Style Buzz: 5 Tips for Experimenting with Style
- Eugene Stylist
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Just because I'm walking to work doesn't mean I can't be stylish!"
I saw a couple out walking their dog a few nights ago and while they were dressed for it - both in a light grey shapeless t-shirt and beige shorts - they were so, well, boring! The next morning I came across this lovely lady who was walking to work and thought she looked adorable! She said that incorporating color gives her a mental boost, starting her day off on a bright and cheery note. Yes, it does take a little bit of hunting to find what you like and what works for the task, but how much better do you feel when you're energized by simply putting on your walking-to-work happy outfit?
xxx rachel
HOW TO EXPERIMENT WITH CLOTHES
I frequently get complemented my outfit but then hear, "But you're a stylist! Of course you always look put together." But style isn't a one-and-done skill. Yes, my outfits are usually well-thought through, but even I have occasional misses where I'm not 100% confident of what I've selected. It just goes to show that a huge part of style is knowing how to dress yourself, it's always - and I mean always - a work in progress and a matter of trying and experimenting and sometimes just learning from our mistakes. And that tomorrow is another chance to try again.
One of the easiest ways to refresh your style is simply to experiment. That doesn't mean suddenly dressing like someone else or filling your wardrobe with clothes you'll never wear. It means making small changes that help you discover what feels good and what doesn't. Even outfits that don't quite work are valuable because they teach you something. Here are five easy ways to start experimenting with clothes to help you hit the mark more than you miss it. |
1. Try a different silhouette.If you usually wear fitted tops with skinny jeans, try a relaxed shirt with wide-leg trousers. If you live in oversized clothing, experiment with something more structured. A new shape can completely change how an outfit feels without changing your personal style.
2. Add color in the accessories first.If bright colors feel intimidating, don't start with a hot pink blazer. Instead, try colorful shoes, handbag, scarf, or belt. Accessories are an easy, low-commitment way to discover which colors make you feel confident before introducing them in larger pieces.
3. Mix something familiar with something new.Pair one experimental item with clothes you already love. A new jacket with your favorite jeans or an unfamiliar skirt with your go-to knit feels much less daunting or costume-y than changing everything at once.
4. Wear it more than once.Your initial impression isn't always reliable. Sometimes a piece feels "wrong" simply because it's unfamiliar. If it fits as it should, wear it a few times, style it differently, and give yourself a chance to adjust before deciding it's not for you. (And it's ok if it isn't!)
5. Learn from the misses.Not every outfit will be a winner, and that's perfectly normal. Rather than thinking, "That looked terrible," ask yourself why. Was the color too harsh? Were the proportions off? Did the shoes change the balance? Every outfit gives you clues about what suits you, making your next choice even better.
So give yourself a break if today's outfit was not quite what you were going for! It doesn't mean you don't have style. What it means is that you are learning about what you do and don't like, what you feel suits you and reflects you best. |
One final tip: use my Style Diary to track your outfits. By marking how something made you feel, you'll start to see patterns with specific pieces or outfits that you can learn from and correct the next time you wear it.
ANATOMY OF AN OUTFIT
This is a peek into my favorite outfit of the week where I break it down for you: why I've put it together and why it works, what elements could be swapped out, things to consider, etc.
I've been invited to help with an upcoming fundraiser (more info soon!). Naturally, I wanted to represent my business so I popped this outfit on for our initial meeting. Because - say it with me - first impressions matter! It felt important to be comfortable yet polished, so I picked a black and cream floral print blouse and black leather skirt. The shirt is too long to leave untucked, so in it goes with a black leather belt to make the transition more intentional (which, along with the sleeves and A-line shape of the skirt define my lack of a waist). For a pop of color, I added my burgundy slingbacks and a complementary handbag. The tie of the blouse has gold aglets, so I added gold earrings and gold/cream bracelets to tie it all together.
Blouse: Tahari
Skirt: Wilsons Leather
Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Handbag: Dooney & Bourke
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