Photo Credit:Shop Yarn Love, Lookbook.nu
Outfit styling is my most popular so I’m sharing this info based on my Style School Facebook Live class last month. (Skip first 5 min.)
Dressing is an art form and can be really fun – especially if you’re a creative. Even if you don’t identify as a creative you still can learn how to be creative and use these strategies to be successful at putting together a fabulous look.
There are many concepts trained stylists use when styling high fashion or the everyday woman. I’m going to share three with you:
- Harmony
- Fabric
- Color
In this post I’ll talk about harmony.
Harmony or unity is the idea of creating a story, a theme, mood or tone. When designers, stylists, and artists start a project they first decide on a concept or story. That concept guides each of the following choices for the outfit, show, clothing line or art piece.
The concept or story should unify your pieces and create a complete look.
We’re all familiar with the concept of harmony in outfitting. For example, if you were to meet a friend for a birthday brunch at her favorite cafe, the theme would be “Birthday Brunch at Cute Cafe.” You might wear a pretty blouse, dressy jeans, a smart-looking cardigan or little jacket with low heels or dressy flats. You’d never wear your gym shoes because you know they don’t harmonize.
Everything down to the accessories should harmonize. You can combine ideas to create a theme, but it should be one story.
There are two aspects of harmony you need to consider.
- The first is telling one story – have one complete look.
- Second, pick pieces that harmonize with your unique colors, shapes, & lines. This is a little harder to execute because it takes knowledge, skill, and occasionally coaching. Once we learn what is best for our coloring and shape, our outfits come together so easily and help us look our best!
When you get dressed in the morning, or better yet when you plan your outfit the night before, make dressing fun by picking an outfit story. Make sure the theme will work with the activities of the day.
Have fun. Keep it simple.
We can find inspiration for fun outfits from nature. Here are four examples.
- If you love flowers and gardening, a fun outfit story would be “a bloom at home” and use hues from your favorite flowers for color inspiration. You might put together an outfit of green and coral accented with rose. (We will talk more in-depth about colors in the post on color theory.)
2. Maybe you love to bake, you can create a “berry tart soiree” theme and put purple, pink, and blue together.
3. Burnt out? Need to relax and diffuse? Draw inspiration from a refreshing drink. Combine green and blue for a cool combo.
4. Here’s another source of inspiration from art. These jewel tones look gorgeous together.
We’ll touch back on color, but for now, I want you to start looking for outfit inspiration from nature and everyday life.
Take a walk outside. What colors do you see together in nature? What combinations are you drawn to?
SUMMARY:
Remember “harmony” when outfit styling. Harmony or unity is the idea of creating ONE story, theme, mood, or tone. Use inspiration from home and nature for your theme. Finally, make sure everything you put together tells a single story – including the accessories. I can’t tell you how many outfits have been butchered by the wrong shoes or purse!
Comment of the Day
Today’s comment comes from Melissa on the post How To Wear Your Favorite Plaid Shirt: Part 3:
That belt looks great with these jeans! I don’t usually wear belts but think they look great on others!
I’m glad you mentioned that, Melissa! Belts are an underutilized accessory I encourage everyone to try. They add a focal point and are an easy way to look pulled together – even when wearing a tee shirt & jeans.
Pop on a belt with your jeans and a front-tucked tee shirt. Especially add one over a midi skirt or dress to complete your look for church or date night! Let me know how it goes.
Need some belts? Here are some budget-friendly ideas I love.
We are linked up with:Jo-Lynne Shane | | Shelbee On the Edge | Nancy’s Fashion Style| Straight A Style
PLEASE SHARE: What colors are you wearing today?
Love all those color combinations! They are thrilling! Hope to see you on my Fancy Friday linkup party!
Thanks, Nancy! I just joined the linkup. Love your earrings – you’ve inspired me to step up my game!
Great post to encourage use of colors inspired by nature’s variety. But what if one doesn’t feel bold enough on the art of combining and reaching harmony? I guess I always end up in the comfort zone of neutral (and safe) colors to wear like navy, white, grey, jeans…
Long distance hug,
Debora – Brazil
I feel you! I gravitate towards neutrals as well. Try starting small by pairing blue jeans with a pastel green top (if it’s a color that suits you). Blush or pink is also a soft color that’s easier to wear. I’d start by adding a couple of classic cut tee shirts (low-cost investment) in a “new” color. This is an easy way to experiment and start pushing your fashion boundaries. Let me know how it goes!!
Great content! I love color! I’m wearing a grass green long sleeve Tee with dark jeans and topped with a black and white gingham rain coat from Talbots!
I love the color combo you put together. I bet the green top looks stunning with the black and white gingham. Well done!!
Shannon, I love these sources of outfit inspiration! And the concept of harmony in an outfit is such a great one. I don’t know that I have ever articulated it that way, but I will from now on! Such a great post! And I love your new branding! Thanks for linking up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Great to see you, Shelbee! Thanks, I’ve been working on changing things over for what seems like a long time. “Home schooling” takes up a bit of time. Hope you’re having a great week!