Try These Simple
Styling Tricks to Elevate Your Essentials
Create more impactful outfits—this season and beyond.
Over the years, I’ve developed a mostly unwavering confidence in what I wear. I can quickly identify the silhouettes that work for me (love you, not-too-wide-leg jeans), and I’ve accepted the fact that I probably won’t wear an item if it requires any fussing or adjusting (maybe one day, gorgeous scarf coat). When it comes to how I wear items I like, however: that’s a journey still in the making.
It wasn’t until this past summer that I really, consciously paid attention to the art of styling itself, asking questions like, How can I take my outfits to the next level using items I already own? I ended up documenting some of the fruits of my efforts in this story, which was a good reminder that even a small tweak can result in a more impactful outfit.
You can apply the styling principles like tucking a shirt or adding a belt to a wide range of outfits, but because we now find ourselves in near-winter, I wanted to follow up with outfit inspiration tailored to the current season. Below, see four before-and-after looks that are cold-weather-friendly and feature items you likely already have in your closet.
Shop all the looks from this story here.
Note: This is a subjective exercise. The “before” looks are perfectly good outfits—some of you might even like them best! The latter are just a bit more nuanced and, therefore, convey a more distinct sense of style.
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A knit top and a pair of comfortable jeans is probably my most-worn outfit formula, regardless of the season, which means I’ve had plenty of opportunities to improve upon it. To take this particular iteration from veering-on-drab to gorgeously dynamic, I started by unbelting the Merritt jardigan. This revealed the elegant Bryce turtleneck, which features an off-white neckline detail that serves as a nice call-back to the ivory Milo jeans. For further contrast, I added a bold black belt and bookended the look with coordinating loafers.
Look #2
A Classic Work Dress
A dress is an instant one-and-done outfit, but don’t underestimate the importance of accessories. Think of the time you saved by choosing a dress as extra time that can be spent on fine-tuning the details. When it comes to blank-canvas styles like the Lancia dress, your options are pretty much endless, and you don’t need to change much in order to maximize its visual impact. Cinched at the waist, a statement belt breaks up your silhouette and adds a bit of definition to your shape; tights extend your legs and form a striking, winter-friendly silhouette.
Look #3
A Blouse and Black Pants
This might be the Minnesotan in me talking, but one silver lining of cold weather is that it automatically makes your outfits more interesting. Why? Because more often than not, when the weather drops below 60°, your outfit is going to involve some sort of jacket, making your look more layered—both literally and figuratively. Tossing on a classic black blazer instantly adds depth and rarely clashes with whatever you have on, but this season, I challenge you to play with layers that are slightly less expected. Here, I wanted to embrace the black and brown palette I had going on with my Daria jeans and espresso Nora top, so I went for the Tyner jacket in date. Along with my also brown loafers and a coordinating belt, the jacket makes this non-traditional, uniquely chic color combination look confident and intentional.
Looking for fresh ways to repurpose your daytime looks for after-hours events? For a blazer–trouser combo, try swapping your more conservative underpinning for something slinky and silky—or ditch it all together, as I’ve done here. That’s right: try wearing your blazer as a top, which increases your fashion-forward (and sexy) factor. (If you want a little peace of mind re: wardrobe malfunctions, you can fasten a safety pin on the inside.) Swap your loafers for heels, and your previously 9-to-5 ensemble is ready for the wee hours.
Shop all the looks from this story here.
