Digital entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast Lerato Kgamanyane has mastered the intricate art of sophisticated dressing. From sleek silhouettes to timeless high fashion accessories, the trendsetter has the perfect formula for showcasing a balance between class and style.
The sophisticated fashion style has evolved over time. Older generations illustrated it through formal attire and designer labels. In modern fashion, sophisticated fashion is more about pairing elegant clothing with timeless accessories.
If you’re looking to take your style to the next level but don’t know where to start, do not despair. There is no need to shell out big bucks for a designer wardrobe to look sophisticated. With a few simple tips and guidelines, from Lerato Kgamanyane’s fail-safe formula, you can easily learn how to look sophisticated without trying too hard.
1.Think timeless, not trendy
Sophisticated fashion tends to feature clothing items that withstand the short-lived trend cycle. Therefore, it is essential to look for clothes that you can see yourself wearing for years to come, independent of fashion trends that come and go.
Exuding timeless style, Lerato Kgamanyane adorned a black pinafore dress and paired it with a beige turtleneck comprising a black pattern. The fashionista accessorised the vintage-esque outfit with black platform Mary Jane heels and a mini bag from high-end fashion house, Valentino.
2.Layer up
One of the easiest ways to add a sophisticated style to your wardrobe is to wear layers. Layers add visual interest to an outfit. The key to avoiding a bohemian look with your layers is to choose clothes with clean lines. Avoid adding more than one pattern on your clothes and accessories.
Lerato Kgamanyane layered her preppy montage with an orange trench coat. Alluding sophistication, the digital creator opted for a solid coloured coat to avoid the outfit coming across as loud or over the top.
For warmer weather, it’s best to layer using smaller pieces such as a chunky belt or bracelet instead of wearing more clothes.
3.Go monochrome
Bright colours can be tough to pull off when you’re aiming for sophistication. The easiest way to bring an understated elegance to your outfit is to go monochrome, particularly with a solid colour.
Our fashion muse Lerato Kgamanyane compiled her all-black ensemble using a YSL blazer, V-neck blouse and tapered pants. She accessorised the ensemble with a mini bag and a pair of timeless black sunglasses.
4.Opt for sleek silhouettes
Clothing that looks sophisticated tends to fit just right, meaning not too tight or short and not too loose or oversized (the exception being an oversized button-down shirt). Lerato Kgamanyane portrayed class and sophistication in a sea green corset top, white poplin shirt and form fitting mom jeans. The outfit exudes an effortless laid-back aesthetic.
When striving for sophistication, it is important to find clothing that has a natural fit, and classic cut and that flatters your physique.
5.Neutrals are your safest bet
Wearing neutral-coloured clothing generally always looks refined and can help you achieve a sophisticated look with less thought. Moreover, it’s a lot easier to match neutrals together rather than bright colours. This doesn’t mean you can’t dress colourfully and classy at the same time, though.
Giving us a casual chic serve, Lerato adorned khaki baggy pants, a white shirt, as well as a solid coloured coat. Adding a pop of colour to the sophisticated outfit, the trendsetter used an orange mini tote bag as an accessory.
6.Add a blazer to the mix
Blazers are worth their weight in gold. Add a blazer to a casual outfit and Viola – you have a sophisticated outfit. These timeless fashion staples look great with cropped jeans, turtlenecks, and dress pants during the cooler months.
Proving that blazers look good in various colours and textures, our fashion muse wore a pastel green coat. The style guru complemented the blazer with grey thigh-high boots – another winter fashion essential.
Sophisticated fashion doesn’t have to be basic and boring. Details such as rhinestones, pearls, bows, and textured fabrics can add flair to the fashion style.