When you learn how to style a look around one item it really unlocks so much creativity! Think about the time when you were really excited about one thing you purchased. Since it’s almost sweater weather, maybe there a was a time when you found this amazing sweater, but when you brought it into your closet to start to style you weren’t sure how to wear it. Maybe it was a different color or style than you normally wear, but you really struggled to know how to put together an outfit around it. If you have something you don’t know how to wear it can end up causing more of an issue and can often lead to it sitting in your closet or being returned.
Most of you know about my two week return rule (if you don’t my tip is you should be able to wear an item within two of purchasing it, and if you can’t that most likely needs to be returned because it doesn’t work in your wardrobe or it’s not something you actually needed), and getting comfortable styling and building a wardrobe around your new piece is such a clutch skill to have.
While we should all be trying to make smart shopping choices (or at the very least simple ones), knowing how to style a look around one item is such an art form, buy it’s ok if you’re not feeling artist or creative, it’s easier than you think.
Breaking it down
Let’s say you have that cool new sweater, or you have your new vintage handbag and you want to bring it out into the world; maybe it’s your new Chanel and she’s ready to go get coffee, the first question you should ask yourself is how do I want to feel? Are we vibing and feeling fabulous today? Can the item be dressed up to make the outfit feel more fancy? (Think cool sweatshirt from The Frankie Shop.) Or is the item fancy already but you want to bring it out and about and make it a bit more casual? (Think tutu that’s Carrie Bradshaw vibes.)
There are so many ways to incorporate an item into a look, but the goal is to be able to turn it into several looks.
Styling my one item: a suede blazer
Let’s go with an example here. Last fall I really wanted to add more suede into my wardrobe, so one of the first things I thought about was what type of item would work well in suede as a material, but also what would be something in suede that I would wear a lot. After some parusing and IG stalking of my favorite fashionistas I realized what I really wanted was a blazer. And specifically a blazer instead of a jacket because blazers are my go to item. I will literally wear them with everything and anything; including sweat pants. I also really wanted a rich brown colored blazer, a tone that felt deep and very autumnal. And that’s not to say I wouldn’t be able to wear it trans-seasonally, but I wanted my blazer to feel like it stepped out of an ad for fall with multi-colored leaves on the ground, the light peaking through as the season changes. It was a specific vibe I was after.
I ended up with the perfect suede blazer from Doen. While she’s no longer available, I do love these alternatives from Blank NYC and Vince. The vibe of these blazers are so warm and delicious, but the texture of the suede is so fantastic to mix and match things with.
The thought process
What was so fun about this blazer was the 70s feel to it. I loved the double breasted look and it really inspired me to create a look around it. It also had a bit of a western vibe that I leaned into. I wanted to pair it with something cream colored underneath so I grabbed my amazing button down tank. It had this more layered look than just a cream t-shirt, and the tortoise buttons were a fun pairing. I specifically wanted a lighter denim pant to play into the lightness of the top and to complement the deep brown/tan tones in the jacket. And the boot just felt like the obvious choice. It’s the Chloe western boot with similar cream tones to the sweater. Normally I wear it with skirts or dresses because of the fabric ankle details, but having it tucked into the pants felt like it sent a message like “I’m a woman in charge and I’m confident,” without leaning too cowboy.
What I did when creating this look was to curate something around one piece, but I could have swapped out the items I wore for other things, AND this blazer could have easily been swapped for another one. I really leaned into the foundational element. What I mean by creating a foundation is treating the other items in your look as strong basics, or basic-adjacent that can go with anything. Denim feels obvious, jeans can go with anything. Boots are classic, and a simple sweater with a classic line is easy. I think that’s another part of putting together a look, while the process might be filled with a bit of chaos trying on different combos, throwing things on your bed and trying to make different things work, taking pieces off and on until you find the right combination, the end result should feel easy and the right combo was there all along.
What I mean by creating a foundation is treating the other items in your look as strong basics, or basic-adjacent that can go with anything.
When it comes to styling a look around one item it’s all about balance and creativity. But the most important thing is to create a look that feels wearable, and feels like YOU. If you need a list of tips to help you do this, here’s what I recommend:
- Identify the Focal Point: Start by identifying the specific item you want to build your look around, whether it’s a statement piece like a bold suede blazer, a pair of shoes, or a unique accessory.
- Consider the Occasion: Think about where you’ll be wearing the outfit. Is it casual, formal, or somewhere in between? This will guide your choices for the rest of the look. The thing to keep in mind with occasions though is you should still be true to your style. Even if it’s an occasion with a specific dress code or theme, the look should still be authentic to you.
- Choose a Color Palette: Select complementary colors that enhance your focal piece. You can go for monochromatic, contrasting, or complementary shades depending on the vibe you want to create.
- Balance Proportions: If your focal item is oversized or bold, balance it with more fitted or simple pieces. Conversely, if it’s a minimalist item, consider adding volume or texture elsewhere in your outfit.
- Add Layers: Incorporate layers like the sweater vest I styled, a blazer, or a scarf to add depth and dimension to the look, especially if the focal piece is simple or neutral.
- Mix Textures: Play with different textures to add interest and richness to your outfit. For example, pair a silky blouse with denim or leather.
- Select Footwear: Choose shoes that complement the focal piece and the overall vibe of your outfit. The right shoes can elevate the entire look.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: Add accessories that either highlight the focal item or complete the look without overpowering it. Think about jewelry, bags, hats, or belts. When it doubt, wear all your rings.
- Play with Silhouettes: Experiment with different silhouettes to see which flatters your figure and enhances the focal piece. Don’t be afraid to try unexpected combinations.
- Check for Balance: Step back and assess the outfit as a whole. Make sure everything works together and that the focal piece remains the star of the look. Again, the look should feel easy when it’s on your body.
- Incorporate Personal Style: Infuse the look with elements of your personal style, whether it’s through unique accessories, a pop of color, or a specific silhouette you love.
- Take a Photo: Snap a quick photo of the outfit to see how it looks in different lighting or from different angles. This helps you make any final tweaks.
- Tits up: Wear your outfit with confidence. The right attitude can make any look shine, regardless of how simple or bold it is. Life is meant to be fun, it’s meant to be lived. Wear the fur, the feathers, the leather (all faux if you’d like of course!). Wear the thing you’re excited about. WHO CARES what other people think. That’s their business.
Let me know how you use these tips to style a look around one item. And of course, please reach out to me for help! I got you girl.
