15 Holy Grail Styling Tips

Whether you’re looking for a new change to your personal style, or you are yearning to channel new life into your existing wardrobe, finding your style can be a huge challenge. Style is not just about how you look, but it is also a feeling. We want you to feel confident in what you wear. No more panic buying and irresponsible purchases this year.

Here are 15 holy grail tips that you can use when buying new pieces for your wardrobe. We hope these tips will help you elevate your personal style while making you feel comfortable, confident and stylish!

1. Invest in high-quality, well-fitting undergarments.

Investing in quality underwear can make a huge difference in how your clothes fit and look on your body. You want to make sure that you invest in something that fits and flatters your body. Investing in a proper bra will also improve your posture and give you the support you need to feel confident and fabulous in your clothes. Choosing the right underwear is just as important, not only for you to feel more comfortable, but they will last longer, be beneficial for your health (breathable undies are key), and you will feel so much more confident within yourself. We are big believers in this one.

Shop Bamboo Underwear and learn all about the benefits here.

2. Know your body shape

Knowing your body is the best way to get started on your styling journey. Know if you are a pear, apple or rectangle. This doesn’t mean you have to be restrictive in your styling, but it is a good starting point to understand your body and know what will fit and flatter. Experiment with different styles and silhouettes to find what you love. Don’t be afraid to try different styles to see what looks best. What looks good on one body type may not necessarily look good on yours - and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Being stylish is subjective, but this doesn’t rule out the fact that some garments are designed to fit and flatter different body shapes, so it's important to try things out and see what works for you.

3. It’s all in the proportions!

Pay attention to proportions. Fashion Guru Tim Gunn notes that it’s all about the rule of thirds. You want either one-third on top and two-thirds on bottom (as in a shirt and pants) or two-thirds on top and one-third on bottom (as in a dress). Never divide yourself in half!” Whether that be opting for some high waisted essential pants or a longer tunic with leggings - play with different shapes to find what you like.

4. Show off what you love.

Find the things you love about your body and build an outfit around it. If you love your thighs, perhaps choose a pencil skirt to emphasise your shape. If you love your arms, opt for some sleeveless styles. Play with necklines and hemlines to find what makes you feel confident.

5. Find your perfect fit.

Avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose. Clothes that are too tight can be uncomfortable and unflattering, while clothes that are too loose can make you look frumpy.

6. Use layering to your advantage.

Layering allows you to create visual interest and add dimension to your outfit. Invest in trans seasonal clothing pieces that you can layer on top of each other that you can put on and take off whenever the weather decides to change on you. Turtle necks, coats and knits are perfect examples of trans seasonal pieces that give you the ability to layer and style with each. Layer underneath a singlet or casual tee.

Learn about the lessons in layering here. 

7. Choose the right fabric.

There is nothing worse than feeling hot and sweaty in synthetic. It is important to choose fabrics that are soft, comfortable and breathable so you can feel fresh all day.  Look for a fabric that also drapes well and doesn’t cling to your body. This is why we love bamboo. Studies have shown that bamboo clothing is more breathable than cotton and its moisture wicking properties help keep your body fresh and dry. Bamboo fabric is also extremely luxurious and soft. Here at Bamboo Body we prioritise comfort and this starts from the fabric we choose all the way to our designs, specifically crafted to fit and flatter.

Learn more about our fabric with our fabric guide here.

8. Accessories are key

Once you figured out what shapes and silhouettes you love on your body, now it’s time to incorporate accessories to suit every mood. The easiest items that will transform your wardrobe are your accessories. For transeasonal, unpredictable weather think scarves, pashminas, tights and socks! 

Accessories are also a great way to start injecting colour into your wardrobe. Try a statement bag or shoe to begin with. When it comes to jewelery, know what you like. Do you prefer gold, silver or rose gold? Understanding your personal style will help you on your trans seasonal fashion journey. 

Learn about what jewellery will suit your undertone here.

9. Buy clothes that fit you now, not later.

Wear clothes that fit your current size. It's important to feel comfortable and confident in your clothes, so don't try to squeeze into sizes that are too small. Don’t take a gamble on your self esteem by storing clothes that don’t fit. Size is just a number, and we don’t want your mental health to take a toll. 

10. On this topic of size, always check the size chart!

It is important to note that every brand has a different size chart. Yes, there may be a close standard in the Australian fashion industry, but for the most part brands do have their own size charts leading to inconsistencies of sizing within the Australian market. Size inconsistency is a huge issue for body positivity, and can have a huge toll on one's mental health. One woman may wear a 3X because of her height, another may wear it because of her hips, and another may wear it because of her bust. All three will look completely different from each other, and completely different in the same size garment. 

We recommend looking at the size chart without fixating on the label size. Clothes are meant to fit you, not the other way around!

Check out our Bamboo Body side chart to find the right size for you.

11. Tailor and alter your clothes to fit you.

A well fitting garment is everything. Well fitting clothes will make your outfit look more expensive. A good fit can also make you look slimmer if that is your goal. Whether that be to shorten the length of your pants, adding an extra button or adjusting the sleeve length of a jacket, tailoring your garments will give you more definition and a better silhouette. Like we mentioned above, sizing is different, and often restrictive. There can’t and shouldn't be a one-size-all approach. However, the ready made, ready-to-wear clothing industry is strong, and we can’t all fit into one size.

12. Experiment with colour and pattern.

Whether this be with colour, pattern or shapes - play around with your style by mixing and matching. Experiment with different combinations of tops and bottoms to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try bold, bright colors or patterns. Just be sure to balance them out with more neutral pieces, especially if you are just starting out with introducing colour into your wardrobe. 

Read the science to colour matching clothing.

13. Remember that fashion is not a one-size-fits-all industry, and that there is no right or wrong way to dress.

Coco Chanel once famously said ‘Fashion changes – style remains.’ Trends come and go, but its up to us to recognise what we like and to incorporate bits and pieces into our personal style.

14. On this note, don't be afraid to try new trends.

Just because a trend isn't traditionally what you would go for doesn't mean it won't look good on you. However, it is important to be smart with trends. Look at the garments fabric, style and colour. Ask yourself, how can you integrate this into your current wardrobe. How may outfits will you be able to make with this garment? If you don’t see yourself wearing this trend more than once, then maybe it’s not the right purchase. If a trend genuinely suits you, your personal style and your lifestyle - you’ll love the piece forever, even when the trend dies. 

15. Confidence is key.

Above all, the most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. So rock whatever you love and feel great in it! Choose clothing that makes you feel good about yourself, and that boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Wear what makes you happy, and don't let anyone tell you what you should or shouldn't wear based on your size, height or age. You are allowed to wear whatever you want, as long as it makes you feel good, look good and ultimately do good.