How to be the Best Dressed Person in the Room
Some people seem to have that certain something when it comes to style. They look effortlessly polished, relaxed yet refined, elegant but still approachable — as if it all just comes naturally. But here’s the secret: it doesn’t. That kind of style is thoughtful, intentional, and the best part? It’s absolutely something you can learn.
Because style isn’t just about the clothes you wear. It’s about how you feel, how you move, how you show up. It’s your hair, your makeup, your posture, your presence — your energy.
If you’re ready to become the best-dressed version of yourself but have no idea where to start, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process — clearly, simply, and one step at a time.
So, pour yourself your favorite drink, grab a notebook, and let’s begin.
1. Laying the Groundwork
Assess Your Wardrobe
Start by stepping into your wardrobe — literally. Take everything out, and try each piece on. Notice which clothes make you feel beautiful, confident, and like your best self. Also note which items you tend to avoid and why. Look for patterns: Are certain shapes, lengths, or colors making you feel good? Which ones don’t?
Write down a few loose style “rules” for yourself — little guidelines that can help you make better choices going forward.
Clear Out the Clutter
While you're already going through your wardrobe, take the opportunity to declutter. Let go of anything that no longer feels like you—whether it’s because it doesn’t fit quite right, doesn’t suit your current style, or simply doesn’t make you feel confident. Be honest, but also gentle with yourself during this process. If there are pieces you’re unsure about, don’t stress—set them aside for now. We’ll revisit them later with fresh eyes and a better sense of how (or if) they fit into your evolving style.
Surround Yourself With Inspiration
Dive into Pinterest or Instagram and start gathering outfit inspiration that truly speaks to you. Follow accounts and personalities whose style resonates with your own taste, save looks that excite or inspire you, and explore the websites of your favorite fashion brands to see how they put together their collections. If you’re someone who thinks visually, creating a digital moodboard can be a fantastic way to clarify and define your personal style direction. This curated collection will serve as a helpful guide whenever you’re feeling stuck or looking to refresh your wardrobe.
Get to Know Your Body Shape
Understanding your body shape can make all the difference. Learning what silhouettes flatter your proportions can help you dress in a way that enhances your confidence. Are you more of an hourglass, a triangle, or a rectangle? For example, I have a pear-shaped figure and short legs, so I love high-waisted skirts and fitted tops that balance my shape.
Don't Forget Hair, Makeup & Grooming
Style doesn’t stop at the hem of your dress—it’s a head-to-toe expression of who you are. Take the time to learn how to apply makeup in a way that enhances your natural features, find a haircut that complements the shape of your face, and don’t underestimate the impact of well-cared-for nails. These seemingly small details play a powerful role in how polished and put-together you appear. They’re not just 'extras'—they’re essential parts of your overall presentation. When grooming and style work together, the result is a cohesive, confident look that feels truly complete.
Optional: Get a Color Analysis
If you're not sure which colors suit you best, a color analysis can be a fun and useful tool to guide your wardrobe choices. Understanding which colors flatter you—and which don’t—can be an incredibly helpful tool when curating your wardrobe. It makes choosing what to invest in (and what to leave behind) so much easier and more intentional.
2. Building Your Wardrobe
Make a Thoughtful Shopping List
Go back to your wardrobe and your saved inspiration images. Take a close look—what key pieces are missing that would help you recreate those looks you love? Make a detailed shopping list whilst also considering the style “rules” you created. This way, when you head out to shop, you’ll do so with clear intention, focusing on filling the gaps in your wardrobe rather than buying on impulse."
Invest in Quality
Opt for fewer, high-quality pieces. Well-made clothes and accessories speak for themselves—they drape beautifully, wear well over time, and instantly elevate your look. Whenever possible, choose natural fabrics over synthetics, but always stay within a budget that feels right for you.
Avoid Trends (Mostly)
Timeless pieces will serve you season after season. While some trends might feel more classic (like suede brown during autumn), be selective. Wearing what truly resonates with you — instead of what’s currently popular — makes you stand out in the best way.
Build a Cohesive Color Palette
Sticking to a consistent color palette is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to make your wardrobe work harder for you. When your clothes naturally complement one another, creating outfits becomes intuitive—you can mix and match with ease, without second-guessing whether pieces go together. This not only saves time in the morning, but also brings a sense of harmony and polish to your overall style. Whether you lean toward soft neutrals, earthy tones, or cool monochromes, choosing a palette that reflects your personality and suits your complexion will make dressing feel both effortless and enjoyable.
Get Things Tailored
Fit is everything when it comes to looking polished and put-together. A beautifully tailored garment instantly transforms your outfit, elevating it from ordinary to effortlessly elegant. Clothes that fit you perfectly not only enhance your silhouette but also convey confidence and a sense of purpose in your style choices.
Prioritize Comfort (Yes, Really)
Contrary to the old saying ‘beauty is pain,’ I truly believe that real style should feel good—both physically and emotionally. When you’re uncomfortable, it inevitably shows in your posture and expression, no matter how beautiful the outfit. That’s why it’s so important to choose well-made pieces that fit not just your body, but also your comfort level—clothes you’ll actually want to wear all day without the urge to peel them off after just a couple of hours.
3. Let Your Creativity Flow
Plan Outfits, Not Just Items
Now that you know what works, start planning full outfits. Take photos of the ones you love and keep them on your phone for days when inspiration runs low. Remember those “maybe” clothes you kept? Try styling them now. If you still can’t make them work, it’s okay to let them go.
Keep an Open Mind
Don’t limit yourself. Sometimes the best outfits are the ones you almost didn’t try on.
Accessorize with Intention
Accessories truly have the power to make or break an outfit. Experiment with different shoes, bags, jewelry, belts, and sunglasses to find what resonates with your style. These finishing touches add personality and depth to your look, turning simple pieces into a cohesive, polished ensemble that feels uniquely yours.
Choose a Signature Scent
Here’s a fun extra tip: choosing a personal fragrance adds an invisible layer of elegance to your overall presence. A signature scent becomes part of your identity, leaving a lasting impression that complements your style in a subtle, unforgettable way.
4. Confidence Is the Final Touch
Get Comfortable With Standing Out
Being the best-dressed person in the room can feel a bit intimidating at first, but like anything, it gets easier with practice. Start small—dress up for a casual coffee run or a lunch date. These low-pressure moments are perfect opportunities to build your confidence. The more you embrace dressing with intention, the more natural and enjoyable it will become.
Elevate, Don’t Overdo
Dress appropriately for the occasion, but always find ways to elevate your look with high-quality accessories and thoughtful styling. The goal is to stand out in a refined and elegant way—never to feel like you’re out of place. It’s all about subtle sophistication that makes a lasting impression.
Own Your Look
The best-dressed people carry themselves with intention. Good posture, calm energy, and eye contact breathe life into any outfit. Because confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear.
Stay True to Yourself
If your clothes feel more like a costume than an expression of yourself, it will show. Building a wardrobe that truly reflects your personality and lifestyle is key to feeling comfortable and confident. Start with simple, timeless pieces, make gradual adjustments over time, and don’t force yourself to wear outfits that don’t resonate with who you are.
Take Care of Your Clothes
Iron or steam your clothes, polish your shoes, and keep your garments clean and neat. Well-maintained clothing speaks volumes — it shows you care about how you present yourself.
5. Practice, Evolve, Repeat
Learn from Experience
Pay attention to the outfits that earn you compliments, feel comfortable and confident to wear, and look great in photos. Use this valuable feedback as a guide to gradually refine and evolve your personal style over time.
Create Little Style Moments
Say yes to occasions where you can dress up — even just a coffee with a friend or a dinner out. These are great low-pressure opportunities to practice and grow your confidence.
Progress Over Perfection
Don’t aim to be perfect. You’ll look back at some outfits and wonder, What was I thinking? That’s normal. Like any skill, great style develops over time. With practice, intention, and a bit of curiosity, you’ll get there — and hopefully you will have a lot of fun along the way.
Style is a skill — not a talent. And it’s absolutely something you can learn. So take your time, trust the process, and enjoy becoming the most stylish version of yourself.