Looking stylish doesn’t require spending millions of dollars or following every single trend on the internet. It just requires intention. Elevating your look is about selecting the correct details, refining your eye, and leaning into what feels authentic.
Here are five ways to elevate personal style, one step at a time:
Elevate Your Personal Style: Five Key Steps
1. Upgrade Your Shoe Game
Your shoes say more than you think. A crisp pair can elevate even the simplest outfit, while an over-the-top, flashy, or worn-out pair will ruin even your most thought-out fit. The key? Three words - Quality, personality, and versatility.
Duke + Dexter
Duke + Dexter isn't afraid to blur the line between classic British design and bold streetwear edge. The Plus Duke Kiss Sneaker is a perfect example with its white leather base layered with punchy red graffiti lips; it’s playful and expressive. It’s the kind of shoe that sparks conversation without overwhelming your fit.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Alpine F1 White + Blue Sneaker is a sleek, streamlined design and a motorsport-inspired silhouette, perfect for those who want to nod to Formula One while keeping things clean and chic.
Alohas
Alohas brings a minimalist, eco-conscious edge with sculptural silhouettes and unexpected textures that elevate any outfit. While Alohas has many classic sneakers to pick from, the Alohas Club Onix Deep Burgundy Leather Sneaker is a masterclass in subtle elevation. With its rich, wine-toned leather and clean, sculptural silhouette, it walks the perfect line between streetwear and timeless design. The deep burgundy shade offers a bold yet refined alternative to basic white or black sneakers, adding depth to neutral outfits without overpowering them. Paired with tailored trousers or relaxed denim, the Club Onix instantly elevates your look, delivering that sweet spot between casual cool and polished edge.
Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell is the go-to brand if you’re looking for a more understated, universally pleasing sneaker that still holds its own in the style conversation. Their designs lean into a slimmer silhouette, making them perfect for those who want something different from prominent chunky streetwear styles. They’re versatile, easy to pair, and offer a clean, minimalist profile that fits into almost any wardrobe. Personally, I’m a fan of the Low 1, a timeless low-top that works with everything from denim to trousers.
I also love the GAT, which is their take on the German Army Trainer, a design that has seen a massive resurgence thanks to the popularity of the Maison Margiela design variant. It’s sleek, neutral, and has just enough retro influence to feel fresh without being flashy.
Adidas
Adidas has mastered the art of crafting timeless sneakers, and two models in particular stand out for their everyday versatility: the Gazelle. The Adidas Gazelle is one of my go-to sneakers. It's a silhouette that works with nearly everything. What makes the shoe so reliable is the sheer range of colorways and material combinations, from soft suedes to bold primaries to neutral palettes. Whether you’re dressing up or down, there’s a Gazelle that can match your mood or outfit.
Adidas Tokyo
If you're looking for something slimmer and more refined, the Adidas Tokyo is an excellent choice. Its lightweight design and narrow profile give it a sleek, almost retro-futurist vibe that reminds me a lot of the Onitsuka Tiger aesthetic. The Tokyo is perfect for those who want an Adidas sneaker that feels a little more agile and low-key, without sacrificing that classic Three Stripes appeal.
Onitsuka Tiger
The Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 has carved out a unique place in the streetwear world by blending heritage sportswear with modern-day style culture. Originally rooted in performance and athletics, the brand has evolved into a staple for fashion enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety with a story. What makes the Mexico 66 so appealing is its connection to both sports history and pop culture, most famously seen in its iconic appearance in films like Kill Bill, which helped launch its resurgence. The sleek, low-profile silhouette of the Mexico 66 makes it easy to style with a range of looks. With a wide range of colorways, there’s something to fit nearly every kind of wardrobe. It’s a sneaker that doesn’t scream for attention but consistently earns it.
Converse x Golf Wang “Python”
The Converse x Golf Wang “Python” is a bold statement sneaker that I absolutely love for its fearless color play and artistic energy. Unlike some flashy shoes that can overpower or clash with an outfit, this one works in a different way. It doesn’t distract; it transforms. The vibrant snakeskin pattern and unexpected palette make it feel more like a wearable art piece than simple footwear. When styled right, it elevates the entire look into something expressive and curated, rather than chaotic. These are the kinds of shoes that encourage you to treat your outfit as a canvas, pushing you to think beyond matching and start creating. For anyone looking to inject creativity, attitude, as well as Tyler, the Creator’s signature flair into their wardrobe, the Python is it.
2. Accessorize
Accessories like jewelry pieces and handbags aren’t just add-ons; they’re amplifiers. They give your look character and a sense of personal narrative. A necklace or chain layered over a tee. A silver ring that catches light just enough. These are the subtle details that take a neutral outfit from “fine” to “intentional.” Whether it’s a minimalist leather belt, a bracelet/watch, or standout sunglasses, accessories bring balance to basics and harmony to boldness.
When it comes to accessorizing, the key is intention over excess. It’s not about piling on chains and rings. It's about creating cohesion. One of the simplest (and most overlooked) rules to elevate your accessories game is to match your metals. Whether you lean toward silver or gold, keeping your jewelry in the same tone gives your outfit a cleaner, more polished feel. Mixed metals can work, but they require balance and confidence. If you’re aiming for subtle sophistication, stick with one.
If you're not into bold or flashy pieces, a tennis bracelet or a minimal chain necklace goes a long way. These pieces add a touch of detail that is just enough to catch the eye without dominating your outfit. Think of them as seasoning, the element that brings everything together. Understated jewelry like this adds depth, sharpness, and intention to your look.
3. Incorporate Hats into Your Rotation
Where a chain might be the seasoning to a dish, a hat is more like the cherry on top of the cake. It’s not always necessary, but when done right, it takes a basic outfit and gives it a distinct edge. Whether you’re dressing for a laid-back streetwear look or a more structured casual style, the right hat can completely change the tone.
Some of my go-to choices include Aimé Leon Dore, which brings a nostalgic, New York-style finish to a clean outfit. Pirate Worldwide adds edge to even the most minimal fits. You can never go wrong with a classic baseball cap, whether it’s a clean Yankees logo or something completely unbranded and neutral. And Mitchell & Ness blends retro sportswear with crisp construction for a bold yet wearable feel.
4. Keep It Simple, Timeless, and Intentional
You don’t have to wear loud logos or embrace maximalist trends to be well-dressed. In fact, real style often whispers instead of shouts. The most elevated looks come from a place of restraint, such as classic cuts, clean color palettes, and timeless silhouettes. The simplicity draws attention not to what you’re wearing, but to how you’re wearing it. So instead of chasing the latest trend, build your wardrobe around pieces that last both visually and physically.
5. Master the Art of Layering
Layering is where style becomes personal. It’s how you express mood. When done right, layering creates visual interest and depth, making your outfit feel considered and not just thrown on. It's how you add shape, texture, and tone to an outfit without saying a word. While layering can vary depending on the season, it remains just as relevant on a cool summer evening as it does in the dead of winter.
For those breezy summer nights or early fall days, I like to keep it light and effortless with a corduroy or denim jacket thrown over a simple tee. It’s easy, classic, and always works. If you want something even more minimal, a clean, well-fitted sweater or hoodie can elevate the vibe without feeling overdone.
For a more refined take, I gravitate toward cashmere zip-ups, which bring a perfect balance of elegance, comfort, and breathability for transitional weather that’s polished enough to upgrade the entire outfit.
As temperatures drop, layering becomes more dynamic. Consider pairing hoodies with structured jackets, oversized coats with base layers, or mixing materials like wool, fleece, and nylon for added contrast. The key is to layer with purpose, not just for warmth, but for style that builds from the inside out.
Final Thought
You don’t necessarily need more clothes; you just need more clarity. Elevating your style is about refining, not reinventing. With the right combination of shoes, accessories, hats, and a confident hand for minimalism and layering, you’re not just getting dressed. You’re building a presence.
