Styling Tips
It can take years to nail your personal style formula. Even then, personal style is always evolving. That being said, I have a few styling formulas and tips and tricks to help make getting dressed a breeze. Seriously, most mornings I get dressed in less than 5 minutes. While constantly evolving, I would describe my style as classically inspired and my wardrobe is filled with mostly black, white, navy, and an increasing amount of animal print.
Tip #1: Dresses and Jumpsuits are My Best Friends (and should be yours too)
I LOVE dresses! (and jumpsuits). My style tends to be more classic and dresses and jumpsuits are the easiest way to look put together in the shortest amount of time. Pick a cute option from your closet and you’re basically good to go! My dress selection ranges from basic slip dresses to all out 80’s sequins and anything in between. They’re just so easy! Depending on the simplicity of the dress/jumpsuit accessorize accordingly. The one pictured is pretty simple so I threw on some over-sized sunglasses and a straw hat to complete the look. For more simple styles you can get away with shoes and (optional) simple jewelry.
Tip #2: Layer Layer Layer
Invest in basic dresses and jumpsuits and you’ll have limitless outfit options. I bought a black slip dress from ASOS before my trip to Europe this April and wear it once a week. Now that it’s getting colder I love throwing on a white tee underneath and layer a blazer or leather jacket on top. I got a navy slip dress from J. Crew this summer and love pairing it with animal print tops underneath. One of my favorite pieces in my closet is a black velvet jumpsuit from Madewell. It’s better in colder months because of the velvet but can be worn with turtlenecks to white eyelet blouses. I’ve started experimenting more with layering- it can be hard! I find it super interesting how different fabrics and cuts work together and look forward to layering more as the temperatures drop. Pictured is my favorite Madewell jumpsuit with a gray turtleneck underneath- I might have to repeat this outfit soon.
Tip #3: Match Your Accessories and Makeup
This is a pretty well-known fashion hack but it’s impact is pretty great. Just a little swipe of red lipstick makes the outfit to the left in my opinion. When I’m wearing more neutral outfits- which has been a lot this summer- I tend to opt for a pinky-nude lip. As always, I love a good red lip no matter what outfit I’m wearing.
Tip #4: Outwear Can MAKE Your Look
I’ve spent too many years wearing ugly, basic coats that ruined my cute outfit underneath. Now I’ve definitely overcompensated with the amount of coats in my closet- which I still don’t think is a bad thing. When the weather starts to get colder- hello Minnesota winters- jackets are a necessity. Do all of us a favor and bundle up. Teddy coats are still a trendy option, but I think you can never go wrong with a black leather moto jacket.
Tip #5: A Little Pattern Can Go A Long Way
With the astronomical rise in popularity of animal prints in the last couple of years it’s worked its way into my closet. It started with leopard and has worked into snakeskin- I still have yet to try zebra or cow print. IMHO leopard is the my classic and, therefore, the easiest to work into an existing wardrobe. Because I’m not especially experimental with prints and pattern mixing I throw in animal print with existing outfit formulas. Today I wore the pictured leopard bodysuit with high waisted jeans, a black blazer, and black ankle booties. The little hint of leopard definitely took the outfit to the next level. Because most of my outfits are pretty simple anywhere where I would wear a black t-shirt or cami I can usually wear an animal print instead. Also I just realized that I’m wearing leopard in three out of the six pictures in this blog post… it really is versatile!
Tip #6: black is the new black
I went to Martin Patrick 3 for their third annual Black Party and Fashion Show and I have never felt more at home with a dress code. Black is my comfort zone, for sure, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. If you asked me what my wardrobe staples are I would probably say a black t-shirt, black cami, black slip dress, and jeans. It’s timeless and so easy to throw a good outfit together. When in doubt, wear black.
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