When I think about making the most of my wardrobe, it goes a little further than ensuring I invest in the right key pieces. Styling is a huge element, and it’s how you wear an item that can really alter how you perceive it. Over the years, I’ve developed some simple guidelines that I find help me to pull together an outfit that always looks good. So I thought today, I’d run through the styling tips I use every day.
Wearing Frame Denim grey tee (old but love the look of this and this is another good basic), Everlane high rise skinny jeans (ankle), Isabel Marant belt (also here), Edgii coat, Topshop blush slingbacks (also here), Phillip Lim mini pashli bag, Pandora love pods necklace/charm, Use Less X Stilnest earrings
Start with one focal piece
Going straight back to basics, the first thing I do when I’m planning out my outfit for the day, is base it around one focal piece. It could be a new addition I’ve recently added to my closet, or a style staple I’m just loving wearing at the minute. This helps to create the foundation of my look, and from there, I quickly scan my wardrobe for outfit options that will complement the piece, while still managing to balance out my proportions (more on that later).
Tuck it in
I doubt I would have been caught dead tucking in a shirt or a tee during my teenage years, but I’ve come to recognise that it’s one of those styling tips that goes the extra mile. It looks smart, it defines your waist, and it’s effortless. Usually I’ll favour a full tuck, but a French tuck (or “half tuck”) can look chic too. With the latter, I’ll pair it with a blazer or jacket as that helps to balance out any bulk at the waistline from a side profile.
Balanced Proportions
Loose on top, fitted on bottom, or vice versa. This is a styling rule I’ve used for years, and it’s yet to fail me. I also try to use this technique to balance out my body proportions too. I have a super long torso for my height, so I will opt for a mid to high rise jean as anything with a low rise can make my legs look shorter than they are. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, but more often than not, this is one I like to stick to.
Masculine meets feminine
Juxtaposing masculine and feminine elements is a great way to add visual interest to an outfit. Taking the outfit above as an example, I’ve paired an oversized tee and coat with slim fitting jeans, and balanced out these more gamine elements with a low heeled pump. Lipstick is another way you can add in a feminine touch without being too literal.
Roll up your sleeves
Something I subconsciously do no matter the top I’m wearing is roll up the sleeves. I find that it can be quite flattering to expose part of the forearm, and the added “bulk” at the elbows adds a bit of shape to the look. It also has the effect of feeling casual, in a very intentional way. I’ll do this with both oversized sweaters, blazers, or blouses.
Mix textures
The simplest way to create depth in an outfit, especially if it’s monochrome (which many of my outfits are), is to introduce different textures. I opt mostly for natural fibres, and will pair materials like cotton with silk, or linen with wool.
Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise
The devil is in the details, and one of the final parts of pulling together an outfit are the accessories you pair with it. While it might not immediately feel like it, they do have the power to transform a look. Whether it’s dainty earrings, a chunky necklace, a shoe that’s a serious show stopper or a fancy ‘it’ bag, I like to think about what each accessory says or adds to the outfit. A bold red lip is also a great accessory, and will take your outfit from 0 to 100 in just a few seconds.
Less is more
My personal style is pretty basic by its very nature. I don’t opt for “out there” pieces, instead choosing to subscribe to a less is more approach. There’s a time and a place for a maximalist more is more mentality, but it doesn’t often come out in my own styling choices. Simple outfit combinations work best for me, and I’m not afraid to repeat a look that I love. This usually means a pared back colour palette (like above), reserved accessories, and not a lot of layering.
