How to Know What to Wear

It can be difficult to know what clothing will look the best on you, especially if you don’t have a fashion savvy friend to help you out or a clear sense of style. But focusing on dressing around a certain criteria, like your skin tone, your body shape, or the event you will be attending will help you create your ideal outfit. Keep in mind your personal style should always be about you, so feel free to bend or adjust these methods based on your tastes and preferences.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Dressing Based on Your Skin Tone

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1
Identify your skin tone. There are many terms used to describe skin tone, from light or dark, to pale or olive. The most accurate way to figure out what colors look good on you is to figure out the undertone of your skin. There are three types: warm, cool, and neutral. Because you’re looking for the undertones in your skin, you can’t simply look in the mirror and confirm them. Follow these steps to determine your skin tone:^{[1]XResearch source}
- Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. Do they appear blue or green? If they look blue or purple, you’re cool-toned. If they look green, you’re warm-toned. If you can’t tell what color they are, you’re probably neutral toned.
- Put on your favorite pieces of jewelry, or the ones you think look the best on you. Are they made of gold or silver? If they’re gold, you’re warm toned. If they’re silver, you’re cool-toned. If you look equally good in both gold and silver, you’re neutral toned.
- Think about whether you burn or tan in the sun. If you burn easily or turn pink, you’re cool-toned. If you tan, you’re warm toned.
- Look at your eye color and hair color. If you have blue, grey, or green eyes and blonde, brown, or black hair, you’re likely cool-toned. If you have brown, amber, or hazel eyes with strawberry blonde, auburn, or black hair, you are most likely warm-toned.
- If you dye your hair and the name of your hair color has the word ash or platinum in it, it's a cool-toned color. If the name has golden or mahogany in it, it’s a warm-toned color.
Look for dark blues, dark purples, and emerald-greens. Opt for an emerald dress or a purple dress shirt with neutral pants.^{[2]XResearch source}
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A baby blue sweater or a long camel coat look great against a cool skin tone. Other pastels like light yellow, light pink, and mint green also complement a cool skin tone.^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Go for metallics if you have a warm skin tone. Metallic colored fabrics like silver or copper work well with warm skin tones, especially when paired with a bright red lip color or gold jewellery.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Men can integrate metallics into their wardrobe with their jewellery. But they should avoid metallic shirts or pants.
5
Wear neon or bright colors if you have a warm skin tone. Don’t fear bright hues, especially if you have a warm skin tone that will make these colors really pop on you. Neon green, pink, or yellow will highlight the warmer tones of your skin, but be sure to keep your accessories simple and subtle so the neon color can be the star of your outfit.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Other bright colors like cobalt blue and teal can also look great against a warm skin tone.
These bright, warm colors will really sing against your warm skin tone, and help you sidestep a washed out or ashy look.^{[6]XResearch source}
Technically white and black are neutral colors, so they can arguably look good on any skin tone. But the right shade of gray can create a whole new spin on your look. Warm skin tones should go for a dove gray, while cool skin tones should go for a more charcoal gray or a very pale gray.^{[7]XResearch source}
Neutral skin tones are unique in that you can wear almost any colors, from jewel tones to neon. But a neutral skin tone really pops when you wear bold warm or cool colors like cobalt or camel.^{[8]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Dressing Based on Your Body Shape For Women

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1
Use measuring tape. To properly determine your body shape, you will need to measure your shoulders, your bust, your waist, and your hips with measuring tape.^{[9]XResearch source}
- To measure your shoulders: place the measuring tape at the tip of one shoulder and wrap it all the way around you like a shawl until it meets back at the same shoulder. The tape should skim the top of your shoulder, almost as if it is going to slip off. This is the widest circumference of your shoulders. Write this measurement down.
- To measure your bust: stand up straight and wrap the measuring tape around your back and across the fullest part of your bust, usually the middle of area of your bust. Pull the measuring tape as taut as you can without changing the shape of your breasts. Don’t squish them! Write this measurement down.
- To measure your waist: wrap the measuring tape around your torso, at the smallest part of your waist. It should wrap flat around your back without buckling and meet just above your belly button. Write this measurement down.
- To measure your hips: Hold the measuring tape at one hip, below your hip bone, at the fullest part of your hip. Keeping the tape flat, wrap it around the largest part of your butt and your other hip and bring it back to the meeting point. Write this measurement down.
2
Determine your female body shape. Using the measurements you took, figure out what your body shape is:^{[10]XResearch source}
- You are an inverted triangle shape if: your shoulders or bust are larger than your hips. Your shoulder or bust measurements should be more than 5 percent bigger than your hip measurement. So, if your shoulders measure 36 inches (91.4 cm), your hips will be 34 ¼ inches or smaller.
- You are a rectangle shape if: your shoulders, bust, and hips are around the same size. You may have no defined waistline. Your shoulder, bust, and hip measurements should be within 5 percent of each other. Your waist should be less than 25 percent smaller than your shoulder or bust measurements. So, if your shoulders measure 36 inches (91.4 cm), your waist will be 27 inches or more.
- You are a triangle shape if: your hips are wider than your shoulders. Your hip measurement will be more than 5 percent bigger than your shoulder or bust measurements. So, if your shoulders measure 36 inches (91.4 cm), your hips will be 37 ¾ inches or larger.
- You are hourglass shaped if: your shoulders and hips are around the same size and you have a very defined waistline. Your shoulder and hip measurements should be within 5 percent of each other. Your waist should be at least 25 percent smaller than your shoulder, hip, and bust measurements. So, if your shoulders and hips measure 36 inches (91.4 cm), your waist will be 27 inches (68.6 cm) or smaller.
3
Go for an empire dress if you are a rectangle shape or a triangle shape. Empire dresses hit just below your bustline and taper out at the hem. So if you are a rectangle shape, look for an empire dress that fits snugly around your chest and flares out to give the illusion of a defined waistline.^{[11]XResearch source}
- If you are a triangle shape, empire dresses will also look great on you. They will make your legs look long and lean.
The simple lines of a collared dress will put the focus on your shoulders and neck. You can also wear the top two or three buttons open to create a V-neck to flatter your top half.^{[12]XResearch source}
5
Opt for wrap dresses or surplice dresses, no matter your shape. The wrap dress is created by cross-wrapping fabric and securing it with a tie or bow in the front or side. It also has a nice V-shaped neckline, which looks great on every shape.^{[13]XResearch source}
- The surplice is a permanent version of a wrap dress, where the fabric is cross-wrapped in the front and sewn to create a V-shaped neckline.
- Surplice tops or wrap tops are also great for any body shape and create a flattering neckline. They can be paired with skinny jeans or cargo pants for a casual look.^{[14]XResearch source}
6
Choose cargo pants if you are an inverted triangle shape. This style was originally created to hold gear for the military, so they have numerous pockets on the outside of the pants. Cargo pants add weight to your bottom half, so they’re good for an inverted triangle shape and can compliment an already-balanced shape like an hourglass.
- If you are a rectangle shape, choose a pair with pockets at the hips to add curves below your waist and make your waist appear smaller than your hips.
Traditional men’s trousers are cut to fall straight from the hip with slanted side pockets and cuffs. A high-waisted trouser will make your thighs appear long and lean.
This style of jeans is tight fitted in the waist, hips and thighs. It then tapers down, hugging the calves and ankles, so it makes your legs look long and lean.^{[15]XResearch source}
The cut of this style runs straight from the hip to the knee, and then flares slightly from the knee to the ankle. It’s a great cut for all body shapes, as it creates a long leg and balances your hips.^{[16]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Dressing Based on Your Body Shape for Men

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1
Determine your body shape. For men, body shape is based more on the length of your torso and your ability to gain muscle on your chest and shoulder area. There are five main body shapes for men:^{[17]XResearch source}
- The trapezoid body shape: You have broad shoulders and a broad chest with narrow waist and hips. Because your upper body and lower body will be pretty proportional, you can fit most styles and fits.
- The inverted trapezoid body shape: You have broad shoulders and chest, but your hips and waist are narrower. So your upper torso is much wider than your lower torso, and the lower half of your body. This body shape is common in athletes and men who regularly weight lift or do body building.
- The rectangle body shape: You have shoulders that are the same width as your waist and hips. So, when dressing, your aim should be to widen your shoulders and make your lower torso appear more narrow.
- The triangle body shape: Your chest and shoulders are narrower than your waist and hips, and you appear larger on the bottom half of your torso. So the lower half of your body may appear wider than your upper body.
- The oval body shape: Your chest and stomach will create a long oval shape. You may also have narrow looking shoulders and skinnier legs.
2
Go for the newest trends, cuts, and colors if you are a trapezoid shape. Because you are well proportioned, you can experiment with the latest trends and cuts with a certain amount of freedom.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Try bold vertical or horizontal stripes on a collared shirt, a navy or cargo green cotton blazer, and long sleeve shirts in a bold print. Go for slim cut khakis or blue jeans.
- Look for tops and pants that are not too tight, but don’t hang off you or are too baggy. Your body shape suits form fitting clothes and cuts.
3
Look for clothing that creates a balance between your top and bottom halves if you are an inverted trapezoid shape. The idea is to give your look some balance and proportion.^{[19]XResearch source}
- Try straight or relaxed slim cuts (rather than slim or skinny) for legwear as they will help balance your proportions and broad shoulders.
- Wear belts and go for pants with pockets. This will help to break up an outfit and draw attention to your narrow waist.
- Go for v-neck knits and tees as they will narrow your chest area. Breton striped tees are great for this body shape, especially stripes that go across the stomach area rather than the chest area.
- Graphic prints and logos on your shirts as well as your pants can give you a leaner look. Just don’t wear them both at the same time. If you’re wearing a graphic print or logo on a top, keep your pants simple and subtle.
- Look for unstructured double-breasted that widen your torso, but don’t add width to your shoulders or upper chest area.
4
Avoid structured jackets with shoulder padding or wide lapels if you are an inverted triangle shape. This will only emphasize the width area on your body, rather than slim it down.
- Say no to tops with wide scoop necklines, or three quarter length sleeves. Stick to shorter sleeves for anything but formal shirts.^{[20]XResearch source}
5
Layer shirts and knitwear if you are a rectangle shape. Layering smartly, with a v-neck sweater over a collared shirt, can help to widen your chest and shoulders and narrow your hips.^{[21]XResearch source}
- You can also wear scarves and circular necklines to widen your upper torso.
- A structured blazer or jacket, preferably customized by a tailor, will give your upper body a more slim look.
6
Avoid double breast suits or sleeveless tops if you are a rectangle shape. Double breasted suits will only give you a more rectangular shape, rather than a proportioned shape.
- Probably a good idea to also avoid geometric prints on tops as they draw attention to your wide chest. Sleeveless tops will also emphasize your bulky arms, so if you do like to wear them, layer them.
7
Wear well fitting clothing if you are a triangle shape. Go for single breasted and button down styles, as they will streamline your torso, like collared shirts and coats.^{[22]XResearch source}
- Straight leg trousers and chinos are also great for this shape, as well as structured tailored blazers and jackets.
- Go for darker colors on top as they will instantly flatter you. Layer a bright shirt or a tee with a bold print underneath a darker collared shirt.
8
Avoid wearing horizontal stripes across your stomach area if you are a triangle shape. They will only emphasize your round shape. Instead, look for tops with vertical stripes.^{[23]XResearch source}
- Polo necks or narrow crew-necks on shirts will decrease your shoulder width. So go for regular cut t-shirts instead.
- Instead of tapered trousers or skinny jeans, look for regular cut pants.
9
Go for vertical stripes and pinstripes if you are oval shaped. They will instantly lengthen your body and give it a more lean look. Avoid horizontal stripes as they will make your body appear rounder.^{[24]XResearch source}
- Make sure your pants are the correct length, falling just below your ankle, as baggy pants will shorten your legs and give you less definition in your bottom half.
- Tapered trousers will lengthen your legs, and give you more shape.
Combine a print or textured shirt with a darker colored pair of pants or a jacket to keep your look interesting and flattering.
11
Avoid cowl necks, wide crew necks, or polo necks if you are oval shaped. They will only make your upper look rounder, rather than slimmer.^{[25]XResearch source}
- Statement or colored belts will only attract attention to your waist area and highlight your widest points. So keep your belts simple or avoid them altogether.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Dressing Based on the Occasion

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1
Be creative but professional when dressing for a job interview. The old rules still apply: no jeans, no revealing clothing, and no running shoes. Men should wear a suit or a collared shirt, nice shoes, and a tie. But women have more freedom with the “suit only” approach for job interviews.
- Pair a silk blouse with a pencil skirt, a cropped jacket, and heels, or a graphic collared shirt with fitted dress pants and dressy flats. You could also wear a sheath dress with a belt and a cardigan to keep your look professional and unique.
2
Ask the host about the dress code for their dinner party. It can be tricky to not underdress or overdress for a dinner party. So go straight to the source and casually ask your host what they would suggest wearing for the party.
- If you aren’t sure about the dress code but don’t want to bother the host, women can stash a pretty scarf and dangly earrings in their bags to dress up an outfit. Men can carry a blazer with them or put a tie in their pocket to spruce up their look if need be.
3
Go for a dressy casual look if you’re heading to a cocktail party. Dressy casual could be a top with interesting details and a skirt or tailored pants for women. Or it could be trousers and a dress shirt for men.
- Women can wear heels or fancy flats. Men can wear a leather loafer, oxfords, or a slip-on shoe.
- Finish your outfit with a blazer or sports coat for men, and a fitted jacket for women.
4
Keep your look professional but not too formal for a work function or office party. Think about the culture of your office. Is it conservative? Or more laid back? No matter how relaxed your office environment is or the occasion, avoid wearing anything too provocative.
- A too-revealing outfit can prevent you from being taken seriously in the office.
- Women can go for fitted trousers with a nice top or blouse and a blazer. A wrap dress and simple jewelry is a great way to look evening-appropriate and still professional.
- Men can wear a patterned or textured tie and a collared shirt in a print or with interesting pocket detailing. Go for fitted pants, instead of jeans.
5
Don’t wear white to a wedding, unless you are the bride or the groom. You can wear other hues like black or red, but white is still reserved for the wedding party. Consider the season and setting of the wedding when deciding what to wear.^{[26]XResearch source}
- A backyard summer wedding means you could wear a simple silk dress in a bold color for women or print, or a simple collared shirt and cotton pants for men.
- A fall or winter wedding may call for a form fitting sweater dress and boots for women, or a v-neck sweater over a collared shirt for men.
Your outfit doesn’t have to be black but it does have to be respectful. Clothing in dark neutral colors like navy, brown, or forest green are all good options. Skip any clothing or accessories that are too festive, unless you’ve been told otherwise by the grieving party.

Expert Q&A

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How do I know if my outfit looks good?
Catherine Joubert
Professional Stylist
Catherine Joubert is a personal stylist who works with a wide range of clients on refining their style. She launched Joubert Styling in 2012 and has since been featured on Buzzfeed and styled celebrities such as Perez Hilton, Angie Everhart, Tony Cavalero, Roy Choi and Kellan Lutz.
Catherine Joubert
Professional Stylist
Expert Answer
See if you get any compliments! If you get a lot of compliments on a certain top or dress you wear, try looking for other items that are similar to that.
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Can guys wear red pants?
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Yes, and they can be very tasteful when paired with a black, button-down shirt.
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I am a teen with an inverted triangle shaped body. Is it okay for me to wear off shoulders?
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Of course it is. I have the same body type and wear off shoulders all the time. You can wear anything you want, as long as you feel confident in it.
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Parts of this article are broken up into sections based on gender for clarity. But do not feel limited by what you can wear based on your gender. Feel free to pick and choose how you dress, based on your skin tone, your body shape, and the event you’re attending, regardless of your gender.
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