16 style rules to live and die by
I’m so glad you asked. Nothing will give me more joy than taking a look at some of my all-time favorite outfits and figuring out what makes them great.
By analyzing these classic fashion images, I have figured out exactly how to create those homerun outfits.
Learning these 16 simple tricks will make your outfits sing. People will admire your style, and you will feel well-dressed and charismatic.
1. Different textures
The first thing that makes an outfit into something lust-worthy and effortlessly cool is playing with textures.
This simple style hack is behind almost every great outfit. It is what makes leather and denim such a killer combination.
Mix different fabrics
Anything with a silky texture will pop when combined with something rough, such as a chunky knit. I love the idea of a velvet skirt and a leather jacket.
For the same reason, lace looks seductive and chic when combined with almost anything less delicate. Suede is another smart way to bring extra texture to your outfit.
2. Different proportions
Dressing with that je ne sais quoi is all about proportions.
If you wear something voluminous on top, go slender on the bottom and vice versa.
As proof, I give you this picture of 90s Donna Karen. (See above.) Ridiculously chic If you ask me.
Sure, a tight outfit can be nice; it’s just never going to be as badass-looking as an outfit that plays with proportions.
Another way of utilizing this secret is to combine your slim outfit with an oversized coat.
Consider the proportions of your accessories
So, when you try to find that holy grail of an outfit, don’t forget to play with different proportions. This goes for accessories as well. An oversized bag or a statement belt will look sophisticated when combined with more slimming pieces.
I would say this styling trick is behind almost every great outfit.
3. Matching elements
Back in the day, women used to match their handbags to their shoes. Not many people do that anymore, but we absolutely should. It’s an easy trick to make a plain outfit sing.
Just check out how Cindy does it in this retro picture. Sure, jeans and a T-shirt are nice, but the way the shoes and belt match makes it into an outfit.
There are several different elements in your outfit that can match. Basically, everything that counts as an accessory has the possibility to match each other. So don’t forget to consider your cap, sunglasses, or jeweler when you think about matching different parts of your outfit.
4. Cool and unusual color combinations
Contrast colors are colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel; when combined, they look intriguing.
It seems like they shouldn’t work, but the very fact that they clash is what makes them instantly cool-looking.
Add colorful accessories
When you want to make a statement, this devious trick should make you stand out in any crowd. You can also utilize this principle when it comes to accessories. Instead of having matching accessories, mismatch them in contrasting colors.
Examples of contrast colors are blue and orange and yellow and purple. I also want to suggest brown and blue.
Just take a look at this photo of Julie Pelipas; what makes the outfit memorable is the contrasting colors in her accessories.
5. A reference to the past
Fashion is equally part looking to the future and obsession with the past.
Keep this in mind when you ask what makes a great outfit. Start with something vintage-looking and take that piece to our current time by combining it with your modern-day wardrobe.
There is a reason every stylist likes to room around vintage shops. Fashion is a homage to all the ideas that have come before. Being aware of fashion history and different designers’ unique fingerprints, you will be able to create outfits worthy of an it-girl.
To illustrate my point, I give you this picture from Isaac Mizrahi’s -94 fashion show, (bottom left.) It still feels relevant.
6. Something au courant
There’s nothing quite like hitting a major trend just before everyone else jumps on the train, right?
If you manage to snap up a trend and make it blend into your own unique aesthetic, you’ve got your hands on a killer outfit.
If you are wondering what’s trending in 2023, may I suggest cutouts, fuchsia neon, and baggy jeans?
(Maybe not at the same time 😉 Or maybe that’s just the ticket; do send me a picture.)
7. Dressing for your body
I know this is a rather boring point, but fashion is about highlighting your assets. After all, there is something suitable for everyone.
I had to mention it because the outfit that will make you feel the best is probably one that puts your unique beauty at center stage.
If you have great legs, flaunt them. If you have a slim waist, belt it. Someone who looks like a romantic heroine will look great in a shirtdress. An Amazon, like myself, looks great in sports clothes or clothes with sporty references.
Consider what kind of look you have and create an outfit that compliments your uniqueness.
8. Combining high and low
This is such a great trick. Stylists and fashionistas alike use it all the time. Carrie Bradshaw (and her stylist) were experts on taking high-end fashion and making it look relevant and exciting by styling it with everyday pieces.
You can utilize this in your day-to-day life by always having one piece that dresses down your festive clothes and also always dressing up your everyday outfits with something more spectacular and expensive.
Go vintage shopping
If you don’t have money to spend on designer clothes, I recommend looking in some high-end vintage shop and picking at least one “sparkly” piece. I mean sparkly in the widest sense of the world. To understand what I mean, have a look at these glamorous yet wearable pieces.
9. An unexpected color
Adding an interesting and unexpected color when you get dressed is another way to create a great outfit.
This tip works especially well with monochromic and “boring” outfits. Just bring in one colorful accessory and turn your outfit into a look.
If you want more ideas on what to wear, read my article The best cute and casual summer outfits.
10. Go Monochromatic
I feel when it comes to monochromatic dressing, no one did it better than Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct. (Bottom left picture.)
This way of dressing just looks luxe. You can do it in any color you choose, but it works especially well in charcoal grey, navy and different shades of beige and camel.
If you really want to make a statement, try monochromatic dressing in red or pink, or purple. You will be turning heads.
11. Be comfortable
Clothes are made to be worn and life is made to enjoy, so make sure you are always comfortable. Athleisure wear is here to stay.
In fact, being comfortable is one of the key components of what makes an outfit great.
If you have some clothes that rarely get to see the daylight, the reason is most likely that you don’t feel comfortable in them. Try combining one of those pieces with the clothes you feel most comfortable wearing. Maybe you will find a new winner?
12. Mix black and white
I couldn’t complete this list without mentioning my personal favorite. I’ve been obsessed with black and white since I was a teenager.
It’s such a palate cleanser. If you want to look effortlessly elegant, I strongly recommend giving this easy wearable combination a go.
Wearing black and white is also an opportunity to play to your strengths. Slim part of you by wearing black and put a highlight on other parts of you by wearing white. A case in point is two of my all-time favorite outfits. (Pictures above, right corner and left corner.)
13. Just add red
Ever since Viktor & Rolf combined red shoes with their minimalistic 90s looks in their 2004 runaway show, I’ve been in love with this styling trick. It’s still relevant some odd 20 years later. Such is the allure of the color red.
If you want a one-shop stop for a great outfit, I would say, wear a red dress.
Red is a color of impact.
Since many of us might not want to stand out in a crowd, but rather whisper our style, try adding just a tiny hint of red.
14. Go all black
There is a reason fashion people around the globe wear a lot of black.
Black makes you look composed and intellectual. There is something mysterious and intriguing about a black outfit.
Black is also the easiest color to match. On top of that, black has a way of framing our faces and our whole bodies.
And yeah, you do look slimmer. You also don’t worry the same way about getting dirty.
When you want a true and tested formula for a great outfit, combine different textures of black.
15. Take inspiration from the guys
Borrowed from the boys has been a fashion mantra since World War 2 forced women to take on men’s jobs and thus dress in men’s uniforms.
Fashion was not late to adopt. The love affair between women and men’s wardrobes has been going on ever since.
Adding a menswear part to your outfit will give it that law-breaking allure of someone who forges their own path. Check out plenty of inspiration on this Tumblr f*** yeah girls in menswear.
16. Embrace your sporty side
Sport and fashion are a marriage made in heaven. How else do you think we got sneakers?
Every single season, the big fashion houses look to sport for inspiration for their most iconic looks.
It doesn’t matter if it’s the upscale world of dressage and Wimbledon or gritty rugby; some of the most groundbreaking fashion moments stem from this blend.
Do add something referencing sport and you’ve got yourself a great outfit.
A Final note
Now, armored with this new knowledge, go raid your closet and create one outfit for every category. Which ones do you like the best?
Creating great outfits is about experimenting with the clothes you do have.
Moa Ailert is the founder and editor-in-chief of Her Brilliant Friend.
She has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and plenty of insight into human psychology from traveling and living in different places around the world.
Moa is currently based in Portugal where she has a guesthouse; Villa dos Irmaos.
She has various websites, among others Ericeira Insider, but Her brilliant friend is her true passion project.
