A popular fallacy is that changing your look completely or even subtly, takes far more time, effort and money than it’s worth. This is probably the most foolish assumption you can ever make; without change, everything about you can become predictable and boring. Trying new things gives you the spark of freshness that you need to transform your everyday, comfy look into something that makes you look sensational and yet completely yourself.

How do you go about getting the perfect “changed” look without overdoing it? Here’s a guide to changing various aspects of your look, with some great ideas about new things that you could try.

Hair:

This is probably the first thing we think of when we thing about changing our look, and for good reason. Your hair is one of the most important tools in expressing who you are. A great new haircut boosts your confidence and makes a statement in a way that few other things can. Here are some great ideas for changing your hair.

Getting a fab new haircut:

You can get as drastic or as subtle as you like with a brand new haircut. For instance, you could get bangs, and wear them side swept, soft, long and wispy, or short and choppy, depending on which style suits your face shape the most. With haircuts, try to stick with a style that allows your hair to fall naturally into shape, requiring minimal hassle and maintenance.

Dyeing your hair:

Dyeing hair can be a lot more than a traditional one color dye. You can go for streaks, highlights and low lights, or you can simply add a splash of color like a single red strand in your ponytail. Hair color dyes, shampoos, mousses, temporary hairsprays and gels have made it difficult to resist experimenting with your hair color. This can be just the spark you need to set off your brand new look.

Changing your Hairdo:

You can change the way you wear your hair. For instance, you can change the way you part it. A striaght part can be replaced with a zig zag part for a more sporty, daring look. Also, you can change the texture, by using curling, waving or straightening products.  If you have unruly curls that make it difficult to wear your hair loose, get them straightened for a few months for a sleek, neat look.

Getting Hair Extensions:

It’s amazing what a woman can do to her hair these days. Great natural looking hair extensions can be the way to go if you want to completely change your look. Hair extensions are available in the highest quality now, with curly, wavy and straight varieties to suit your needs. Virgin remy hair is the best option, but cheaper alternatives are also available.

Makeup:

While makeup is an everyday necessity, it is also something that you can use to change your look. Wearing it just a little differently from how you usually wear it can do wonders to your appearance, and lend immense freshness to your style. Here are some ways to change your look with makeup:

• Make your eyes appear brighter: For this, you can use cometics like Joey New York Opti-Brite Eye Trios, which are shades incorporating blue botanicals that make your eyes look clearer and whiter.

• Refine your look: Use moisturizers and care intensively for your skin, hair and nails. Polish and manicure your nails well, and use glowing products on your face to make your skin radiant. The subtle changes in your appearance add up to a wonderfully fresh look.

• Change the way you wear makeup: For instance, change your lip colour, your usual way of wearing eye shadow, or incorporate a new blush or sparkling face powder into your makeup routine, enhancing your look.

Accessories:

If you want to look different while staying safe and not getting too drastic, accessories are the way to go. With just the addition of a few great accessories, you can completely change the impression you make, and also feel great about yourself. Here are some ideas:

• Pin some ornaments to your hair: For instance, beads, tortoise shell barrettes, glittery clips, antique-look ornaments, and other trinkets can really set off a great hairstyle. Plus, they can cover up a bad hair day with a lot of style into the bargain!

• Add color: All too often, we tend to stick to a single color or just a limited range of colors, which defines our comfort zone. If you are only comfortable wearing dark shades, complement those with a bright or light colored scarf or jacket; this will make your complexion look different and improved.

• Invest in Jewellery: If you are a casual dresser and ignore jewelry, then adding a few jewels will go a long way in getting the look you want. Wear a simple, elegant set of pearls, a pair of diamond earrings, or, if you want a more hip look, then sport chunky costume jewelry to give yourself a great new look.

With chilly winds, sub-zero temperatures, and snowfall all around, we have little option but to bundle up for the weather. However, that is no reason to let the winter kill your fashion sense. Winter collections of famous designers and upscale retail stores are constantly improving in style, offering you a wide range of the choices for winter garments to layer yourself in. This winter, stay both stylish and warm, by building the perfect winter wardrobe that’s just right for you.

First, let us see what winter necessities you must invest in this season to stay warm and look perfect anytime, anywhere.

Winter Necessities:

Coats:

Short coats always look in style and keep you wonderfully warm. This is a good choice for women who want to look fashionable and yet professional. For mild climates, you can choose shapely coats in light fabrics, with a belt or two to enhance your waist. For colder climates, a wool peacoat is a good option. Go for neutral colors like fawn, camel and black that will complement most of your wardrobe. Another option is the trench coat. These have a wool lining and a waterproof exterior and so are best for climates with heavy precipitation.

Boots:

A pair of fashionable and comfortable winter boots is a necessity in cold climates. Go for leather for maximum comfort, durability and practicality, without compromising on style. Buy these in neutral colors like beige and black, with a medium to high heel depending on your stature. Go for boots ending just below the knee and these can be worn with winter dresses for a hip, stylish look. Thigh-high bohemian boots also look good and keep you warm in the coldest climates. Another great thing with boots is that you can use them in the summer with skirts!

Scarves:

These are possibly the most crucial winter item as far as lending your wardrobe a lot of style is concerned. Bright, bold scarves with plain-colored shirts and coats can make a subtle style statement for professional women. Silk and cashmere scarves are a must-have for the winter season. These add flair and individuality to an otherwise boring winter outfit.

Winter Wrap Dress:

A wrap dress goes with almost every kind of structure and flatters your body shape. A long sleeved wrap dress coupled with a short jacket can be the perfect thing to wear on a night out. Couple a knee length dress with textured tights or slim boots and be the envy of every woman in town!

Cardigans and Sweaters:

Turtleneck sweaters are a great option for petite women. For colder climates, they can be worn under jackets or coats. For women with a heavier build, V necks are a great option. Cardigans are one of the most versatile winter clothes to have, because you can wear them buttoned, open, or halfway buttoned. Thin wool cardigans can be bought in endless colors to go with a plain shirt with the collar and cuffs showing. They can be easily taken off if you get too warm indoors.

Now, how do you make sure that you choose the right winter necessities to flatter your looks? Here are some key pointers to keep in mind when building your winter wardrobe this season.

Go for Shapely, Sleek Garments:

Who says winter coats, jackets and sweaters have to make you look bulky and shapeless? This season, go for clothes that create shape, making you look great and in vogue no matter how hard the wind blows and how fast the snow falls! Pair wide leg trousers with a short fitted jacket or a tailored coat. Wear knee high boots to slim the legs. Avoid wearing long coats with boots. However, short coats go well with boots. Further, turtlenecks can make you look short and choppy, so wear V necks for a longer, slimmer silhouette.

Accessorize:

Winter garments, especially outer coats and jackets, tend to get black, beige and navy – plain, basic colors that go with every outfit. To brighten up and add a little interest, go for bright, eye-catching accessories. A large red handbag, a bright ruffle scarf, or glamorous gloves, all give your outfit that extra flair that you need.

Avoid Bulky, Heavy Layers – Stay Slim:

Avoid layering with multiple heavy clothes. Buy slim, fitted leotards and thermals that will keep you warm without making you bulky. For sweaters, go for cashmere and pure wool for a slimmer effect. Choose sweaters with belts or go for wrap sweaters to give yourself shape.

Choose the Right Colors:

Finally, choose the colors that flatter your skin tone. Those with dark or olive complexions should go for bright, crisp colors, like white, scarlet, and navy. Those with a lighter brown should go for icy blue, coral, aqua, or other sharp, acid colors. Dull colors like beige and cream might make you look washed out, especially with the winter already making your skin dull.