16 style rules to live and die by
I’m so glad you asked. Nothing will give me more joy than taking a look at some of my all-time favorite outfits and figuring out what makes them great.
By analyzing these classic fashion images, I have figured out exactly how to create those homerun outfits.
Learning these 16 simple tricks will make your outfits sing. People will admire your style, and you will feel well-dressed and charismatic.
1. Different textures
The first thing that makes an outfit into something lust-worthy and effortlessly cool is playing with textures.
This simple style-hack is behind almost every great outfit. It is what makes leather and denim such a killer combination.
Mix different fabrics
Anything with a silky texture will pop when combined with something rough, such as a chunky knit. I love the idea of a velvet skirt and a leather jacket.
For the same reason, lace looks seductive and chic when combined with almost anything less delicate. Suede is another smart way to bring extra texture to your outfit.
2. Different proportions
Dressing with that je ne sais quoi is all about proportions.
If you wear something voluminous on top, go slender on the bottom and vice versa.
As proof, I give you this picture of 90s Donna Karen. (See above.) Ridiculously chic If you ask me.
Sure, a tight outfit can be nice; it’s just never going to be as badass-looking as an outfit that plays with proportions.
Another way of utilizing this secret is to combine your slim outfit with an oversize coat.
Consider the proportions of your accessories
So, when you try to find that holy grail of an outfit, don’t forget to play with different proportions. This goes for accessories as well. An oversize bag or a statement belt will look sophisticated when combined with more slimming pieces.
I would say this styling trick is behind almost every great outfit.
3. Matching elements
Back in the day, women used to match their handbags to their shoes. Not many people do that anymore, but we absolutely should. It’s an easy trick to make a plain outfit sing.
Just check out how Cindy does it in this retro picture. Sure, jeans and a t-shirt are nice, but the way the shoes and belt match, make it into an outfit.
There are several different elements in your outfit that can match. Basically, everything that counts as an accessory has the possibility to match each other. So don’t forget to consider your cap or your sunglasses, or your jeweler when you think about how to match different parts of your outfit.
4. Cool and unusual color combinations
Contrast colors are colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel; when combined, they look intriguing.
It seems like they shouldn’t work, but the very fact that they clash is what makes them instantly cool-looking.
Add colorful accessories
When you want to make a statement, this devious trick should make you stand out in any crowd. You can also utilize this principle when it comes to accessories. Instead of having matching accessories, mismatch them in contrasting colors.
Examples of contrast colors are blue and orange and yellow and purple. I also want to suggest brown and blue
Just take a look at this photo of Julie Pelipas; what makes the outfit memorable is the contrasting colors in her accessories.
5. A reference to the past
Fashion is equally part looking to the future and obsession with the past.
Keep this in mind when you ask what makes a great outfit. Start with something vintage looking and take that piece to our current time by combining it with your modern-day wardrobe.
There is a reason every stylist likes to room around vintage shops. Fashion is a homage to all the ideas that have come before. Being aware of fashion history and different designers’ unique fingerprints, you will be able to create outfits worthy of an it-girl.
To illustrate my point, I give you this picture from Isaac Mizrahi’s -94 fashion show, (bottom left.) It still feels relevant.
6. Something au courant
Nothing quite like hitting a major trend just before everyone else jumps on the train, right?
If you manage to snap up a trend and make it blend into your own unique aesthetic, you’ve got your hands on a killer outfit.
If you are wondering what’s trending in 2023, may I suggest cutouts, fuchsia neon, and baggy jeans?
(Maybe not at the same time
