15+ Best Fashion Tips of All Time

A sloppily cuffed jeans. An ill-fitting blazer. A dress that shows just a little too much to be referred to as tastefully sheer . These are the things that fashion editors and stylists can spot from a million miles away. To those in the biz, the proper proportions of a crop top may be obvious, but for those seeing the trends in a magazine or online, it can be a little trickier to know exactly how to wear everything.

Ahead, you'll find advice from celebrity stylists who have been solving fashion conundrums for years. And we've taken notes from a few of our favorite iconic style stars. Here, 15+ fashion tips that have withstood the test of time.

Show Skin Strategically

Looking truly sexy involves knowing what to bare-and what to keep under wraps. Otherwise, where's the mystery? "Choose one-only one-body part and show it off," advises Jen Rade, stylist to Angelina Jolie. "If it's cleavage, don't show your legs. If it's your legs, stay covered on top."

Hem Your Pants for a Shoe Height

"The biggest mistake women make is wearing pants that aren't the right length for their shoes," says stylist Kate Young. To fix this, hem to either flats or heels like Dakota Johnson—no going back. Generally, hems should just graze the tops of your shoes and be from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch off the floor.

Go Hands-Free for Evening

A dressy bag with a chain helps you hold crudites and a cocktail-plus, it lends a cool edge to evening wear, says stylist Cher Coulter. Wear the chain diagonally across your body for the best effect.

Know Your Stretch

The secret formula for a soft but formfitting T? 95% cotton, 5% Lycra spandex. For jeans to hold their shape, they need at least 2% Lycra.

Throw on a Scarf

It's the ultimate accessory according to a host of the best-dressed women we interviewed. Stash one in your purse or carry-on to transform simple Ts in the time it takes to make a knot.

Consider the Wear and Care

Before you buy, try to gauge how a piece might hold up after a few washings. And don't shell out for clothes you can't, or won't, take to the dry cleaners. If you know you'll never hand-wash that embellished sweater or fancy bra, walk away.

Embrace Your Shape

"Once you know which silhouettes flatter you, filter trends ruthlessly," says designer Shoshanna Gruss. For instance, if you're petite and shapely, it's best to avoid tall columns and billowy maxis even if you love them. Go for a dress with a defined waist and just-above-the-knee hem.

Make a List

Not of what you want to buy, but of the 10 fave items in your closet. This will help you zero in on pieces that mesh with what you own (or remind you that you never actually wear big floral prints).

Round Down in Denim

When in doubt, go with the smaller size in jeans. They always stretch, and nothing's more unflattering than the unintentionally baggy derriere. 

Always Check Out the Rear View

And don't leave the house until you like what you see in the mirror. Every angle matters. Trust us.

Layer Your Necklaces

Coco Chanel's more-is-more approach still makes a statement today. You can do multiples of the same material, or better yet, go for contrast: Try a femme piece with edgy chains, feathers with beads, or pearls with diamantes.

Open Your Mind

Always take one "it's cute but so not me" thing into the fitting room. You never know!

Wearing white? Seek out light.

Keep in mind: White clothes always look more see-through in daylight. Check yourself out in a bright setting to be safe, like Jennifer Lawrence must have done.

Stripe It Up

"Striped pieces are a nice, classic way to pull yourself together for the weekend," says stylist Tina Chai . A red- or navy-and-white bateau neck, for instance, has presence and versatility.

Never Buy a Boring Coat

"Outerwear should never be an afterthought," says Holmes amp Yang co-designer Jeanne Yang. "So many people only see you in your coat—if you're not wearing something great underneath your trench, they'll never even know!" Look for a stylish coat, like Olivia Culpo's here.

Own Something Leopard

Make the print "a staple in your accessories wardrobe," says stylist Rob Zangardi. It's timeless, racy enough, and always glamorous.

Recast Your Jewelry

•Loop a chain through the clasp of a brooch. Suddenly, it's a necklace!
•Use the same jewel to add a touch of sparkle to your handbag.
•Wrap your chains or lariat around your wrist for a tough luxe bracelet.
•Snap clip-on earrings onto flats for an instant evening shoe.

Pair Loose With Tight

Few mortals can pull off head-to-toe baggy. So take a cue from Charlize Theron and team your billowing pieces with something body-conscious. (Hint: This is what leggings were made for.)

Jazz Up Your LBD

Simpler shapes cry out for styling. Try dressy jackets or a slip-on shrug, colored shoes and bags like Mandy Moore, or tinted sheers plus booties.

Dress for First Class

You want to be comfy, sure, but also chic enough to be tapped for an upgrade. A sharp blazer and scarf or a leather jacket is the unofficial uniform of jet-setters worldwide, as shown by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. To complete the outfit, just throw on jeans or leggings, then add flats, heels, or riding boots.

Create Your Own Lookbook

Got compliments on your outfit today? Snap a photo of it with your phone. You'll have a quick reminder of what to wear the next time you're in a rush.

These are some fashion tips for women.

But Watch Out for the Matronly Tipping Point
The pleated silk skirt or little pastel jacket that looked so cute on you at 25 can start turning frumpy at 40.