How To: Spice Up Basic Outfits

Hey Bouquet! I hope you're all well and geared up for the new month. Firstly, I would like to apologise for my inconsistency in posting. I haven't been in a good mental state and haven't been able to write due to that. However, we move so I'm back at it. Thank you guys so much for all the positive feedback on my previous blog posts. It really keeps me motivated. Today's blog post is for all my fashionistas who want to look sizzling without doing too much. In this post, I'll be giving eight tips on how to spice up your outfits without breaking the bank. I hope you enjoy this post.

1. Hairstyles

First up we have hairstyles. I've heard so many girls say that if their hair doesn't look snatched, they believe that they don't  look snatched overall. I don't fully agree with that but I totally believe that a hairstyle can spice up an outfit. For example, if your theme for the day is vintage, styling your hair in an afro or a pineapple puff (my favourite) would take your outfit to the next level.

2. Hair Accessories

Hair Accessories are the key to spicing up basic hairstyles, which would in turn spice up your entire look. Hair bands, pins and beads are just a few examples.

The big hair pin trend that has been going on for some time now is really cool. I haven't hopped on the trend because I haven't been able to find the pins in any store but I'll keep looking.

For my girls with braids, hair decorations were designed especially for you. From the threads to the beads.

If you're not afraid to experiment, getting a bold colour of braids is a great idea. If the idea of blue coloured braids scares you, getting a single highlight in your braids is a better idea.

3. Head Gear

Yes, head gear isn't just for bad hair days. You can wear head gear to spice up your outfits as well.

- Hats - Whether it's a sun hat or a Pharell hat, a hat can help you make that fashion statement that you want to make without doing much.

- Caps - For the longest time, I believed that caps could only work with athletic outfits but I've seen so many people pulling them off with heels and boots since then. So, a black cap is a must if you don't mind hopping onto trends.

- Head Wraps - This is my favourite head hear. Head wraps are perfect for all seasons and outfits. They can also be worn in different styles which makes them trendy.

4. Jewellery

Jewellery can take your outfit from zero to a hundred in no time. It can be in any colour and luckily, it doesn't have to be from American Swiss.

- Earrings - I am planning on getting my ears pierced soon because I'm starting to see the importance of earrings in order to make a fashion statement. In order to spice up your outfits, I suggest that you get big earrings, especially hoops with different designs.

- Necklaces - If one of your favourite features is your collar bone like myself, necklaces should be your best friend. From layered necklaces to chokers.

- Watches - watches are the best accessory for all my minimalists. They are obviously also great for girls who don't mind a little drama like myself. The colours I recommend are white, nude and black. Once you have at least one of those basic colours, getting gold or any other funky colour would be a good idea.

- Bracelets - Just like watches, bracelets are also great for minimalists, just as they are for everyone else. What I love most about them is how they come in various colours and designs, making it easier to incorporate them into different outfits.

5. Bags

The importance of having the correct bag for your outfit is underrated. The correct bag, just like jewellery, can take your outfit from zero to a hundred.

- Handbags - handbags are perfect for both bougee and casual outfits. In my opinion, a black one is a must. However, to make a statement, yellow and orange aren't a bad idea.

- Sling bags - just like handbags, sling bags can be incorporated into many different outfits.

-Vintage bags - vintage bags came back into the scene about 4-5 years ago and boy am I glad that they did. From jeans to dresses, these bags go with everything.

- Backpacks - yes, back packs don't have to only be for school. There are a variety of back packs that can be matched with so many outfits. A black one is a must since it will go well with every outfit.

6. Statement Shoes

Statement shoes can turn a basic outfit into the most stylish outfit in no time. No, it doesn't have to be an orange, studded pair of boots. A simple pair of white boots can easily get the job done. What makes them a fashion statement is their design and how you incorporate them into your outfit.

7. Clothing items with detail

It could be pearls, stripes or even patches. Clothing items with detail can really make an outfit stand out. They don't only make a fashion statement but also add edge to the outfit in question. I've seen detail working mostly on tops but I'm quite sure it could work on pants and other items too.

Detail could also mean design. This means frills or any other unusual pattern in clothing.

8. Makeup

Finally, makeup. Makeup is a guaranteed way to make a fashion statement. You don't even have to be a pro in order to make a fashion statement using makeup. Here are few examples on how to do this for my girls who aren't good at makeup just like myself.

- A bold lip - this is a guaranteed winner. A bold lip colour in a shade that best suits your skin tone will have you going from basic to baddie in no time. I recommend matte if you're not going to do a full makeup look.

- Eye-shadow - eye-shadow that matches your clothing items, or jewellery that you're wearing is another guaranteed way to spice things up. Also, you don't have to be a pro for this step.

- Highlighter - highlighter is especially great if you're wearing golden jewellery. Golden skin and golden jewellery? That's a look.

- Lashes - lashes aren't only great for making you look more awake but also for making a fashion statement.

Makeup can be very tricky. Therefore, if you aren't well versed on it, YouTube is the plug. I'm a beginner myself so I can't really say much in that department. 

Most of the things I mentioned in this blog post can be found in most clothing stores. However, since we're working on a budget,  here's a list of affordable stores.

- Mr Price - both clothes and jewellery. I also got a statement bag for only R150 from there.

- Aliexpress - this is the plug for absolutely anything. From clothes to hair.

- JET - if you want to look trendy without breaking the bank, this is the place. They also have beautiful pairs sandals.

- LEGIT - if heels are your cup of tea, this is your plug. They have great quality heels for reasonable prices.

- Thrift Shops - thrifting will always be my favourite way to buy everything because vintage items are my kind of items. It also helps me save coins.

One thing to keep in mind while trying to spice up your outfits is comfort. Yes, looking cute is great and all but wearing something that you're comfortable and confident in will always be better. Also remember to have fun during the process.

I hope you guys enjoyed this blog post. I'll definitely be posting more fashion content in the following months so I hope you're ready.

Remember, there are no rules in fashion. Take care.

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