I often work with clients who have key gaps in their wardrobes – whether it’s a type of item, specific category or style ideas that are missing. But other times, I work with clients who essentially need to rebuild their wardrobes. Some of them have shifted sizes and need to start almost from scratch. While others haven’t updated anything for years, and their clothes reflect the life and priorities they used to have.
But no matter who I’m working with, we first define your style – and specifically, how you can express it within your lifestyle (because it’s not just about having great clothes, it’s about having great clothes that work for your life). And then we figure out what’s missing to achieve that style. And occasionally, when I’m in a client’s closet (or in a fitting room), I show them something that I think is incredibly useful – and they say, “I don’t know how I’d wear that.”
But here’s the deal. When you see something new (or even something you already own), you may unconsciously pigeonhole it. You might be convinced that you can only wear it one way – and you don’t see the versatility. So, in those cases (where I like something for them, but they’re hesitant), I tell them this:
It’s not about the item, it’s about the outfit.
Basically, it’s not about this one singular piece. It’s about what you’re going to put with it (and all the different outfits you can make). And once I show my clients a few outfit ideas, they totally get it.
Because you might have a very clear notion of your style. And you probably have pieces that blatantly express this (like your edgy black leather moto jacket). But it’s also great to have a balance of pieces that transition styles and occasions. And options that flex – when you’re in a different mood, when you’re going different places, when you need to dress up more (or less), etc.
So, here are two examples where it’s not about the item, it’s about the outfit. Because if you’re stuck in wearing ‘cute top & jeans’ outfits, this might be exactly what you need.
BLACK BLAZER
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shown a client a blazer and she said, “I don’t know when I’d wear that.” And that’s mainly because she thinks a blazer is too dressed up. And that she would only wear it one way – with tailored pants, a pretty blouse, and heels. And while that makes a great outfit for work presentations and industry events, it’s not the only way to wear a blazer.
I often recommend a blazer and jeans as an easy casual combo (which I love) - but here’s something a little less expected. If you have an edgier style, tame the seriousness of a blazer by pairing it with cargo pants, cool sneakers, and a graphic t. It’s a fun and unique pairing that’s perfect for your tech casual office – or even just running around on the weekend (I’ve shown this combo to two different clients, and they loved it!).
Let’s say you’re going to a late spring wedding. And your style is a little feminine and flirty, so you plan to wear a pretty print dress. But you just found out that the service is in a place of worship, so you need to cover your shoulders (and a cardigan feels too sweet). A blazer is the perfect option, since it provides necessary coverage - and it’s more elevated than the denim jacket you always wear over your dress.
I just created a version of this outfit for a client who loves feminine dresses in the summer, but wasn’t sure how to wear them to her office. So now, she’ll be wearing her light-colored floral print dress with nude heels and a white blazer. (I love a white blazer in as a super versatile spring/summer piece – click here to see why.)
If you’re thinking, “I wouldn’t wear a blazer to work, or everyone will think I’m interviewing. And it’s not my vibe over a dress, either.” Here’s a mindset shift – think of your blazer just like a jacket. And wear it with denim shorts, for something cool and different (and a stylish way to deal with frigid air conditioning). If you’re suddenly thinking a blazer and shorts has a place in your spring/summer wardrobe, here are couple more ideas.
First outfit: Cinq a Sept blazer (in all outfits), Vince Camuto top, Aqua pants, Gia Borghini heels. Second outfit: Re/Done graphic t, Sanctuary cargo pants, Dolce Vita sneakers. Third outfit: Veronica Beard dress, Dolce Vita heels. Fourth outfit: Splendid tank, Joe’s Jeans shorts, Rag & Bone sandals.
CARGO JOGGER PANTS
So, now that I’ve convinced you that a blazer is a great example of ‘it’s not about the item, it’s about the outfit’, let’s talk about something much more casual – cargo jogger pants (the same pants from above). They’re cute, they’re fun, and they’re a great alternative to jeans. And you might only think of these as elevated athleisure to wear to your kids’ soccer games. But they’re much more versatile than that.
When you’re trying to rethink how to wear a certain piece, boil it down to the essence of the item. Like I said with a black blazer - just think of it as a nice black jacket. And with dark grey cargo jogger pants - just think of them as cool dark grey pants. So, there’s no reason not to pair them with a boho-inspired blouse and sandals for a girls’ lunch. It’s a modern mix that shows a little fashion savvy. And then check this out for a few things you can rethink as you head toward fall.
Can you dress up a cargo jogger pant? Yes! Add a little (or a lot of) sparkle with a sequin top, studded wedges, and eye-catching jewelry. You’ll definitely stand out (in a very good way) at a ‘dress to impress’ dinner when everyone else is wearing a dress.
First outfit: Sanctuary cargo pants (in all outfits), On hoodie, Rag & Bone sneakers, Nixon watch. Second outfit: Aqua blouse, Jack Rogers sandals, Ippolita earrings. Third outfit: Vince Camuto top, Valentino wedges, Alexis Bittar bracelet.
Are you ready to stop thinking just about the item, and start thinking about the outfit? If you have any items that you want different ideas for, drop a comment and I’ll respond with some options.
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