Many of us have gotten used to wearing the same outfits day in, day out over the last 12 months but if you’re naturally averse to taking style risks, you might have been struggling to get out of your comfort zone for years. If you admire other people for being adventurous or you long to be more stylish without knowing where to start, this guide is packed with simple tips and tricks. 

Look for inspiration

Some people have a flair for fashion from the moment they start dressing themselves but not everyone has an innate interest in clothes or putting outfits together. If you struggle to transform a blank canvas or you gravitate towards understated fashion, it’s a good idea to look for inspiration around you. It can be challenging to be creative but there are all kinds of sources you can look to for ideas. From fashion shows and photoshoots on social media and in glossy magazines to places you visit and people you see walking down the street, don’t be afraid to take photographs or use screenshots and mental mood boards to influence your style. The beauty of fashion is that there is scope to embrace a whole host of looks and trends at the same time and to ignore fads that don’t suit your taste. You can combine elements of different looks or use an array of sources of inspiration to build a wardrobe that is perfect for you. 

Have confidence

How often do you see a piece of clothing in a store or while browsing the virtual aisles and write it off immediately because you assume that it won’t suit you? We’ve all been there. We doubt that we could pull off looks and we don’t even bother to take 2 minutes to put a pair of trousers or chuck a shirt on in a fitting room because we’ve already decided that it won’t look good. Of course, we will all find ourselves in a position where we try clothing on and it doesn’t suit us. The problem is that you never know what is going to complement you and make you feel great without actually giving it a go. You don’t need to try every single item in a store but start taking the time to collect items you like the look of and actually try them on. Have confidence in your looks and your ability to wear clothes well. If you check yourself out in the mirror and you don’t feel amazing, all you have to do is pop the item back on a hanger and go to the next store. You may be surprised at what suits your physique and which styles and fits you gravitate towards once you start trying a wider range of pieces on and you have more confidence. 

If you struggle with body image or you’re finding it hard to be more confident while trying to diversify your tastes and be more adventurous, play to your strengths. Focus on your best features and remember that nobody looks good in everything. 

Embrace the capsule wardrobe

One of the simplest and most effective ways to freshen up your look when you’re not a naturally adventurous dresser is to embrace the capsule wardrobe. A capsule collection makes putting outfits together easy and hassle-free. The first step is to invest in basics and essentials. These are your base layers, which you can add to and revamp and update your wardrobe as trends and seasons come and go. Make sure you have well-fitted tees, shirts, trousers and jeans. Once you’ve crossed off the basics, you can enhance your wardrobe, experiment with new trends and add personality and flair with statement pieces. Think a patterned men’s Versace jacket with slim-fit jeans and a plain tee or an eye-catching shirt to complement tailored trousers. You can also use accessories to mix and match outfits and create different looks using the same clothes. Ties, shoes, jewelry, bags, scarves, sunglasses and hats can all elevate basics to the next level and enable you to turn a modest outfit into a stylish get-up. 

Start slowly

Some people will want to go into a style overhaul all guns blazing but for others, it can be difficult to swap everyday outfits for something a little snappier and snazzier. If you’re afraid of color, you’ve never worn prints or you live in black and gray, start slowly. Add a pop of color with an accessory instead of opting for daring shirts, for example. See what you’re comfortable in and broaden your horizons as and when you feel like you’re ready to take the next step. Try different styles and fits if you live in baggy jeans or you’ve only ever worn tailored shirts and jackets and see how you feel when you’ve got different pieces on. 

Don’t forget about comfort

Being adventurous with fashion is not just about looking great. It’s also about learning about what makes you feel good. You want to feel comfortable when you’re strutting your stuff at a bar or you walk into the office on a Monday morning. Aesthetics are key but it’s also essential to feel comfortable and confident. The way you wear clothes is important. If you’re pulling a shirt down all the time or you’re conscious about the fit of your trousers, this will detract from the effect. You should never feel pressured to buy into trends that you don’t like or to purchase pieces just because they’re in every glossy magazine feature. Use fashion to showcase your personality and lift your mood. 

Many of us will be thinking about broadening our horizons after a year of wearing sweats and joggers or smart shirts for endless Zoom calls. If you’re looking to break the mold and be more adventurous in the months to come, look for inspiration, have confidence in your ability to wear clothes well and take the time to try different items on and be more open to new ideas and trends. Use accessories and statement pieces to liven up essentials and basics, build your confidence gradually and choose clothes and outfits that make you feel great.