearing wide-leg trousers to offset a heavier upper half wearing something fitted is an example of adding opposing volume. "The goal is to balance oneself out," designer Nicole Miller explains. "Avoid anything too large or you'll appear larger." Distraction is another option. If you're pear-shaped, Louise Roe, author of the style advice book Front Roe, recommends wearing boring black slacks and a bright scarf to draw attention upward.

2 Wear trends in an age-appropriate way.

How to accomplish it in practice: There's a good chance there's an adult equivalent of the current trend. Consider crop tops: Pair a shirt that hits at the navel with a high-waisted skirt—or a longer top with a crop top over it—to avoid displaying flesh. Designer Rebecca Minkoff claims, "It offers you a comparable look." Bottom line: According to Lilliana Vazquez, a style expert and editor of TheLVGuide.com, "you never want to appear as if you're unhappy with your age and attempting to look younger."

3 The right bra makes you look slimmer.

How to do it: According to Vazquez, "where your breasts lay on your chest makes a major impact in how clothes fit." In other words, if you have a perfectly fitting bra, there will be no sagging or bulging, and your shape will appear slimmer from all angles. The target is located in the middle of your elbows and shoulders. "The front center panel of the bra lays flat," says Kristen Supulski, head of merchandising for Vanity Fair Brands lingerie. "There is no wrinkling or gapping in the cups, and the bra is not hiking up or producing bulges." "The optimum fit is when you can slip two fingers beneath the band and it still feels snug."

4 Don’t be too matchy matchy.

How to accomplish it: Wear colors that complement each other rather than "matching" in the traditional sense. "Look at a simple color wheel," Minkoff suggests as an easy hack. The colors on the wheel that are opposite each other compliment each other." (Think of unusual but appealing color combinations like orange and navy or purple and saffron.) Another thing to do is to mix up your accessories in terms of color and texture. (From the vaults of Betty Halbreich, a personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City and author of the style memoir I'll Drink to That:"A burgundy handbag, navy shoes, and a black dress." Under no circumstances should you ever wear a jewelry suite. "Anything that was presented as a set seems really dated," Vazquez says.

5 Show skin selectively.

How to do it: According to Halbreich, "don't offer folks too much to look at all at once." "If you're wearing a low-cut dress, emphasize the cleavage—bare arms and legs aren't necessary." Fit is another example of this concept: A body-hugging dress looks better with a more conventional neckline and hem, whilst a flared rather than tight skirt that hits a few inches above the knee won't raise any eyes.

6 Spend as much as you can afford on staples.

How to accomplish it in practice: To begin, a disclaimer. There's no need to spend a fortune on the essentials—tees, button-downs, and jeans—because there are lots of affordable options. Instead, indulge (if you can) on products for which even the cheapest alternatives aren't actually bargains. For example, even cheap cashmere will set you back $100. However, that sweater will stretch out rapidly, and instead of spending a little extra once, you'll have to spend another $100 to replace it. "When purchasing classics, such as a fantastic black blazer, it's crucial to invest in finer textiles, such as wool," Minkoff advises. To avoid sticker shock, try estimating the price per wear.

7 Develop a signature style.

"Figure out your go-to, surefire outfits," designer Nanette Lepore advises, then look for variations on that subject. Stumped? Consider the clothing that make you feel the most at ease. Alternatively, ask your friends and family what they think you look best in. Once you've figured out what works, experiment with alternative approaches."I'm drawn to coats," Minkoff adds, "so I'll produce a bomber style, then a silk version, or a denim jacket with leather sleeves." "Whenever you have to talk yourself into buying something, that's a red flag that you shouldn't," Minkoff adds. If you're having second thoughts in the dressing room, Aerin Lauder, the founder and creative director of the lifestyle brand Aerin, suggests taking a selfie of yourself wearing the item. "Looking in the mirror is far less accurate."

8 Everyone should own a classic white shirt.

How to accomplish it in practice: Choose pure white over ivory, which might appear dirty. "However, because white might make your teeth appear yellow in comparison, consider wearing a strong lipstick with a blue undertone, like fuchsia," Florence Thomas, the creative director at Thomas Pink, suggests. Are you undecided about which cut is ideal for you?On anyone, a button-up with waist darting or curved princess seams can produce a feminine hourglass figure. Make sure the shoulder seams are aligned with your shoulders and there is no pulling in the front or rear. "Anything else may be customized," Thomas says. Dry-cleaning all-cotton shirts will cause them to discolor. Launder and press them the same way men's shirts are.

9 Mix prints and patterns.

How to accomplish it in practice: Combining patterns might make you appear more confident and stylish—or as though you dressed in the dark. Follow these recommendations to achieve the former. Stick to the same color family, if possible, and the same background tone. Some combos, like peanut butter and jelly, just work. "Polka dots with stripes or florals are usually a good match," Minkoff explains. The same goes for paisley with squares or checks, or leopard print with a non-critter design.Near matches are not permitted. Houndstooth and plaid, for example, are too similar to be compatible, according to Vazquez. In addition, two large-scale prints will contend for dominance, giving viewers a headache. Complete the look with neutral accessories. "Don't add another hue to the mix," Roe warns.

10 Jewelry should accentuate your features.

How to do it: The correct set of earrings can make your facial shape look better. Long earrings, for example, make a round face appear slimmer, according to jewelry designer Lizzie Fortunato. If you have an oblong face, however, short, thick earrings, such as large studs, will direct attention outward and make your face appear less narrow. A necklace should hit an inch over the cleavage or higher if you have a huge bust. Longer strands or pendants will dangle uncomfortably on the body, highlighting every curve. Finally, use lighter-colored earrings, such as pearls or white stone, to make your face appear more luminous.