How to transform basic looks: 10 easy-to-follow ideas

You know that look you wear every day, to go to work or college and that doesn’t seem to have anything special? It is exactly this type of look that you will learn to modify with these tips.

By making some modifications, you can go from basic to sophisticated, being able to wear the same clothes to go to the market and to go to a party or club. It all depends on the accessories and complements.

Even the simplest combinations in your closet can take on a new face if paired with the right accessories.

Check out the suggestions on how to modify some looks that most women have at home and enjoy the basic pieces on occasions that require more production:

1 – Jeans + tank top

This is a very common look in the women’s wardrobe, it’s a basic, easy to use day to day look and is usually combined with flats or sandals without heels.

To transform this look, just add a thin, block or wedge heel sandal and bet on a maxi necklace. The shoulder bag or crossbody bag in a vibrant color also gives a “up” to the look. If it’s cold, combine the look with a fitted blazer.

2 – Plain tube dress

The tube dress is the type of dress that almost every woman has at home, as it is easy to match and depending on the accessories it ends up serving for several different occasions, thus being a very versatile and wearable piece. For everyday use, you can wear it with flats and without many accessories.

But if you want to give more power to the look and wear it at night or at an event that calls for more production, bet on a strappy sandal with thin high heels or block. Go with a maxi earring or a maxi necklace. Don’t be afraid to wear contrasting pieces, it’s not necessary to “match” the color of the shoe and earring with the dress. The choice of bag in this case should turn to discreet, small, feminine models and with sophisticated materials.

3 – Lace dress

Lace dresses are also darlings of Brazilian women. As they are light, delicate and fresh pieces, they are ideal for everyday use, especially in summer. However, they can be used at night and at events that demand more sophisticated looks. Swap your everyday flats or sneakers for a high or medium heel, which can be a strappy sandal or a pump with a half leg. To accessorize the look, bet on an envelope clutch and highlight your face with maxi earrings. If you prefer and the lace allows, wear a maxi necklace and opt for more discreet earrings.

4 – Jean shorts + shirt

Although it looks very basic, this look can be spiced up and go from a “Monday afternoon” look to a “Summer Saturday” look with the addition of a few elements. As in other cases, the heel is one of the easiest ways to give more sophistication to the look, but the choice of it should be in accordance with the rest of the look. With denim shorts, the ideal is a lighter sandal, wedge or block heels. A pump or pump would be riskier options. If the shirt is printed, bet on the earrings. If it’s smooth, bet on maxi necklaces. Accessories such as rings and bracelets also help to enhance the composition of the look. With this look, a crossbody bag is a great option.

5 – Leggings + t-shirt

A basic look that is easily found in any woman’s wardrobe. It may even seem too basic, but with the right accessories it can even become a ballad look. Although they match well with sneakers, leggings are more sophisticated if worn with ankle boots in winter and with ankle strap sandals in summer. To bring sophistication to your lap, wear a fringe necklace. On cold days, bet on blazers to warm up in style. For this look, either a handbag, crossbody or shoulder bag works well.

6 – Skirt + regatta

Both the skirt and the tank top, if they are made of fluid and light fabrics, make the transformation easier. Place the tank top fully inside the skirt or just the front for a mullet effect. On your feet, bet on a strappy sandal, wedge or open boot. For the bag, good options are small crossbody bags and envelope clutches. Bet on large accessories if the production does not have prints. Avoid matching the shoes and bag with the colors of the garments. Use tones that complement the production on the feet and bag.

7 – Flare jeans + shirt

When putting together a look with flare jeans, it is important to opt for a heel, even if it is medium, if not, there is a high chance that the shape of the pants will flatten your silhouette, especially if you are not very tall. With open or closed shirts, it is suggested to wear maxi beaded necklaces or fringes. For the bag, you can combine the look with a trunk bag or a less structured shoulder bag.

8 – Printed dress

Whether it’s a floral, ethnic or geometric print, when it comes to a printed dress, it’s not difficult to increase production. On the feet, opt for a delicate sandal with two or several straps in a single color, preferably neutral, such as caramel, black, nude. If you want to be more daring, choose a color that is in the print of the dress, but that is not the predominant color. The bag should be discreet and small so as not to conflict with the dress. Neutral colors and structured formats without a print are good choices. You can also add a discreet beaded maxi necklace in a neutral tone to the look.

9 – Colored pants

If you choose to wear a look with colored pants, invest in a blouse in a neutral color (gray, black, white, nude) or in a lighter or darker shade than the pants. For footwear, both sandals and half-paw pumps are good options, but they should also be in neutral colors and without many applications. The bag can be the model of your choice. If it’s an evening event, a clutch is better, if it’s for daytime use, a crossbody, maxi wallet or shoulder bag are great choices. The color can be neutral or in a vibrant tone that matches the pants, but is different from the color of the pants. In accessories, abuse in items of only one color: totally gold, totally silver, etc.

10 – Winter dress

Many dresses, even summer ones, look good in looks for cold days. To compose the look, bet on thin socks and combine with a high boot, ankle boot or closed shoe (pump) with half paw or pumps. To cover yourself from the cold, opt for an overcoat in caramel, nude, black or white, depending on the color of the dress. Dresses with floral prints don’t always go well in winter, while plain ones with sober prints and structured fabrics are a good choice. Don’t forget the power of the bag: Wear a shade that stands out, but harmonizes with the coat. Shoulder models can be uncomfortable to wear. Bet on handbags and crossbody with thin straps.

Other tips to transform your basic look into a sophisticated one

Makeup: Perfecting your makeup is essential to transform a basic everyday look into a powerful look for an evening or more sophisticated event. Do a good skin prep and use combinations you already know and know work on your face to create a flawless look.

Hair: In the hair, bet on different hairstyles, for example: if you usually wear your hair straight and up, wear it with waves and loose or just half up. Check out some hairstyles to rock any look you choose.

On the feet: The heel is not mandatory, but it is a joker that transforms any look very easily. If you prefer to wear flat shoes, bet on flats, sandals and flats with details with a more delicate and refined finish such as satin and glitter.

Transforming from basic to sophisticated is not impossible, but it requires a good investment in shoes and accessories and a lot of self-knowledge and patience. If you don’t get it the first time, keep trying. Finding your style and discovering what suits you is a daily exercise, it’s something that is built little by little, so don’t be afraid to dare and don’t be in a hurry.