How Stylists Get Dressed
Four Style Methods That Will Improve Your Style (No Shopping Needed!)
Just as therapists have therapists, I’m a big believer of working with other stylists as a stylist. From a different POV to going more in depth on the psychology of fashion- there’s so much to be gained from exploring style with other fashion-minded people. So, in this week’s Style Session, I’m sharing four of the most impactful style methods I’ve been exposed to so that you too can apply the style wisdom of some really incredible women.
Style Method #1: Create Friction
When an outfit feels blah, it’s probably because it’s too same same. You need to inject some friction by changing the texture of one of your pieces (ie: leather + lace), or invoking opposite words for your desired effect (think: tomboy fem- the tomboy piece is more sporty and masculine while the feminine piece is lighter and more whimsical).
For me, this is less about texture, but a feeling I am creating with my words and how the pieces I put together communicate those words. More on that in Style Method #4!
Style Method #2: Play with Proportions
By paying attention to the overall shape of your outfit, you can create a more complete outfit that is pleasing to the eye. As humans, we naturally crave balance, so when you see an all oversized or baggy outfit, your mind reads it as sloppy or unrefined. Simply by swapping the oversized top for something fitted (maybe with an asymmetrical detail or some side ruching!) and leaving your wide leg trouser, you’ll instantly feel the shift. Now the outfit makes sense and feels amazing. There are so many great ways to play with this right now, from balloon pants to oversized blazers. Try it and you will feel the effect of this mindful shift.
Style Method #3: Body Informed Dressing
Going down the rabbit hole of ‘body type’ and what you should be wearing or not based on your type is a slippery slope that not only feels dated but can be damaging to our self esteem if not guided correctly. I have a much simpler and effective approach that I recently learned from Ellie Richards. I’m calling it Body Informed Dressing and it comes down to this: is your body naturally hard (straight, long, angular) or soft (curvy, petite, lush)? And then dress the opposite.
For example, I’m hard (a classic rectangle shape) and when I wear straight lines without any waist definition or flow to the pieces, it doesn’t do much for me. BUT, when I wear softer more whimsical pieces they actually accentuate my naturally body informed shape and let it shine. Just try it. It will blow your mind!
Style Method #4: Use Your Style Code (Every Day) to Get Dressed
Most of you have heard of the Three Word Method (thank you Allison Bornstein 🙌) and this method of identifying and applying adjectives to how you get dressed has been around for years. There are different ways to gain clarity on your words, and I do feel I’ve uncovered a really impactful way that allows you to align with your truest self and then communicate that with the world by what you wear. I call my method your Style Code (and you can check out this video to discover yours).
Intentional dressing is having a moment, and for good reason. So many women are ready to go beyond trends, and get off the hamster wheel of constantly updating their wardrobes. When you have clarity and alignment with your style code, you build a forever wardrobe that truly reflects your identity. It is so powerful and feels so good.
Whether you apply just one method or style stack them all- you’ll come away with better outfits that better communicate your sense of style. I visually showcase each of these methods in this week’s video, PLUS I share a bonus style tip at the end that was a game-changer for me! Have a beautiful week! xx Greta