How to Style the Clothes You Already Have

While it's easy to get hung up on the latest trend or the season's It bags, style really isn't something that can be bought. Sure, editors and insiders have their share of chic gear, but the reason some become icons and inspirations is because of how they put the whole look together. At the end of the day, it's about how you style it — and styling, friends, is free.

With that in mind, we've zeroed in on 10 quick ways to wear your clothes — small ways to tweak your jacket or cuff your jeans that have a major impact on how your whole outfit looks. Plus, these aren't seasonal or of the moment; these are timeless tricks that work again and again.

01
Roll Your Sleeves
Greg Kessler

Roll Your Sleeves

Long sleeves were meant to be rolled, right? While a button-down can feel stiff, rolling up the sleeves gives it an easy nonchalance. It's the easiest way to inject a little cool factor into even your most classic shirts.

02
Cuff Your Jeans
Getty | Kirstin Sinclair

Cuff Your Jeans

The hemlines of our jeans might just cover up the best part of our outfits — the shoes, of course! — if we didn't roll them up. Instead of rolling up under the hem for a discreet, "looks like I didn't cuff them at all" look, do as the editors and insiders do and embrace the roll. The result is cool and a little undone — and perfect for showing off your heels.

03
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

There's more than one way to cuff 'em — from a single roll to a double, find your style and master the look you want. A single cuff works well with stiffer, straight-leg denim, while a rolled cuff goes well with a baggier boyfriend jean.

04
Drape Your Jacket
Getty | Christian Vierig

Drape Your Jacket

Nothing says "fashion" like a draped jacket over the shoulders. It costs nothing and makes your outfit look infinitely more expensive and chic.

05
Getty | Jeremy Moeller

Et voilà! Suit separates become a multidimensional, contemporary look with an overcoat slung nonchalantly over the shoulders.

06
Knot Your Shirt
Getty | Edward Berthelot

Knot Your Shirt

The easiest way to remix a button-down or define a waistline without a belt is knotting your shirt right at the middle. It lends a more creative finish than just tucking in your shirt and adds a playful touch.

07
Tuck In Your Shirt
Getty | Paul Morigi

Tuck In Your Shirt

We have the old J.Crew to thank for a lot of our favorite styling tricks, specifically the half-tuck. Rather than tuck in the whole shirt, this look conveys a more casual, current vibe that turns even a jeans and T-shirt outfit into more of a statement. Tuck half the shirt or the whole front, and let the tail hang over the waistline.

08
Belt It
Getty | Edward Berthelot

Belt It

Influencers have this trick down. With a slew of belts in their arsenal, they transform oversize shirts, tunics, and coats to fit to their frames. You can define your shape and highlight your waist — plus, the belt adds polish to even the most casual ensembles. It may take a minute to throw on, but it looks like a more complete outfit every time.

09
Getty | Christian Vierig

By belting your outerwear, you ensure that your coat will stay in place all day and that it becomes a part of your whole ensemble. Win, win.

10
Wear a Slip Dress Over a T-Shirt
Getty | Christian Vierig

Wear a Slip Dress Over a T-Shirt

Slip dresses aren't reserved for evening anymore; shake up your daytime routine when you throw on a T-shirt or button-down under a sexier slip dress you used to save for evening.

11
Let Your Sleeves Hang Out
Getty | Christian Vierig

Let Your Sleeves Hang Out

It seems like a small thing, but showing off contrasting sleeves under a blazer or sweater has a stylized look that screams fashion.

12
Wear a Jean Jacket Off the Shoulder
Getty | Daniel Zuchnik

Wear a Jean Jacket Off the Shoulder

Jean jackets are always a classic, but they feel fresh when you wear them slung off the shoulder.

13
Replace Your Top With a Dress
Getty | Matthew Sperzel

Replace Your Top With a Dress

Reinvent your workwear when you slip on a tunic or a silky dress instead of a blouse with your suit separates.