I used to be really unhappy with my outfits. I didn’t love the colors or how the different pieces interacted with each other. I didn’t feel put together or like I was expressing myself with my outfits.
It felt like I was just wearing clothes for the sake of wearing clothes… I didn’t feel styled.
If you relate to this, then this article is for you.
I had to change something… anything. I knew I wanted to dress differently than I had my entire life and in order to do that I had to start thinking outside the box that had been built for me. I embraced my own standards and from that I learned how to style clothes in a way that felt true to me, satisfying, and effortless.
There are three things I keep in mind when I style my outfits: color, fit, and elevation.
Color
When I style an outfit, I think about whether I want colors to create simplicity, movement, or focus.
Mirroring colors:
The mirroring of colors creates an immersion effect which gives the eye a satisfying place to settle. For example: if I were to wear a cream fringed skirt, a cream fringed jacket, cream boots, and a cream cowgirl hat I have put together an outfit that mirrors itself. Additional thought: for this outfit I would wear a simple white t-shirt or white cami under the jacket. White gives the eye somewhere to rest. The idea is that the matching colors create a space for eyes to quietly settle.
Complementing colors:
Complementing colors are colors that support each other without taking over or disappearing. They catch eyes with a gentle movement… much like a dance. My favorite combination is soft pink and white. One of my favorite work outfits I’ve styled was a pink business blazer, white camisole, blue jeans, and white cowgirl boots with gold accessories for a finishing touch. They mix softly and intentionally, creating a beautiful harmony.
Contrasting colors:
Contrasting colors don’t blend together. Rather, they boldly catch the eye’s attention with one glance and guide its attention with each double take. To create a strong contrast I’ll style a rich brown skirt with a cream lace top. One item is dark and rich in color. The other is soft and delicate. I’ll add dark brown boots and a dark brown cowgirl hat for a stronger contrast. The final look confidently demands the eye’s focus.
An immersion of color creates a space for eyes to quietly settle. Blending complementing colors catches the eyes with gentle movement. The boldness of contrasting colors guide the eyes' attention.
Fit
When an outfit looks or feels off that’s normally because there isn’t enough structure to guide the eye to a focal point.
Creating flattering outfits is more than just wearing flattering clothes.
The fit of each item and how they work together determines how visual weight is distributed throughout an outfit.
There are three different fit formulas that I use.
Creating balance from top to bottom:
With this method the focal point is on the bottoms… whether that be a flowy skirt or a pair of flared jeans. A form fitting top supports the focus on the bottoms. If adding a jacket, it’s important that it doesn’t compete with the already established focal point.
Creating counterbalance:
This is the opposite of the previous formula. Instead of the focal point being the bottoms, now it's on the top. The top is the focus while the bottoms support it. A pair of skinny jeans or simple boot cut jeans will instantly make a flowy shirt standout on its own.
Creating space for emphasis:
To create this look both the top and bottom are mostly form fitted. Adding a little fringe or layers make this look come alive. This is my favorite way to create space for a statement accessory such as a larger belt or layer jewelry without the outfit getting overwhelmingly busy.
Elevation
Elevation is the point where the eye’s attention lingers. If the pieces of an outfit are competing with each other, the eye doesn’t know where to linger. If, however, the pieces of an outfit support each other, the eye knows exactly where to linger.
A statement skirt with a statement top could create an overpowering and chaotic outfit.
Each outfit needs a main feature, a supportive feature, and a connecting feature.
This is what I would do: a long tulle skirt (main feature) with a basic graphic t-shirt (supportive feature) and a thick leather belt (connecting feature).
Presence
Presence is the intentional atmosphere a woman creates around herself. It’s more than just an outfit. It’s how people experience you. Intentional presence is what makes an outfit come to life.
Going out to coffee in style is just going out to coffee in style until you choose how you shape the moment.
Wearing perfume is just wearing perfume until you set your own atmosphere.
An outfit is not complete until you bring it to life in the ways that only you can.
Your unique presence is the final lingering experience.
Getting dressed became easier once I stopped trying to make every piece stand out and started paying attention to how they worked together.
Getting dressed became more meaningful once I learned that how I show up in my outfits has a lasting effect on both myself and others. The feeling people experience around you is what makes the most impact.
Presence lingers longer than presentation.
As much as I enjoy finding just the right outfits, I also understand that not everyone loves that part. Maybe you want the results but the process is not for you. If that’s you, I would love to style you! I use this same process to select outfits that support your needs. If this sounds right for you, you can learn more and book my services on my Personalized Style Boards page.
If you love the process as much as I do but want to explore my Styled Picks, I have the perfect spot for you! Read about and view my favorite pieces in my article Styled Picks.