Styling Techniques That Will Make Your Outfits 10x Better

There's no shame in admitting that styling an outfit can be difficult, especially when you're in a rush. Luckily, there are simple formulas you can follow to ensure every outfit looks its best, and knowing them can make dressing in the morning a whole lot easier and quicker. Exclusively for Glam, personal stylist Kara Allan shares five techniques she advises her clients to follow, showcasing how easy it actually is to elevate any outfit.

"As a Style & Identity Architect, I always say that great style isn't necessarily about what you're wearing, but how you're wearing it," she tells us. "Sometimes the smallest adjustments can take an outfit from ordinary to effortlessly chic." While many think that amping up their style means they need to completely change their wardrobe, the truth couldn't be further from that. "Style is in the details," Allan adds, explaining, "You don't need an entirely new wardrobe to look more sophisticated. Often, you simply need to see what you already own through a stylist's eyes."

Unless you're wearing a dress or jumpsuit, most think of outfits as two pieces — a top and a bottom. However, adding a third piece to your look can help make the outfit seem more intentional. Kara Allan explains that mastering the art of the third piece is an easy technique everyone should know.

"A blazer, structured vest, cardigan, or even a beautifully draped scarf can instantly transform a basic outfit," she tells us exclusively. "That third piece adds dimension, intention, and polish without requiring an entirely new wardrobe." So, next time you find yourself wearing just a top and bottoms, consider adding a third item for a more interesting look. This tip isn't only meant for those who prefer layers and maximalist fashion, as streamlined silhouettes and monochromatic pieces can look fabulous in threes. And if you're unsure just how to add more pieces to your basic 'fit, follow these layering tips for unlimited outfit building.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with rocking a boxy silhouette; however, it is easy to lose your proportions in it, which can result in a frumpy and unfashionable look. While cinching your waist isn't always required, our expert explains that it can quickly take a fit from drab to fab. And the easiest way to do so is with a belt.

"I'm a huge advocate of using belts to create shape and visual interest," Kara Allan shares exclusively with Glam. "Try a statement belt over a blazer, a slim belt with trousers, or a belt over a flowy dress. The key is creating proportion, not simply cinching everything in sight." Additionally, wearing a belt adds an additional styling element, which can help pull the final look together. However, if belts over dresses are too Y2K for you, there is this simple hack to make any dress cinched at the waist.

The millennial French tuck isn't outdated in 2026 if you style it right. Still, the technique has received plenty of negativity online, mostly from Gen Zers who can't seem to get behind the trend. However, according to Kara Allan, perfecting the simple tuck can help make an outfit look both more intentional and chic.

"A simple front tuck can completely change an outfit's silhouette," she shares exclusively with Glam. "It defines the waist, visually elongates the legs, and gives an otherwise basic shirt and trousers a more intentional, relaxed elegance." While the beloved millennial trend has plenty of pros, overdoing it is what most likely caused the negative perception. Allan stresses that while many 'fits can benefit from a simple front or side tuck, not every outfit needs it. Now, if you are not sure how to rock it, be sure to check out our guide on styling the French tuck for any occasion.

Not all outfits benefit from this trick, but some look particularly great with sleeves slightly rolled up or legs cuffed. Kara Allan explains that she loves this hack because it's so easy to implement. "One of my favorite tricks is pushing blazer sleeves up slightly, rolling shirt cuffs, or showing a little wrist or ankle," she tells us exclusively. "These subtle adjustments create visual balance and make an outfit feel effortlessly styled rather than overly coordinated."

As with everything, balance is key. If you roll up your sleeves, don't also cuff your pants. However, little changes like these can instantly make your outfit personalized and tailored to you, which not only looks more lived-in and real, but also unexpected. And if there's one thing our eyes are drawn to, it's the unexpected fashion details that make a look memorable.

While accessories are generally a matter of personal preference, there are certain versions that undeniably look more elevated. Exclusively for Glam, Kara Allan shares that sometimes picking the more daring and fashion-forward accessory is all you really need to amp up your style.

"Swap an everyday handbag for a structured one, add sculptural earrings, or trade basic flats for a pointed-toe shoe," she tells us. "Accessories are the punctuation marks of an outfit. They should make a statement without competing for attention." Allan shares that using excess accessories isn't the way to go, as less can usually be better, especially if most of them are statement pieces. Fashion icon Coco Chanel advised, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off," and she was absolutely right (via Vogue). According to Allan, when it comes to accessories, it's not about quantity; it's about choosing intentional pieces instead.