We have touched upon many specific ideas and concepts thus
far that hopefully offered useful tips on how to wear different types of
clothes, flatter certain areas of the body, and add a feminine touch to our
style. Today we’re going to talk about putting all these useful bits of
information together to achieve a refined, thoughtfully put-together look.
Keep in mind, this is not intended to be a checklist, nor a
rulebook… but rather a guide to my thought process when I put together an
outfit. Do I always look totally put together? Absolutely not! (Occasionally I
get lucky though). The theme that hopefully should resonate with you as you read this is
the emphasis on making deliberate choices.
1. Create a Wardrobe that Fits and is Flattering
Maintaining
a well fitting wardrobe is an ongoing adventure since bodies are constantly
changing (especially during transition), however it is the foundation for
everything we do when creating a look. Wearing clothing that truly fits is a
clear sign that you have taken time and spent energy building a wardrobe. The great
thing about this first step to a refined look is that it is all done ahead of
time, before even choosing and outfit. So, how do we create a flattering
wardrobe?
- Pay
attention to how a garment fits. Size is only part of ensuring the right fit.
Pay attention to the location of seams on the body (are they falling in the
right places?), and areas that maybe too tight or loose. As a good rule of thumb,
clothing should allow you to move freely. Get clothing tailored to better fit your body, the difference will be noticeable!
- Know
your body! Whatever your body type may be, your style choices should flatter
your body’s lines. Learn the styles that flatter your body type and make them
part of your wardrobe. For tips, look back on previous posts as we’ve discussed
this at length.
- Stay
up to date with your body. Maybe you’ve worked hard and lost 30 pounds! This
will certainly affect how clothes fit. What better an excuse to go shopping!
2. Ask Yourself the Important Questions About Dressing
Appropriately
This helps me start heading in the right direction and get
focused on what it is I’m hoping to create. Let’s face it, being appropriately
dressed for your situation is the first key to looking like you have put
thought and effort into your look… showing up to go hiking in an evening gown
and heels, no matter how chic, will never earn you any style points. I ask
myself the following questions:
What is the occasion for this particular outfit?
Whether
it is a business meeting, night out on the town, an outdoor sporting event,
casual meeting with friends, or an example of a style idea for a blog post,
every occasion introduces criteria around which I can refine down my choices.
Use this question to help determine how casual or formal a look is appropriate. Need help? Check out this article:
"The Complete Guide to Dressing for Any Occasion"
Is there a favorite or new garment/accessory I hope to
work into the outfit?
Many
times I buy something new and can’t wait to wear it. So, I set off to build an
outfit around a certain piece just seeing where imagination takes me. It is
always fun to be creative and see how new pieces play with the rest of my
existing wardrobe. I find not getting hung up on “having” to wear something is
sometimes difficult, but sometimes that leopard print bodycon dress just won’t
quite work.
What season is it? What will the weather be? What will I
likely be doing?
Though
sacrifices sometimes need to be made, there is always a practical side to style
and fashion. If there is a foot of snow and ice on the ground, don’t wear open
toe, high heels (I will admit I have been guilty of this in the past, but when
I think about doing it now, I always get cold feet), opt for warmer boots
instead perhaps. These questions further help define your environment and
ensure, you guessed it, that you are dressed appropriately.
How old am I?
I
almost skipped this one, but given my blog’s primary audience, it needs to be
mentioned. Certain styles you can get away with when you’re younger, but become
tacky and forced if worn past their time. This most commonly manifests itself
in the choice of skirt/dress length. Regardless of your age, there are always
stylish and attractive choices. Rather than forcing an unconvincing image of
youth, instead present an aura of sophistication with your choices and I
guarantee people will notice.
If you have trouble answering these on your own... ask friends, family, co-workers, (or even your friendly trans-fashion blogger!) much of learning what is appropriate comes from experience and observation, so don't be afraid to turn to others for help.
3. Chose What to Feature in an Outfit
I always try to have one, maybe two pieces that “make” an
outfit. Too many competing ideas create clutter and subsequently make nothing
stand out. Be willing to use some pieces of an outfit to “create a canvas” on
which to then highlight and feature other pieces. You may have heard of
“statement” jewelry, this refers to a piece that will standout and grab the
eye. I like to look at it this way: What is the most creative or unique part of
your outfit? What piece of your outfit do you hope observers will compliment?
This is what you should feature, if other items detract from that, consider
alternatives.
Follow the age-old adage: Less is more. This doesn’t
literally mean being a minimalist about everything, instead, it points to the
idea of ensuring that everything has a purpose. A few of my favorite quotes to
summarize this point:
“Perfection is achieved, not when there
is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“Before you leave
the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”
“Less is always
more.”
-Coco Chanel.
4. Use Color Intentionally
Color choices and combinations are infinite; however making
intentional choices when it comes to color is a powerful tool. Obvious things
like “matching” colors come to mind, however till one truly understands what
that means it is not much help to hear “make sure things match”. Each season
typically has it’s own palette of colors to choose from as a guide or one can
turn to groupings of colors such as earth tones, or jewel tones, etc. If you're curious to find out what colors will look best on you given your natural complexion, hair color, etc, check out
Part 1 and
Part 2 of my posts on finding your color season. Colors
can also carry with them subliminal cues to an observer; for example, brighter
shades of colors appear “cheaper” than more subdued shades, even on identical
garments. Spend time learning about colors and apply that knowledge to your
style, the results will be worth the effort.
5. Coordinate elements of an outfit
Coordination creates a cohesive feeling that sets the tone
of pieces of an outfit working in harmony, rather than a collection of
individual things. Coordinating an outfit can be as simple as choosing colors
that mesh well together. Matching pieces stylistically, for example, cowboy
boots with denim or plaid. Or by fabric weight, for example: chiffon and a
heavy wool may look mismatched together. Does the “mood” of all the pieces go
together? Do they all follow a particular “style”? Do they compliment each
other or contrast?
6. Respect the Intangibles of Quality Style and Design:
These
are the inexplicable qualities that set exceptional apart from average. This is
the extra bit of energy that will ensure your style garners the attention it deserves.
- Visual
interest through variety or contrast. Whether it is through color choices
or creating texture with patterns or different fabric choices, exceptional
style always has an aesthetic that is pleasing through visual interest. Variety
presents a range of details to “feast” upon, while contrast can serve to
provide interest through emphasis of differences.
- Attention
to detail. There are a myriad of little details such as making sure clothes
are ironed, seams are straight, things are tucked in, bra straps hidden, or
that under layer colors are appropriate. Being mindful of these little things
creates a polished look that will garner attention.
- The Golden Ratio. Defined
as a ratio with a value of 1.618034.
Found throughout natural and iconic design in almost every area of art
and science… Simply put, it is roughly a 2/3rds to 1/3rd proportion. What the
heck does this mean you ask?
Here
is an example of how it is relevant (warning, a little math ahead):
I’m
5’10” tall (70”) so if I divided that by the golden ratio, I get 43.26”
which, when measured up from the floor, falls exactly at my
natural waist. Pretty neat! This means if I divide my height up aesthetically
at this point (as is so common throughout fashion) It will
create a division that is naturally pleasing.
- Authenticity
of personal style. When you authentically express your identity and
emotions through your appearance the aura created is palpable. The emotion produced
when your self-view and ability to present that view to others align is a
genuine sense of comfort that should always be a priority. Undoubtedly, this
hits especially close to home within the trans community and often times can be
quite powerful.
- Breaking
the rules. Once you have learned and understand the “rules” of the way things are typically
done for best success, start trying to break them. Be creative and think
outside the box, you may be pleasantly surprised... or at least get a good
laugh!
Lastly, a bit of advice: Put together outfits ahead of time
(not 15 minutes before you have to run out the door), when you have time to
play and explore options. Write down what you come up with, or take a picture
so you remember. Don’t be afraid to be ridiculous or make mistakes…
occasionally I’ll try things to see if they work or give me an idea and I’ll
laugh at how ridiculous I look in the mirror… its all part of the process. The
common theme throughout this guide is to learn to make intentional choices
about our styling, and quickly these choices will become second nature. This is
what it truly means to have “an eye” for style, some people inherently just
have it, but I believe its something anyone can learn.
To summarize our 6 keys:
1. Create a Wardrobe that Fits and is Flattering
2. Ask Yourself the Important Questions About Dressing Appropriately
3. Chose What to Feature in an Outfit
4. Use Color Intentionally
5. Coordinate elements of an outfit
6. Respect the Intangibles of Quality Style and Design:
I promise to follow this post up soon with some examples so you can see many of these ideas in action!
Enjoy the 6 keys? Have more of your own to share?
I love hearing feedback so comment below or stop on by and say hello!
Cheers, Kayci
