It’s the little things that matter in life. As perfectly described by Julia Carney in her poem, Little Things, “little moments, humble though they may be, make the mighty ages of eternity”.
What you may not know is that the same can be said for our personal style. The little things that we add to our outfits can make a world of difference in how people perceive us and how we feel about ourselves. Today, one’s fashion sense is no longer limited to pure functionality. Rather, dressing up is a form of expression, an opportunity for us to weave the little details of our lives into a singular voice. Here’s why paying attention to even the smallest details matters so much when planning your outfits:
Your Style Is a Reflection of Your Brand
Not everyone is born the same. Each of us, however, are born with our own personalities, and our styles reflect that. Our clothes tell people how we feel about ourselves, which also helps them understand how to approach us.
If, for example, you’re the top estate planner for the high-net-worth sector, it’s important that you give the right impression. Your clients would be more inclined to trust you with their finances if you look responsible, diligent, and confident. Conversely, they would be less impressed if you showed up at a meeting in bicycle shorts and a tank top.
This naturally raises some questions about how much personality you can inject into the corporate world. What if your personality is really the bicycle-short-and-tank-top-wearing kind? This is where the little details come in.
Owning Your Style Does Not Have to Be a Contradiction
Fashion is not an “either-or” form of communication. Let’s say you’re a working professional. You can be an active, productive employee and a responsible adult while still being yourself.
You can do this when you buy hosiery that is both functional and stylish, for example or pair fashion tights with an elegant dress. For something subtler, you can accessorize the classic little black dress with your best set of precious stones like rubies, sapphires, or emeralds, or add a pair of fashionable trainers to your jeans and t-shirt combo. The added pop of colour injects just the right amount of personality so that you still express yourself while staying well within the established boundaries of what businesswear should look like.
Don’t underestimate the psychological impact your clothes have on you as well. While it may be overreaching to say that “you are what you wear,” it’s safe to say that your clothes play a significant role in how you feel and present yourself. The little details, especially, give the oomph you need to power through a hectic day.
Even if you need to wear the same outfit for work every day or, like Steve Jobs, have decided on a capsule wardrobe to prevent decision fatigue, you can still own your style with the little details. Wear your favourite brooch, hoop earrings, or don your favourite cardigan—whatever it is, make your outfit yours by choosing pieces that make you feel your best.
Little Details Also Refer to Quality
When building your wardrobe, it’s important that you focus on quality rather than quantity. It’s a misconception to think that the little details only refer to how well you can accessorize an outfit. Rather, the little details can also refer to the quality of each item of clothing. If you naturally have a more subdued style, you can focus instead on ensuring that all your clothes are tailored well, fit correctly, and make you feel confident.
“Little” details such as fit and cut can make or break an outfit, so take the time to make sure that your clothes, from your jacket to your hosiery, complement your body shape and size. This is true even when you buy something off the rack. If a ready-to-wear item doesn’t fit right in a specific area of your body, you should visit a tailor to have it fixed.
The Power of Clothing with the Little Details in Mind
When you can express yourself through your own personal style, dressing becomes so much simpler and quicker. You don’t have to spend hours each morning deciding what to wear, or if this top matches that skirt. Fill your wardrobe with pieces that you know you look good in and feel amazing wearing. Find the little details that make you swoon, whether it’s a high-quality fabric or a certain type of embroidery.
Take the time to pull together a thoughtful wardrobe and keep a note of the little things. Dress in a manner that makes you feel confident, attractive, and ready to take on whatever happens in the day. By giving yourself the permission to shine through your clothing, you are showing the world that you know who you are and are loving every aspect of it—humble or grand.
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