5 Fashion Tips to Make Any Outfit Work

For those of you who don't know, fashion is a huge passion of mine.  I started at Dressbarn as a stylist in October, helping people choose pieces that flatter them and make a cohesive unit.  So I thought I would share some of my favorite fashion tips that I've picked up over the years working in women's apparel and designing mannequins and visual displays, and some of the things I've learned while going through training:

• Match your metals.

This is a really obscure thing to think about, but it really does help tie what you're wearing together.  If you're wearing gold rings, a silver necklace, black buckles on your flats, and your jacket has brushed nickel accent zippers, people may not notice that it's an issue but it's just enough that something will feel a little off about your ensemble, even if everything else works.

• Pick one focus color/statement piece.

There should be one color that pops in your outfit in the morning.  Put together a black and gray base, then add deep burgundy accessories and makeup touches to give the neutrals somewhere to go.  One of my favorite looks this summer was to wear black slacks, a black top, black shoes, and then a bright coral blazer with coordinating jewelry.  Black is known for bringing other colors out, making them appear more dramatic.  

However, my main point with this is not to make your outfits center around one color.  Sometimes you'll have a statement piece like a scarf that is multiple colors that you'll want to have stand out.  The idea with those is that you choose one complimenting color and a solid neutral to make that piece stand out from the rest of your outfit.  Here's an example:

'Autumn' Plaid Scarf

The scarf is the big, bold WOW in this ensemble, but the complimentary green paired with the neutral white/denim/black (yes, denim is a neutral) really draws your attention to the scarf.

• Balance your lines.

You all probably know that wide, horizontal stripes make you look wider than you are.  However, stripes are in style right now, so how does one make that work?  I have found that counteracting the horizontal stripes with vertical lines is a great way to pull off those stripes without making yourself look (and feel!) like that top doesn't flatter you.  

For example, say you're wearing a black and white horizontal striped top and you want to wear it out but it just doesn't look right.  First, eliminate some of the surface area.  In other words, throw on a jacket.  A stylish jean jacket or open blazer adds some solid color around the chest and waist--two areas that are most affected by the stripe effect.  Second, pair it with long chain jewelry.  The long vertical lines created by the chain will also help counteract the horizontal stripes.  Third, wear a skirt or jeans that fit you perfectly.  Ideally, a pencil skirt or skinny leg pants.  

• Odd numbers

When I'm putting together an outfit, I always try to go with odd numbers of things.  3 is my personal favorite, so here's a few little guidelines:

1. No more than 3 main colors.  This goes back to the stuff I said about statement pieces and colors.  When I get dressed my 3 colors are typically a neutral, a metal, and a color that all coordinate.  For example, black jeans(neutral), a burgundy button-up (color), and gold jewelry that corresponds with the gold accents on the shirt and the buckles on my shoes (metal).
2. No more than 3 accenting pieces.  Yay for accessories!!! My go-to's are things like scarves, jewelry, and sometimes a bag.  However, you don't want to go overboard on accessories.  I never wear a statement necklace and a scarf at the same time.  Pick and choose, but never more than 3.
3. 3 layers.  Fall in Michigan means layer up!  I always have on an undershirt as extra insulation because I'm tiny.  Then it's usually a button-up, sweater, or long-sleeve tee as my main outer layer.  On top of all that goes a jacket or vest.  I'm obsessed with my trench coat this fall. Also vests make almost anything look cozy.