SELF-STYLING 101

 SFJ shows us how to have fun with different garments found in our wardrobes, reintroducing the fun and games into dressing up!

When you open your wardrobe and ask yourself “what am I going to wear?”, there is a lot to consider and it can be an onerous task. Trying to mix and match different colours, patterns and fabrics can be tricky and often time-consuming. But the only way to discover what outfits work best is to experiment.

Experiment with colours

Colours are magnificent! I am a huge fan of mixing bright, block colours and pastel shades with a basic black or white. I also love to experiment with mixing and matching different hues. Colour also plays a major part in seasonal fashion, and I like to embrace colours that compliment the time of year. The old saying “blue and green should never be seen” has become somewhat redundant in today’s ‘anything goes’ fashion culture.

Patterns & Prints

It has always been assumed, that when donning a bold pattern or printed item of clothing you need to balance the look with a block colour. However, times have changed and we are seeing more and more experimentation with mixing different patterns and clashing prints. It is no longer taboo - rather quite fashion-forward, to mix a floral skirt and a flannelette-style shirt for a chic, grunge look. I like to wear a simple flannelette shirt with monochrome printed shorts.

 

Fabrics & Textures

I love playing with textures. Whether it’s chiffon, leather, denim, lace, velvet, silk or anything in between, garment textures play a huge role in how we can style clothing. Three of my faves at the moment are denim, leather and lace or any combination of just two. I like to mix these by wearing a pair of distressed denim shorts or boyfriend jeans, with my favourite asymmetrical peplum top or lace high neck midriff. The denim is relaxed and the lace or leather creates a feminine, edgy look.

 Finding a balance

If it’s summer and I am going all-out with colour, I might keep the textures simple. But if I want the fabric to be the ‘hero’ of the outfit I like to keep the colour palette basic. Work out what the ‘statement’ piece of your outfit is, and style around it to compliment your starring garment/accessory. I like to mix my black leather shorts, with a simple flannelette shirt and denim jacket, topped off with a floppy-brim felt fedora for that ultra-relaxed boho vibe.

 I encourage you to be bold and adventurous with your choices, but like anything, there are limits. Don’t try to do too much with one look and remember, simple is always in style.

SFJ x