What makes an outfit interesting?
And how to use this as a filter for trends
The allure of the seasons trends is, for me, the promise that it will make an outfit interesting. With a single item, my closet will be refreshed and have a new lease on life. Or is there more to it? Will a new item alone bring that newness I crave, or could it be a bandaid for a much larger style problem?
I think the answer is both, and the task of deciding when you’re making a trend decision that will catapult your style forward, versus what will end up in next season’s donate pile can be murky. For today, we’ll focus only on the positive aspects of what a trend can do for us.
Often a trend is simply classic pieces that have been reinvented or even in a new way of wearing an old piece. I think of the mesh ballet flat, the bucket bag, or the kitten heel. We see new loafter shapes every year, new boot shapes, different heel hegiths, but at the end of the day, they are mostly the same. Depending on the depth of change in each of these designs they will likely enjoy a different amount of longevity in our collective psyche. But ultimately, they all have a heavy dose of timelessness in their construction. These are the trends that I’m most interested in, and I think it’s these reinvented classic pieces that can teach us a lot about what makes an outfit interesting. Essentially, trends are reinvented, and occastionally new, pieces that grab hold of our collective imaginations and strike a chord within a vast number of people.
When it comes to the ways these classics are re-introduced to us and tweaked over time, a few aspects stand out.
Color play is one of the freshest ways to change an outfit or cause your eye to pause. Using color in an outfit is similar to creating a painting full of movement. The movement is often made by the placement, contrast, and compliment of color. The clearest way we see this in the fashion world right now is the “pop of red” trend. And when you see it, it’s almost silly how something so simple can captivate our attention and cause a physical reaction. How could you not want to incorporate a vermillion splash in all future outfits? In one sense, there is nothing new about owning red shoes. In another sense, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen this particular kind of color play, which focuses on such a layer cake of neutrals as the backdrop. I think it’s this setting which makes us feel particularly drawn to a striking color. Fashion predictors think that icky green and cobalt blue will (are?) following in red’s footsteps. Maybe the pop of a bright color doesn’t speak to you, and that’s okay. Or you like it but are unsure if it vibes with your style? Fortunately there are a lot of fascinating ways we can play with color. If you prefer a tonal outfit with varying shades of neutrals, consider the possibility of a few weird neutrals accomplishing the same effect, but on your terms. Reddish brown, acid mossy green, grayed out powder blue, or dusty lilac can be great options that still honor your neutral palette. These off colors still read as a neutral in most cases, so the next time something in a weird, off shade catches your eye, give it a try! Tip: try it in a glossy shoe or bag, a fuzzy sweater, or a bold earring. The more you learn to layer and play with color, the more interesting your outfits will be.
Become a master of detail and layering. When it comes to layering, I don’t simply mean the coat over cardigan over tee over tank ready-for-any-weather layering. I mean layering with an eye for detail. Let your white tee peek out from under your navy cashmere crew. Pay attention to how your jewelry interacts with your outfit, and learn to create custom solutions. Wear a scarf, wear a belt, wear colored tights, and have a few sock options that aren’t black. When in summer, or an otherwise warm climate, creating an interesting outfit can feel tricky because you’re just dealing with fewer possibilities in order to stay cool. This is where paying attention to proportion pays off big time. Balance out the sizes of your elements, which might just be a tank, a pant/short/skirt, and your shoes. Your jewelry and bag also play an important role, and the color of which has the potential for a big impact.
I read recently that your basic, tried and true pieces should have a point of view. It was such a powerful idea for me, because I don’t think I had ever thought that I should be looking for an interesting or weird detail on say, the button down shirt I buy. I thought you would just want to buy the most classic wearable style out there. I measured this idea against my personal experience and noticed this could be why I often find many of my staples incredibly boring. My favorite shirts are the ones with a weird hem, layering capability, and some color contrast. Even when it comes to the simpler outfits of summer, I think it holds up. I love a top/jeans/sandal look more than anything. But even so, a basic t-shirt has always felt bland to me. I have never had the experience of feeling liberated by the basic white tee and jeans look. But when I imagine a basic white tee in an interesting cut with those same jeans, I get excited. It gets even better when you imagine it with a contrasting strappy sandal, a bold ear cuff and an oversized tote (in a weird color!) for your laptop and notebook.
Pay attention to opportunities to create juxtaposition. You can create interest simply by adding something shiny or fuzzy to a simple outfit. Another great way to do this is to pair something polished with something casual. A blazer with joggers, dress pants with sneakers, frilly blouse with ripped jeans, etc. etc. Another way this can work is to create a uniform of the same, like Leandra’s look below of denim on denim. In this case, the details really matter. She has created a striking look through the openness of the denim in the neckline, rips, and rolled up sleeves. It’s a tonal outfit with a detailed shoe and bag. In this case, the contrast is more subtle, but still there. I bring attention to this because it’s important to see that you don’t have to wear a loud outfit in order to harness the power of juxtaposition.
So my note-to-self when sifting though the trends is to look for the pieces that are classic, yet have an opinion. To continue having fun with color, and allow some weird ones to make their way in to my base of neutrals, and to remember that my accessories wield more power than their diminutive size might suggest. Oh, and pair opposites together for some good friction.
What do you think makes an outfit interesting?
Send me an email at billowstyling@gmail.com. There will be no Substack post next week as I make space for some other projects, but I look forward to connecting again soon.
Can you even believe Spring is nearly here? I clipped some bare forsythia branches and brought them inside so we can have some early blooms forced open by the warm inside air. Spring flowers make me so happy after a long winter.
Until soon,
MDS