How to: From frumpy to stylish

By Samantha Chow Jia Ern, Updated: 8/3/2009

Turn yourself from a dowdy fashion Know-Nothing to Style Queen in just a few easy steps!

Your friends are embarrassed to be seen with you, your wardrobe is full of hand-me-downs and you don’t remember the last time you bought a new top. Haven’t you heard that there are no ugly women in this world, just lazy ones? Here are some tips on how to revamp yourself into a classy fashionista with your own original style without busting your purse, and stun your friends!

The first step to recovery is admittance. Look at yourself in the mirror and admit that you have almost absolutely no sense of style, or are just too lazy to make an effort to dress up! Whatever the reason is, tell yourself that it is time to make a change, and boost your confidence and style to make yourself a better you! Trust us, you’ll love yourself more for it.

Next, believe in yourself. Know that every woman is born beautiful; it is just whether you continue to work hard to maintain yourself. Nobody is born looking gorgeous all the time, but those that do don’t actually depend on just their genes. They are constantly improving their fashion sense and physical beauty, such as wearing makeup and taking some time to prepare their outfits for the next day. Even a small amount of effort shows off in the long run. On the flip side, so does laziness.

Get yourself inspired. Be more alert on fashion news and style tips from magazines, television or even from the conversations around you! Try to gain knowledge, and it does not have to be only from fashion magazines, but also from what people around you are wearing. Notice your friends’ outfits, and ask them where they bought it from if it catches your eye. You don’t have to follow the current ‘season’s trends’ to the dot – it would lead to constant updating on your wardrobe which will break the bank. Stay to classic cuts, colours and pieces and you’ll be just fine. Also, find a fashion idol or muse whose style you admire and feel inspired by.

Make the effort, now. You are inspired to change your style, and have been watching and waiting for the right time. Well, there is no better time than right now! Start by making smarter purchases that fit your frame better and are versatile so pieces can be mixed and matched, or worn in many ways. Understand that being fashionable is not a one-off thing, but has to be maintained regularly.

No one can be a complete fashion know-nothing – surely there are some items in your wardrobe which can be reused, mixed and matched to create a new outfit. Discuss with your girlfriends what looks best on you, and don’t be afraid to try something different. Spend some time studying what you want your style to be and do not hog items of clothing just for sentimental reasons. If it doesn’t go with your new look, chuck it out!

Do some research before shopping. Either bring a friend along who will tell you honestly whether that skirt makes your hips look wide. If you prefer not to have another opinion, then make a list of things you want to buy, and keep to it! Buy clothing items that are classic and long lasting such as the black pencil cut skirt, a good pair of jeans, a classic white shirt, and an LBD.

Tweak what you already have, either by DIY or a tailor. You’d be surprised at how different certain clothes would look after a little altering magic, and how much better it would fit and look on you.

Don’t forget your hair and make up! You do not have to be a make up pro to look gorgeous – most of the time simple make up techniques would suffice. Heavy cosmetics are a no-no except maybe for huge events at night. During the day just taking the effort to wear something simple like a light blusher, eyeliner and a dab of lip gloss would make the difference. Get advice from your friends or make up artists for quick and efficient make up applying techniques, as well as from magazines or keep referring to your fave fashion and beauty website, MSN Life & Style! Learning is a constant process, and you will always leave learning something new. Adapt a hairstyle that makes you comfortable and gives you a renewed look. Experiment with different haircuts or even a different hairstylist, and the result may be an exhilarating difference to the hairstyle you’ve been sporting for years.

Finally, love yourself for who you are. Know that you are making the right choice in taking the effort to change yourself to look better and that will reflect in how you feel. Expanding your fashion savvy and self-improving efforts would prove that you care for yourself enough to make that change. Go out and flaunt the new you. After receiving all the compliments from your friends and family, you can only feel so much better for it!

This article isreproduced from: http://lifestyle.malaysia.msn.com/Fashion/News/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3507305