The 3 Elements of a Stylish Outfit
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Feel CONFIDENT in your outfits! But why do some outfits feel more confident-giving than others?
When I figured out these three elements of a stylish outfit, I started building more outfits that made me feel amazing. And the best part was I used a lot of what was already living in my closet.
1. Balance the Volume
This is traditionally where we’d talk about proportions: If one area is larger than the other, add volume to the small area to balance out your frame. And that’s correct!
BUT, I find the obsession is rooted in our horizontal body shape (shoulders vs waist vs hips). When you focus just on your horizontal features, the vertical-ness of your body can still be imbalanced, and you’ll still feel like someone’s not right with your outfit.
So I also try to balance the volume vertically: shoes, bottoms/legs, top/shoulders, neck, and hair.
In general, you want to alternate voluminous and tight between those. But don’t limit yourself.
Ideally, when deciding between options, this helps you CHOOSE.
For example, if you’re wearing “tight” shoes, voluminous pants, a tight top with your hair in a tight bun - you’ll notice that there’s one voluminous piece in a sea of tight pieces. So choose the bigger bag to pair with the outfit to balance it out.
2. Balance with Contrast
Not all sizes are created equal. The CONTRAST of those sizes is what determines how “tight” or how “voluminous” it is.
Think of volume as the “big knob” you use to dial in an outfit and the contrast as the “finesse knob.”
Black and white are the ultimate contrast colors. If you put them together, they will always stand out from each other. Now tie in the volume/tight contrast from above. If two pieces are both tight and black/white, they will contrast a little less than two pieces where one is voluminous and the other is tight with black/white. That has two elements of major contrast.
Take a monochrome outfit. This has less contrast in color since it’s all the same/similar color. Playing with volume is what adds elements of interest and style to this outfit in a way that’s not overwhelming or too challenging.
I could write a book on this, so send me a DM if you want a YouTube video going into more explanation.
“Think of volume as the “big knob” you use to dial in an outfit and the contrast as the “finesse knob.””
3. Skin
LACK of outfit is also part of your outfit. Where you show skin and the color of your skin in contrast with the other colors you’re wearing is the final piece of this stylish outfit puzzle.
Does showing more of your neck make your torso shorter?
Does rolling up your sleeves make your outfit feel lighter?
Does a turtleneck sweater with long pants, high boots, and long sleeves feel heavy?
When it feels like an area of an outfit still isn’t working, try making it go away. Literally.
When you show skin, it becomes more about you wearing the outfit and less how the outfit wears you.