Ever seen a woman who has that certain je ne sais quoi—a woman with something special yet seemingly indefinable about her that makes her stand out?

You notice her. You want to meet her. She’s intriguing and alluring and you want to know how she does it.

She’s probably wearing something that represents a quality that appeals to you: surprise, humor, drama, or charm.

Often if you dissect the outfit of a woman like this, you’ll see a detail (or two or three) that pull you in and make you curious. It’s something a little different and edgy, and it gives her that thing we all want: magnetism.

Frankly, most of us could use a little more edge, but it’s something a few types of women could benefit from in particular.

Who could benefit from this? Anyone who’s feeling blah or bored with their outfits, who never gets compliments; who’s never had a stranger approach her to start a conversation.

It may sound hard, but it’s not. Here are a couple of examples of simple things that create edge.

1. A woman wearing jeans; a patterned, untucked blouse; and ballet flats. The edge comes from a pair of thick, oversize sunglasses she’s sporting. She looks intriguing, and it’s all because of her glasses.

2. A woman in a man-tailored trouser with a crisp white shirt, open at the neck, with French cuffs and silver cuff links. Her shirt requires cuff links and she’s wearing silver ones. She has fantastic hair: an edgy bob with gorgeous highlights. She has on a pair of suede loafers with cats on the front. She looks as if she probably has a sense of humor, and people who see her want to know more. It’s the haircut with definition, which gives the impression that this woman knows who she is—sharp and intelligent. (Hey, not everyone wears cats on their shoes! It’s unusual and interesting.)

Adding edge

Here are five more ways to add edge to your outfit.

1. Wear a great jacket. It could be a jacket with a striking pattern (think: images of birds, words, or exaggerated flora). It could be one with bright colors, or it could mix a neutral color with a non-neutral color like camel and bright orange, or brown and turquoise.

2. Choose a larger, more distinctive handbag. If you wear totes, make your next one an exaggerated shape or one in an unusual pattern or color.3. .Try a hat. Hats are great conversation starters, because they’re so unusual. 

4. Add sparkle. Find a way to add some sparkle, particularly if you typically wear casual separates,. Add a bold necklace or pair of earrings with crystal or other shiny detail. Wear a flat with a metallic finish, plus details like bows or buckles.
5. Wear more than one of something. If you usually wear one bangle, wear three. If you normally wear one pendant, layer an extra chain or two to make it look more compelling.

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   via Pinterest

Are you ready to add edge? This is my specialty when I work with my clients—helping them bring their inner sparkle out. If you’d like to do that, I’d love to help.

(Ketura Persellin is an image consultant and wardrobe stylist, a blogger, and a public speaker. Please contact her to schedule an initial strategy session.)