What makes a gown fashionable

Heading somewhere exciting means we inevitably feel like we need something special — and therefore something new — to wear. 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.

Little black dresses, wool swing coats, classic oxfords and well-constructed suits are can't-miss items. Look for well-constructed items made of sturdy materials.

Check natural fibers such as silk, wool and cotton for evidence of moth damage. Avoid stained items. Old stains can be impossible to remove. Try items on before purchasing. Sizes on vintage clothing - when available - often do not correspond to modern clothing sizes. A writer and information professional, J. A former newspaper reporter with two Kentucky Press Association awards to her credit, she has over 10 years experience writing professionally.

Significance For hipsters and fashionistas alike, collecting and wearing vintage clothing is, ironically, fashion forward. Time Frame Most clothing considered vintage dates from the s-early s. Pick one hue and go for it! You definitely don't have to match your hair lol, but you can if you want. This option makes getting dressed for the day wayyy faster since it narrows down your choices, and you can match head-to-toe without spending too much time on your outfit.

Don't think of your jacket as a jacket. Think of it as a cape with sleeves that fall by your arms. Especially going into transitional weather, it's a simple way to wear a jacket that won't make you overheat, but will still give you the coverage you want. The more layers you have, the less likely any one piece is to really make or break your outfit, so go crazy—e.

Basically, think of yourself as a fashionable onion. A bonus: This tip works well in the winter time when you need to bundle up anyway!

A bra top with an oversized quilted jacket. An bulky top with cut-off shorts. Looking fashionable is all about varying proportion and leaning into contrast. Not just pairing big and small shapes, but also structured and soft textures, tight and loose silhouettes, and thick and light materials. Whether it's a sweater, a tank, or a collared silk shirt, just grab that middle front piece, loosely tuck it down, and watch your style cred increase instantaneously.

The less effort you put into the tuck, the better. Fashion is all about making a statement and creating a well-defined look, and no other accessory does that quite like a good hat. Sure, some styles can be a little costume-y, but that's kinda the point. If you put on an outfit and it feels like it's missing something that you can't quite put your finger on, odds are it's a pair of sunglasses.

Even better if they coordinate with the rest of your outfit, like this lilac pair here. They're also easier to put on than eye makeup, just sayin'. Pull that thing around to the front and show it off.