My Secret Formula To Elevating Your Outfit
The thing that most women want when it comes to getting dressed is the ability to pull together an effortless, elevated look. With a little practice and some guidance, you can achieve just that. It’s something I work on with my clients virtually and in-person, every day. Here is my secret formula to elevating your outfit.
Outfit Details:
Sweater is the Sissy Cardigan from St. Roche (use code CONNIJ15 until November 14th for 15% off) This sweater is gorgeous in person and super soft. It fits true to size but if you want a smidge more room, I suggest sizing up.
Jeans are the Madewell Perfect Vintage Jean (which fit true to size)
Shoes are the Everlane Velvet flat in black (they fit true to size)
Top is from Sandro and is on final clearance
I created a reel on Friday (my first ever voice over, so I hope you like it!) with my secret tips. These happen to be my favorite ways to elevate an outfit. I also happen to have an online style course that I co-taught with my friend Natalie Borton called, Elevating Your Style which piggybacks off of some of these tips. It’s a great class to take if you’re wanting some hands-on help upping your style game.
Elevating Your Outfit
Tip #1 - Start with a base layer you love. It can be jeans, pants, a skirt or dress. Be sure to keep the base layer slightly less casual (ie: avoid joggers, leggings, if you can, as these can tend to get reallllly casual.)
Tip #2 Once you have your base layer, add in a top or second piece and be sure to “tailor it” to fit your silhouette. This can be tucking in a top (full, front, side, French) in some way to create the waistline. This is a really important step. It keeps the outfit looking clean, classic, tailored. I also mentioned in my reel that for those tops you wear often (no matter how casual) please hang them vs. folding them to keep wrinkles away. Also investing in a steamer is one of my favorite anti-wrinkle tricks.
Tip #3 - Now it’s time to create dimension with a layering piece that has pattern print or texture. Think about it like layering a room when you’re decorating. The more elements you have of texture, print, or pattern, the more finished a room looks. This applies to an outfit too. Here I did that with my St. Roche sissy cardigan. It’s an alpaca blend with a slight puff shoulder and medium knit weight. I love layering this piece over a simple top and jeans.
Final tip - Bring your outfit together with another print, texture, or pattern with your shoes and a bag. Here I am wearing the Everlane Mary Jane Velvet flats in black (the velvet being a great texture in the shoe) and pairing with the black suede Clare V sac bretelle bag with the braided strap.
And there you have it! Those are my tried and true secrets to pulling together a great elevated look with simple, everyday (but textured, printed, or patterned) pieces! If you are struggling with the outfit game, book a one hour virtual style session or a two hour outfit pairing session and we can get you outfitted with great, elevated looks in no time!
