9 Tricks for Making Boring Outfits Look Spectacular

We don't know about you, but we're at that point in winter where the appeal of cold-weather buys has worn off, and the realisation that spring is still quite far off is almost impossible to bear. Similarly, if opening your wardrobe and subsequently sighing with dismay at the fact nothing inside excites you anymore has become part of your daily routine, then you'll be pleased to hear that we've found the solution. 

Instead of feeling stuck in a style rut, we've come to the rescue with expert tricks on how to not look boring when you find yourself wearing the same clothes on repeat. With a little help from a few of our favourite influencers, we've found nine simple hacks to help you fall back in love with your wares. From the DIY trick anyone can do (no scary glue gun required) to the shoes guaranteed to breathe a new lease of life into any outfit, keep scrolling and we promise the prospect of getting dressed will seem way more exciting from here on out.

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#1: Add a Belt
(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Style Notes: Layering a belt over a blazer will showcase your shape and give your look an edge. Follow Ada's lead and match your belt to the hue of the dress underneath for maximum style points. 

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#2: Pop Something in Your Hair
(Image credit: @fannyekstrand)

Style Notes: The festive season may be coming to an end but fashion girls will still decorate their 'dos with bows and hair clips aplenty. Add one to your ponytail, and you'll feel fancy in a flash. 

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#3: Undo Your Buttons
(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

Style Notes: It might seem insignificant, but this small tweak can make all the difference to your look. Be it a button-up skirt or dress, decidedly leave the bottom few fastenings undone and it'll completely change the way your outfit looks and feels. 

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#4: Cinch Your Sleeves
(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Bangles are set to be one of 2020's biggest jewellery trends. Pile them atop of your chunky knits for a simple accessorising solution. 

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#5: Layer a Jazzy Roll-Neck
(Image credit: @erica_davies)

Style Notes: When it comes to layering, Erica Davies has mastered the art, so when we saw her pair a standout zebra roll-neck with her sleeveless midi dress, we instantly archived it as a need-to-try outfit. 

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#6: Upgrade Your Buttons
(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

Style Notes: The simplest way to fall back in love with your old pieces is to replace the buttons with more directional options, and what you'll be left with is something akin to Emmanuelle's cardigan, which features on-trend jewel encrusted options. Believe us when we say anyone can do this crafty trick.

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#7: Pair Sandals With Socks
(Image credit: @clairewakeman)

Style Notes: Socks and sandals needn't be daunting, or wacky. Claire Wakeman's combination of strappy footwear and basic socks serves as proof, and might be the perfect antidote to jazz up your at-home ensembles or scarce dinner's out. Keep the rest of your look pared back for optimum cool effect. 

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#8: Dress Down Tailoring
(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Style Notes: Have a suit that hasn't seen the light of day for some time? We—and María Bernad—suggest styling it with a pair of high-top sneaks for a cool and casual overhaul. 

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#9: Add Fancy Tights
(Image credit: @hannahcrosskey)

Style Notes: Much like Ellie, Hannah has used a pair of unexpected tights to give her look some stand-out appeal. Plus, these colours will never fail to look expensive when worn together. 

This article was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up: We're all losing it over Zara's new coat collection

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.