Best Style Tips of All Time — Straight From Fashion Experts

Above all, fashion is a form of self-expression —meaning, you should wear what makes you happy and never feel constrained in your wardrobe choices. Having said that, we feel obliged to share some of the fashion tidbits of knowledge that we have acquired over the years, both from our own experiences and from the stylists of celebrities, as InStyle editors. To help you with all of your wardrobe dilemmas, we’ve compiled our finest style and fashion advice. Use this as a guide so that the next time you get dressed, you may feel more assured.

Keep scrolling for 49 style tips that have withstood the test of time.

01of 49

Show Skin Strategically

Looking truly sexy involves knowing what to bare-and what to keep under wraps —otherwise, where’s the mystery? “Choose one-only one-body part and show it off,” advises Jen Rade, stylist to Angelina Jolie. “If it’s cleavage, don’t show your legs. If it’s your legs, stay covered on top.”

02of 49

Round Up White Button-Downs

Take a classic cue from Marilyn Monroe and reach for a classic button-down. They elevate jeans and keep ball skirts from drifting into fantasy-land. But all that mileage comes at a cost: a short shelf life. So buy three, don’t overbleach (which can cause yellowing), and refresh regularly.

03of 49

Accessorize With Brights

If you’ve got a closet full of neutrals — be they navy, black, camel, or gray — add energy with boldly hued shoes and bags. Not only is a ruby red satchel more lively than ho-hum black, but it’s also surprisingly versatile. Feeling really brave? Wear a neutral base with shoes and a bag in two different complementary colors.

04of 49

Hem Your Pants for a Shoe Height

“The biggest mistake women make is wearing pants that aren’t the right length for their shoes,” says stylist Kate Young. To fix this, hem to either flats or heels like Dakota Johnson — no going back. Generally, hems should just graze the tops of your shoes and be from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch off the floor.

05of 49

Go Hands-Free for Evening

A dressy bag with a chain helps you hold crudités and a cocktail — plus, it lends a cool edge to evening wear, says stylist Cher Coulter. Wear the chain diagonally across your body for the best effect.

06of 49

Know Your Stretch

The secret formula for a soft but formfitting T? 95% cotton, 5% Lycra spandex. For jeans to hold their shape, they need at least 2% Lycra.

07of 49

Throw on a Scarf

It’s the ultimate accessory according to a host of the best-dressed people we interviewed. Stash one in your purse or carry-on to transform simple Ts in the time it takes to make a knot.

Consider the Wear and Care

Before you buy, try to gauge how a piece might hold up after a few washings. And don’t shell out for clothes you can’t, or won’t, take to the dry cleaners. If you know you’ll never hand-wash that embellished sweater or fancy bra, walk away.

09of 49

Embrace Your Shape

“Once you know which silhouettes flatter you, filter trends ruthlessly,” says designer Shoshanna Gruss. For instance, if you’re petite and shapely, you may want to forgo tall columns and billowy maxis — unless you love them, of course. Go for a dress with a defined waist and a just-above-the-knee hem.

10of 49

Make a List

Not of what you want to buy, but of the 10 fave items in your closet. This will help you zero in on pieces that mesh with what you own (or remind you that you never actually wear big floral prints).

11of 49

Hit the Dressing Room Prepared

If you’re shopping for that ultra-important dress, get a true feel for the fit by bringing your Spanx with you. And while you’re at it, bring heels, lipstick, and a hairbrush. These will help you get a better sense of the final result.

12of 49

Round Down in Denim

When in doubt, go with the smaller jeans size. They always stretch, and nothing’s more unflattering than the unintentionally baggy derrière.

13of 49

Edit Your Closet

Clothes need breathing room. You should be able to see every item without rummaging. Consider donating anything you haven’t worn in the past year.

14of 49

Always Check Out the Rear View

And don’t leave the house until you like what you see in the mirror. Every angle matters. Trust us.

15of 49

Layer Your Necklaces

Coco Chanel’s more-is-more approach still makes a statement today. You can do multiples of the same material, or better yet, go for contrast: Try a femme piece with edgy chains, feathers with beads, or pearls with diamantés.