Fashion Tips and Tricks Every Girl Should Know

Best Fashion Tips of All Time

A sloppily cuffed jean. 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.

"How can I tell if my jeans fit properly?" "What's the most flattering shoe?" Both totally reasonable questions. With. Answers.

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—Jackie O, Bianca Jagger—and made some inferences ourselves. Here, 50 fashion tips that have withstood the test of time.

1. 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."

2. ROUND UP WHITE BUTTON-DOWNS

Take a classic cue from Marilyn Monroe! They elevate jeans and keep ball skirts from drifting into fantasy-land. But all that mileage comes at a cost: a short shelf life. So buy three, don't overbleach (which can cause yellowing), and refresh regularly.

3. ACCESSORIZE WITH BRIGHTS

If you've got a closet full of neutrals-be they navy, black, camel, or gray-add energy with boldly hued shoes and bags. Not only is a ruby red satchel more lively than ho-hum black, but it's also surprisingly versatile. Feeling really brave? Wear a neutral base with shoes and a bag in two different complementary colors.

4. 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.

5. GO HANDS-FREE FOR EVENING

A dressy bag with a chain helps you hold crudités 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. EMBRACE YOUR SHAPE

"Once you know which silhouettes flatter you, filter trends ruthlessly," says designer Shoshanna Gruss.