It's important to evolve your look and mix your fashion up but it's more important to stay true to yourself.
Whenever I’m pulling a look together I’m constantly thinking about how I can add my own twist and make an outfit more “me”. Each and every one of us has a distinctive and identifiable style but occasionally it can be hard to add our own stamp to a new trend. We are bombarded with so many images on a daily basis via magazines, blogs, social media and advertising, it’s easy to lose yourself and mimic others. Obviously, it’s important to evolve your look and mix your fashion up but it’s more important to stay true to yourself.
I’ve definitely gone through phases where I’ve tried to recreate either a celebrity or a friend’s style but the truth is, you can never pull it off as well as the real deal! Instead we should seek influence from others and then make it our own.
After years of styling and playing with fashion, I have a few staple tips and tricks which I use to make any trend distinctly “me”.
Throw on a Jacket
Without a shadow of a doubt adding a jacket is my number 1 style rule. These days it’s rare to see me without one on or at least one thrown over my shoulders. No matter what I’m wearing, whether it be a dress, tee, oversized shirt or bodysuit with jeans, I nearly always reach for my favourite leather jacket or blazer. It’s the perfect way to give an outfit a whole new dimension. A good jacket has the ability to make something pretty, more rock’n’roll or something glamorous, much more casual (see previous examples illustrating this HERE, HERE & HERE).
Customise It
This is something I’ve dabbled with on and off for years but after getting this Oui denim jacket customised recently, I’ve officially become obsessed with taking run of the mill items and creating something completely individual. If you like to be 100% unique, this is the best and most inexpensive way to do it. Next on my list to customise is an old beaten up leather jacket; I told you I’ve become obsessed!
If you’re London based and looking for someone who can customise, I went to a placed called KoKo Art in Notting Hill and I highly recommend them. I was so impressed by how they managed to paint the details exactly as I wanted, even the colours were spot on. At £30 this was a really cost effective way of creating something totally individual.
Mix and Match Textures
I have spoken about my addiction with layering and mixing textures before (catch what I said HERE in my previous post, A-Z Guide to Layering). I love to pair contrasting and obscure fabrics which shouldn’t go together but somehow work. Whether it be pretty pink lace with denim, or silk with leather, it’s my failsafe way to add my own edge to any look.
Add Something Quirky
I’m naturally drawn to quirky and “out there” pieces. I’ve always had the view fashion should have a sense of humour and this straw monkey bag is the perfect example of that. Straw bags are everywhere at the moment and this bag shows how you can take a trend and make it work for you.
Outfit details: Dress – New Look (similar HERE & HERE) | Jacket – Oui (find HERE) | Shoes – Chanel (find HERE & HERE) | Bag – Kate Spade (similar HERE on SALE & HERE)
Don’t forget you can also keep up with me on Instagram @thatnewdress, Twitter @thatnewdress, Bloglovin That New Dress, Snapchat thatnewdress and Depop @dominiquew.
What an amazing outfit! I love your customized jacket. That reminds me of my customized purse that I like to carry around a lot. The monkey purse is adorable too!
Kim
Simply Lovebirds
I absolutely LOVE your straw monkey bag! And the way you customized your jacket is fabulous. It is definitely important to personalize our look. And I love your tips!
xo, janea
http://www.theSTYLEtti.com
Customising is so fun, love the new look of your denim jacket. So clever dear! And that monkey straw bag is one of a kind, so cute!!!
http://www.busyandfab.com
Oh Dominque I love EVERYTHING about this look! That jeans jacket is the ultimate must-have and I love the unique stamp! How cool is that bag as well – so pretty <3
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Really pretty photos and omg my purse! I love that dress and it looks so good on you!
https://styledwithamanda.blogspot.com
Omg I love your Kate Spade bag! So CUTE! I’d love to add a custom design to my jean jacket, hehe.
http://www.ticketforadventure.com
What a lovely outfit babe ! And that’s the cutest bag I’ve seen in my entire life !!
The Little Fashionette
I loveee that dress babe! And that denim jacket is adorable! But omg, that bag! So unique and different !
xo Tina
IG: @tinasweetheart
http://www.tinasweetheart.com
Ohhh your dress is so pretty!! Totally the style I LOVE
Have a good evening,
xoxo Olivia
http://www.oliviaponcelet.com
OMG, When I saw this monkey purse I shirked with happiness. I would rock this purse with every outfit. I also love this blush dress. Adding my own style to outfits is something I focus on regularly. I love pushing the envelope with trends.
Looks so cute!
http://beyoutiful.com.ua/?p=4176
I loved this look! you are such an inspiration when it comes to fashion 🙂
http://www.blossomikebana.com
This outfit is too cute. I love the dress and the bag is adorable.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
Loving the tips on how to personalize and put a stamp on what you wear. I love the customized jacket you had done, so perfect for bloggers! I also love that you added something quirky to give your outfit a unique flare.
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
such a beautiful outfit and you bag is my fav’
http://thestyleride.com/
I love your dress, so pretty my dear.
xoxo
Priscilla
The chic advocate
Oh my gosh. That bag. I virtually just stopped in my tracks and gave it a double glance. That is one of the quirkiest and most unique pieces I have seen anywhere in a very long time! I also especially love the contents of this post, as this is a sentiment I wholeheartedly believe in and follow. For me, no outfit is complete with out an edgy pair of combat boots or oxfords. Even in the summer. I’m actually wearing a pair now 😉
http://cynicalduchess.com
super fab look, i want this bag 😀 so cute monkey
NEW POST on my blog <<< sunscreen summer 2017 >>>
have an happy day
kisses
Thanks a lot 😀
you look super as usual. Love it and great combo 😀
NEW REVIEW POST | SYOSS: the best HAIR RESTORE SHAMPOO ever. ;o
Instagram ∫ Facebook Official Page ∫ Miguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me 😀
It’s the customization that I love the most and always strive to do. Great tips and def love the little teddy wicker purse! Would love to connect at http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2017/08/01/exercise-routine-saves-life-threatening-problems/
Oh I love the signature script on the back of your denim jacket. Super pretty and unique.
I’ve been lusting over those Chanel shoes all season. Cute look lady 🙂
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
omg this is so cool, I want to get a jacket with my logo on it
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
That’s cool. I like your blog. Go to my blog http://alamodenatine.blogspot.com
Thanks a lot 😀
you look super as usual. Love it and great combo 😀
NEW REVIEW POST | SYOSS: the best HAIR RESTORE SHAMPOO ever. ;o
Instagram ∫ Facebook Official Page ∫ Miguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me 😀
I LOVE THAT BAG! It’s sooo cute !! I also like your pink dress, it’s really lovely 🙂 These are great tips, I think my “stamp look” is my shoes. I always wear eccentric shoes, most of them I had customized 🙂 I wear a simple t-shirt and denim jeans or shorts but my shoes are always a little bit quirky 😀
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
How cool is your customised jacket?!!? Serious envy, hahaha!! Also that bag is such a cutie! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Loved this post! The jacket looks so good and I love the bag.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
How cool is your customised jacket?!!? Serious envy, hahaha!! Also that bag is such a cutie! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
You are so chic, sweet, and a bit boyish with the dress and the jacket, most of all the bag is the bomb, thats the cutest <3
Anyway, would you like to following each other?
xoxo
ayu
It’s official….I need that lace dress in my life! You look stunning, doll
Kate || KATE KOUTURES
I’m a big fan of adding a jacket to a look- and then pushing up the sleeves. I instantly feel like myself in whatever I’m wearing!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Loved this post! The jacket looks so good and I love the bag.
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
You look so cute!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
I love how you pair your lacy dress with that denim jacket. It’s really a great outfit.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
You are so chic, sweet, and a bit boyish with the dress and the jacket, most of all the bag is the bomb, thats the cutest <3
Anyway, would you like to following each other?
xoxo
ayu
I love this super cute dress <3
You look super cute!
Carmelatte
It’s official….I need that lace dress in my life! You look stunning, doll
Kate || KATE KOUTURES
I’m a big fan of adding a jacket to a look- and then pushing up the sleeves. I instantly feel like myself in whatever I’m wearing!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
You look so cute!
http://iameleine.blogspot.com/
That’s SO cool! I love your denim jacket with the custom style on it! And your monkey basket bag? SO CUTE!
Raindrops of Sapphire
I’m all about customising at the moment! Thank you for the lovely comment doll xx
You’re so sweet, thank you hun! xx
Awww Carmen you say the nicest things, thank you so much! I’m so happy you like the look xx
Thank you so much Amanda xx
The bag is pretty special and defintiely a head turner xx
Haha isn’t it sweet, I love it’s little face xx
The bag is definitely getting a good reception! I think it’s one of those things you either love or hate! xx
Haha isn’t he funny! I love the way he’s smiling. I totally agree about pushing trend barrier xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Thank you so much hunny xx
Thanks hun xx
Thank you so much hun! I definitely think every blogger should have a jacket with their blog name on it! xx
Thank you hunny xx
Thank you Priscilla xx
I’m all for boots in the summer too! Thank you for the kind words hun xx
Isn’t it adorable!? xx
It’s actually a monkey, although he does look a bit like a bear too!xx
These shoes have definitely won me over, when I first bought them I wasn’t so sure but now I love them! xx
Do it!! You should so get one! xx
Thank you xx
You’re very sweet Miguel, thank you xx
Your’re very sweet xx
I’m a shoe gal too! I would love to see some of your customised shoes on your blog xx
Thank you so much lovely xx
Thank you sweetie xx
Awww, so glad you like it hun xx
Yes, that was exactly what I was trying to do, give it that boyish edge. Love that you noticed hun xx
Thank you darling xx
Haha, this dress is defintiely a summer fav of mine xx
Thank you xx
That’s great to hear, thanks hunny xx
Thank you sweetie xx
Isn’t he a cutie?! I’m obsessed with him at the moment xx
Yassss, I love rolling the sleeves up too! It’s the perfect finishing touch xx
That is a bag? How does it open? I don’t know if it doesn’t even matter to me, I need it! Such a cute one! And oh my, that jacket. I love everything in this look. Such a cute and statement one!
Heidi ✨ | Heidi’s Planner | Instagram
Haha, your comment made me laugh! It has a little opening at the back so you can put all your bits and pieces in it. Thank you so much for the lovely words hun xx