Fashion Principles 101 & Style Theory Lesson 1: Contrast
When was the last time you put on an outfit and felt like something about the ensemble just “wasn’t right?” We’ve all been there, maaaaaaany times. It can be an odd feeling, too, when you know you especially like an individual piece, but wearing it right now is just not working for you.
Right now, I hope to help you answer that question, with my new series, Fashion Principles 101 & Style Theory. Once a month, we’ll dive into the “rules” of style (and not rules that are “do this, not this”) and go behind the thought process that drives great styling and what the components are to putting together a fantastic outfit. I want to teach YOU to be your own best personal stylist (psst, which you can also learn in my new book coming out shortly).
Just because that wonky wardrobe feeling happens doesn’t mean your whole Look is doomed to be a total flop. More often than not, all it needs is some minor tweaking.
Once you learn how to tweak your outfits, you can actually save money (and contribute less conspicuous consumption) because you know how to utilize everything in your closet better, and you don’t have to cave in to the feeling of… “oh I need to buy something.”
So… how do we tweak?
One way to tweak an outfit is by asking yourself, what is the dominating theme that you want from this Look and, what can I incorporate that is the polar opposite of that style or vibe? Here’s what I mean...
If your outfit is feminine, contrast it with something edgy. (For example, add a leather jacket over a blush ruffled dress with ballet flats)
If your outfit is professional, contrast it with something casual. (For example, add a white cotton tee under your blazer)
If your outfit is preppy, contrast it with something bohemian. (For example, add a tasseled ankle bootie with your plaid blazer and black jeans)
If your outfit is dressy, contrast it with something relaxed (For example, add straight-legged blue jeans with a shimmery satin blouse and heels)
If your outfit is masculine, contrast it with something feminine (For example, a blush kitten heel with a navy blazer)
Notice how this crisp, navy blazer becomes more “approachable” with a relaxed blue jean (that even has an open hem).
photo: Emerson Fry
You might think a black midi skirt says a formal evening or funeral. Not here! Pair it with a neutral sneaker and denim jacket and you’ve just expanded your closet!
Photo: Fashion Jackson Blog
Doesn’t a cropped leather pant so a bit “intense”? Soften it up with a timeless camel coat that softens the edge.
Photo: Amazed Blog
When your Look is composed of satins and knits, it may feel too flowy and soft. Simply add structure with a nice tailored jacket!
Photo: Telva Blog
When your trouser pant - sweater combo seems too “going into the office”, liven it up with a relaxed leather jacket!
Photo: Amazed Blog
When you put on a long, flowy white dress do you feel too romantic? Add a bit of edge with a black boot and black jacket.
Photo: Vogue Germany
These are some general style principles that will allow you to tailor outfits to evolve with your own personal taste. If you’d like to see a few more examples of inspired contrasts, check out these examples and be sure to note my description to learn more about how each element plays its part in the contrast.
There you have it! I hope this little lesson in Style Theory makes your wardrobe feel bigger than it is! And have fun!