Here Are The 5 Style Rules For A Flawless Outfit

If you have a difficult time putting outfits together sometimes, we’ve got you covered. How many times do we plan outfits in our heads and when it comes time to put it on, it does not look as amazing as we had imagined? Let’s get the building blocks of styling down. Achieving a flawless outfit is not as effortless as the final product may look, but these 5 style rules will give you a guideline to making styling much easier.

Style Rule #1: Proportions

This style rule is about proportions. The rule of thumb is to match a fitted silhouette with a loose-fit or baggy silhouette. If your top is fitted, pair it with loose-fit jeans, culottes, or an A-line skirt, for example. Switch the silhouettes — pair a baggy, oversized sweater with skinny jeans or slim fit trousers. This creates visual balance for the outfit and a flattering silhouette.

Style Rule #2: Shape

The next style rule is creating shape. A few basic ways to create shape in an outfit are by using high-waist silhouettes, belts, and knots. A high-waist silhouette will create an hourglass silhouette when paired with an item that is cropped or tucked into the bottom. A belt will cinch in your waist while adding a visual element to your outfit. Our favorite way to wear a belt is over a looser fit dress to create a refined look. Finally a knotted shirt or blouse is a classic way to make the waist look smaller, and this looks especially pretty with an A-line skirt (Gwyneth Paltrow’s style in the Talented Mr. Ripley is the perfect example of this!). The knot detail also creates visual balance if you wear a loose-fit top with loose-fit bottoms by cropping the top and slimming the waist. You can opt for a top that already has a knot detail or create a knot yourself using a hair tie or twisting the fabric and securing it.

Style Rule #3: Colors

This style rule is about colors. Matching a light-colored top and dark-colored bottoms (and vice versa) will always give you a very refined look. The contrast is also flattering. This basic color matching will allow you to play with different textures without creating too many distractions or focal points within the outfit. If you stick to neutral colors (ivory, grey, black, beige, etc.), adding an accent color through your accessories will elevate your outfit and this combination will always look stunning and thought out. As for accessories, you can’t go wrong with matching the color of your belt (if you are wearing one) to the color of your shoes.

Style Rule #4: Patterns

We love PATTERNS. But too many patterns can create visual chaos, and we want to bring fun AND elegance. The rule of thumb is to pair a patterned top with a plain bottom, or a plain top with a patterned bottom. When we say plain, we mean solid colors with smooth, flat-textured fabrics that will complement the patterned piece. We usually recommend sticking to one pattern  in one outfit (unless we’re wearing a two-patterned piece or purposefully creating a mismatched look).

Style Rule #5: Shoes and Accessories

A rule of thumb for your shoes and bag are that they should be in the same color family (exception: neutrals such as black, white, and nude match with everything). This is not always the case, but you can’t go wrong with this guideline. Another note about visual balance is paying attention to the trims and style details of an outfit. Too many trims (zippers, ties, grommets, laces, etc.) in one outfit may become distracting. If your clothing already has a few of these design elements, opt for a more minimalist bag and shoe. If your clothing is leaning toward a more neutral, modern vibe, play it up with a patterned accessory or statement shoes. Finally, if you’re still building the foundations of styling, stick to one tone of metal (gold, silver, or rose gold) when accessorizing.

Have any questions about these style rules? Share with us in the comments below! And stay tuned for more style tips and fashion hacks!

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