The Auntie SparkNotes Guide To Getting Dressed

Hi Auntie!
I realize this isn't a very serious matter, but I hope you'll answer it anyway. I've always been a bit of a tomboy, and for the past several years my wardrobe has consisted mainly of hoodies, jeans, t-shirts, and Converse shoes. I also have some simple, boyish button up blouses and a few sweaters/cardigans. I'm sixteen now and am finding that the majority of my clothes no longer fit my personality and my style (not that I really have a style now, so maybe I should say the kind of style I want to have.)

I don't want to transform to 'girly-girl' with sparkly and frilly clothing, but I'd really like to give off more of a "young lady" vibe then a "stuck in middle school" one. I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I can afford some new pieces. Ideally, I'd add to what I already have. My problem is, I have no idea where to start. I've tried looking at teen magazines for ideas, but when I try to put together a outfit I like in the store, it never looks quite right. My body shape is quite boyish (no chest and no hips) and I am really quite clueless when it comes to fashion. The clothes would also need to be practical, and quite warm since I live in a part of Canada where it's actually just a little bit cold in the winter (*gasp!*), and which is something that doesn't seem to occur to most of the magazines I've looked at (I'm not going to wear cute little ankle boots with high heels for walking through 30cm+ of snow!) I have a good winter coat, but I have no idea what to wear under it that will look nice while still being warm once I take the coat off at school. So I was hoping you would have some suggestions on how to dress a bit more feminine while still being warm and practical (I have stores like American Eagle, Gap and H&M nearby if that is at all helpful.) Oh, and I'd still like to wear my Converse!

I'm so glad someone asked me this question! For two reasons: first, because I'm still semi-comatose from a steady holiday diet of chocolate-covered butter lumps and can't handle any Serious Biz right now. And second, because it'll be a useful tool for any stylish Sparklers who want to take advantage of the wild post-holiday clearance sales to round out their wardrobes. (C'mon, I know you guys are doing this, too.)

That said, though, I'm mostly not going to tell you what to buy. Your personal style is personal, after all, and I might pick something you hated! So instead, I'm going to give you (and everyone!) a few basic, all-around, applicable-under-all-circumstances guidelines for Dressing Like A Motherfranking Adult.

1. A grownup fit. And by grownup, I mean one that shows off your body. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying that you have to sport the tighest pants, the smallest shirts, or enough cleavage to choke a bison—only that the basic structure of your shape should be visible. So for someone like you, whose taste runs toward the non-frilly end of the spectrum, that might mean trading in your boxy, boyish shirts for more tailored ones with a nipped-in waist; springing for a few layering pieces (long cardigans, v-necks, tunics, camisoles) in body-skimming, drapey fabrics like jersey; or buying some cold-weather tops that are comfortable and cozy, but made of a material that hugs your silhouette. (Note: Check out the henleys at the GAP. They are awesome.)

2. A more sophisticated palette. Yeah, neutral colors are boring, but despite this (or maybe because of it), they're also markers of style maturity. Think black, cream, grey, navy, and beige. So if you want to look more adult, try sticking to just one colorful piece per outfit and balancing out the rest with neutrals.
2A. Specific instruction: If you don't own a pair of jeans in a dark indigo wash, now would be a good time to get some.

3. Accessories. Jewelry, belts, scarves—all of these things will make you look more put together, which makes your look more sophisticated. To see this concept in action, try adding a long, skinny scarf and a statement bracelet to a basic converse sneakers/jeans/t-shirt ensemble. It changes everything! I don't know why! But just look at Rachel Bilson, illustrating it like a champion!

4. Age-appropriate shoes. Don't worry, you can still keep the Chucks—but also consider a) some simple ballet flats (to be worn with cropped or slim pants when it's warmer), b) some knee-high boots made out of leather and/or a reasonable approximation (to be worn over skinny jeans with a wooly sweater or drapey cardigan), and c) a pair of heels (or wedges) in basic black or brown. The taller, elongated silhouette that you get from a heel—even a slight one—will kick pretty much any outfit into more adult territory.
4a. Hey, did you say something about walking in the snow? Because OMG you guys, someone needs to buy these.
Or maybe these? No, wait! THESE.

...But I digress. And of course, skewing your look a bit older is as much about what you don't wear as it is about what you do—so while you're revamping your wardrobe, make sure you're not sporting frilly little bows, cutesy prints of big-eyed animals, or outfits composed entirely of pastels.

But no matter what you settle on, be it tomboy chic or something a little dressier, you can count on projecting a lovely Young Lady vibe the more you get comfy with your own personal style. Because when it comes to looking grown up, confidence is pretty much the best accessory you can have.

Got any fashion tips for our Sparkler? Go crazy in the comments! And to get advice from Auntie, email her at advice@sparknotes.com.

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