Do you ever stare hopelessly at your clothes and think to yourself: dear god I hate everything? Us too. The perfect wardrobe should comprise a selection of style staples that can be worn in rotation to create countless outfits that take you from day to night, and work for any occasion. But often it's difficult to be inspired by pieces that you look at and wear every day. If only we could have a eureka moment and find new and fun ways to style our tired ensembles...
Well, we've trawled through the Instagram accounts of our favourite fashion faces and trendsetters to study their style and steal their tips and tricks to liven up ordinary outfits. No need to thank us.
Pile on print
If there are clashing pieces hiding in your wardrobe that you're too frightened to wear together, go on and pile them on. Trust us, you might just create something beautiful. White ankle boots, printed denim, a blue bag, blue jumper and a leather biker jacket? "Too much!" the critics cried, but we're pretty confident in the fact that Angela Scanlon absolutely nailed it.
@thestreetstyleking
Be bold with your biker jacket
Yes, a black leather biker is versatile and only gets better with age but why not branch out with a more adventurous colour like Estée Lalonde 's pastel green shearling jacket. We love the addition of the frayed denim and silver plimsolls.
@estee_lalonde
Double up on denim
Remember those white jeans that keep getting pushed further down in your cupboard? Blow off the cobwebs now it's getting (slightly) warmer, and do like Freddie Harrel with a fresh pair of trainers and a different shade of denim on top.
@freddieharrel
The grey sweater
Liven up your grey sweater with pinstripe trousers and a cap for the perfect high/low combination. Airport chic at its best by Yanin Namasonthi. Ombre sweater preferable.
@prettysickly
The humble black ribbon
Tying a simple black ribbon around the neck in a single knot (no bows here please) is an easy yet chic addition to the everyday ensembles you've been rocking for the past six months. French fashion editor Adenorah shows us how.
@adenorah
Layer on layer on layer
At first glance blogger Tijan Serena 's outfit might look like basic all black get up but upon closer inspection you may notice her skilful layering. Take inspiration from Tijan and wear a cropped chunky, textured polo neck over a long, frilled T-shirt.
@tijanserena
The split shirt
Instead of a plain shirt, go for one with an open back for a more interesting detail, as seen on stylist Alice B. Business at the front, party at the back.
@asos_alice
Add a choker to a black polo
If safely rotating between different dark shades of polo neck sounds like you, adding a choker to said polo neck is guaranteed to transform your look from 0-100, as advised by our favourite black-wearer Lydia Pang.
@lydia_pang_
Don some dungarees
You may have invested in some dungarees when they made a comeback a couple of seasons ago but let's be honest, your pair haven't received much love. Pile on the jewellery a la Pandora Sykes, throw on a '70s style T-shirt, and wait for the compliments to come in thick and fast.
@pandorasykes
Customise your denim and dress up a black polo
Polo necks, particularly in black, are the lazy girl's guide to chic. Put one on and you instantly look elegant. Rather than pairing your polo with black skinny jeans and pumps why not switch out your drainpipes for faded, wide leg denim, like this embroidered pair from MIH jeans, as modelled by style blogger Natasha Ndlovu.
@natashandlovu
Twin It
If you're feeling underwhelmed by your outfit, pair up with your pal for the ultimate twin win. We can't get enough of fashion BFFs Shea Marie and Caroline Vreeland, the power duo, who are snapped in matching ensembles outside all the major shows.
@peaceloveshea
Go large or go home
It's about time we moved on from skinny jeans. i-D 's senior fashion editor Julia Sarr-Jamois shows us how to upgrade or outsize our denim. These slouchy, wide-leg jeans are everything and the nonchalantly tucked-in T-shirt is the perfect finishing touch. The setting's not too bad either.
@sarrjamois
Knot that neckerchief
We've long stalked the style of Atlanta De Cadenet and she's always one step ahead when it comes to the latest micro-trend. Add to your outfit with a casually knotted neckerchief – the bolder the print the better. Your monochrome look is instantly transformed
@atlantabean
All in the details
A camel pullover may not sound terribly exciting but when it has ornate details on the hem and interesting cutaways it's bound to catch everyone's eye. Paint your lips red and you're an instant showstopper. Our new style crush Jeanne Damas can do no wrong and she's the queen of understated Parisian chic. Jeanne, je t'aime.
@jeannedamas
But if you're really bored of your basics then go OTT
It's safe to say we're obsessed with creative director Phoebe-Lettice Thompson and her style. We might not be ready to pile on pink snakeskin and bubblegum fur on fur but perusing her Instagram offers daily suggestions on how to spice up your wardrobe with injections of colour and fun accessories.
@phoebeletticeLike what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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