Are you someone who wears ensembles inspired by runway creations, or do you carefully put an outfit together based on what works for her body? Discover what the difference is between being fashionable and well-dressed, and how personal style factors into it.
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‘Fashionable’ and ‘well-dressed’ are often used interchangeably but are they necessarily the same? Fashion is immediate – influenced by trends, designers and what happens in the current fashion circles. Being well-dressed on the other hand is about understanding what works for you. The difference is wearing what’s in style and knowing how to make clothes work for your body type and preferences.
Fashionable
You’ll recognise them immediately. Fashionable people know what the latest trends are. They know what’s on the runways and which pieces are dominating the season. Now, there’s nothing wrong with being fashionable – it’s fun! But it doesn’t automatically mean an outfit is flattering or well put together.
Well-dressed
Being well-dressed is about presentation. You can be inspired by trends but you have to understand proportions, pay attention to details and choose clothes that fit properly. So a well-dressed person might wear a simple white shirt and tailored trousers but the styling and choice of fabric will make the outfit feel polished.
What about personal style?
A well-dressed woman understands her preferences and body shape. And she’ll build a wardrobe made up of pieces that complement each other. The aim is to make getting dressed easier, rather than keeping up with trends.
However, you don’t have to choose between the two. Most styling wardrobes combine timeless staples with carefully selected trends. The key is knowing which trends to follow and work into your wardrobe, and which to forgo.
How to look well-dressed despite trends
- Prioritise fit: Clothes that fit right will always look more polished than expensive pieces that don’t always sit right.
- Dress for yourself: Choose colours, fabrics and silhouettes that make you feel confident and comfortable.
- Invest in wardrobe staples: Create a foundation for countless outfits – a well-cut blazer, a crisp shirt, tailored pants and versatile shoes.
- Pay attention to details: It’s the simple things like pressed clothes, clean shoes, thoughtful accessories and well-looked-after garments that elevate simple outfits.
The bottom line
Fashion is endlessly fun and great to participate in. Being well-dressed is a skill you develop over time. And that’s what makes personal style timeless and unique.
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Featured image: Pexels
