The Elevated Style Guide

From One Woman to Another: Style Wisdom You’ll Actually Use

Let’s sit down for a moment. No fluff, no pressure, no unrealistic Pinterest boards. Let’s talk about getting dressed in a way that feels empowering, not exhausting.

Style is so often sold to us as something you have to chase. The next trend, the next “must-have”, the next perfect body shape. But here’s what I’ve learned as a personal stylist and coach: true style has nothing to do with following trends, and everything to do with understanding who you are—and dressing in a way that reflects that.

This isn’t a list of rules. It’s a gentle guide. A conversation. A few nuggets of style wisdom I return to, time and time again, and I hope you will too.

Let’s start with what makes an outfit feel intentional.

At the heart of great style is knowing what you want to say with your clothes. It might be quiet confidence, playful elegance, or effortless edge. But whatever your vibe, it starts with simplicity and balance.

You don’t need dozens of prints in one outfit to make a statement. In fact, you’ll look more considered (and feel less chaotic) if you keep it to two at a time. A striped blouse paired with floral trousers? Beautiful. A polka dot scarf over a leopard jacket? Why not. But once a third or fourth pattern enters the mix, it stops being style and starts being noise. Let your pieces breathe.

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Accessories, too, deserve a moment of clarity.

If you’re wearing silver earrings, maybe let your bracelet, necklace, and rings follow suit. The clean consistency of a single metal feels polished, less haphazard, more elevated. Of course, mixed metals can look stunning when done intentionally, but often, less is more. Which brings me to…

The golden rule of effortless style? Subtract.

If your handbag is doing the talking today, let the rest of your outfit step back. One statement piece at a time. When everything’s shouting, nothing gets heard. But when you build a look around a single standout piece—a sequinned skirt, a vintage scarf, a beautifully bold shoe—you give your style space to shine.

Start with your wardrobe building blocks.

Think of your wardrobe like a canvas. Your crisp white tee, a pair of jeans that fit like a dream, fresh white trainers. A black dress and a sharp black blazer. These are your starting points—the grounding pieces that make putting outfits together feel easy, even on a tired Tuesday. Once those staples are in place, everything else becomes play.

And if you're standing in front of the mirror unsure of what to wear, try this: pick the one piece you're most excited to wear that day, and build around it. Not sure how to style that bold embroidered bag or wide-leg corduroy trousers? Let it lead, and let the rest of the look quietly support it. Less is more!

One of my favourite style shortcuts? Monochrome.

There’s something endlessly elegant about wearing a single colour head to toe—cream on cream, navy on navy, camel on camel. It’s visually calming, yet rich with sophistication. You don’t need embellishment when your entire outfit already

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And while we’re talking colours—let’s hear it for the neutrals.

Black, white, beige, camel, navy. These are your forever friends. They pair effortlessly with each other, work all year round, and always manage to look expensive, even when they aren’t. They’re not boring—they’re the quiet power behind every great wardrobe.

Style, above all, is about balance.

Too often we see outfits that are tight from head to toe, or oversized everywhere. The magic is in mixing proportions. If your jeans are slim, try an oversized knit or flowing blouse. If your top is fitted, pair it with wide-leg trousers or a soft midi skirt. This creates visual harmony—and comfort, too.

And here’s a little stylist’s trick: tuck it in. Just the front. A jumper into high-waisted jeans. A shirt into a skirt. Or if there’s too much fabric, tuck the hem into your bra for a seamless line. It gives shape, elongates the leg, and instantly elevates your silhouette.

Some days, we just don’t feel it.

We all have parts of ourselves we’re learning to love. If today isn’t a “love my tummy” day, you can gently guide the eye elsewhere. Throw on a sleeveless puffer, a boxy denim jacket, or a statement knit. Outer layers can create balance, focus attention outwards, and shift the silhouette, without a single moment of self-criticism.

And yes, you can absolutely play with trends—but do it intentionally.

Invest in the pieces that will still feel like you in ten years: a quality black blazer, sharp denim, an elegant dress, a beautifully structured handbag. Add in some timeless patterns—stripes, gingham, tiny polka dots. These are your wardrobe’s soul. Let the trends be the spice, not the main dish.

And when in doubt, lean into contrast. Feminine meets masculine. Structure meets softness. A floral blouse with tailored trousers. An oversized sweatshirt with a silk midi skirt. These combinations add intrigue and personality, without overcomplicating.

Most importantly, don’t overfill your wardrobe. Curate it.

You don’t need more. You need the right amount. A few basics, some intentional staples, and a couple of pieces that make your heart skip when you put them on. That’s all it takes to unlock dozens of outfits that feel true to you.

So here’s my invitation to you: let’s make getting dressed the easiest part of your day. Let’s strip back the noise, rediscover your personal style, and build a wardrobe that lifts you up, rather than weighs you down.

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We're offering a free 30-minute chat, no strings attached. Whether you want help with a capsule wardrobe, refining your colour palette, or just want to fall in love with your wardrobe again—I’m here.

Let’s elevate your style—together.

With love and style,

Clementine

Founder, ELEVATED BY CLEMENTINE