Key Takeaways
- How to create an outfit that flatters? Create interest with contrast, limit your palette to three colors, and add a third layer when an outfit needs dimension.
- Guide the eye with proportion by mixing fitted and voluminous pieces and creating harmony in your silhouette for an easy outfit that works.
- Learn to style what you already own. Expand your wardrobe with Crescent’s minimalist pieces once you develop a clearer sense of personal style.
Ever stood frustrated in front of your wardrobe because you can’t figure out what to wear? You’re not alone. Even the most curated closet can feel chaotic if you’re unsure of how to put the pieces together. This is when having a few reliable outfit formulas can help. Master the ones we’ve shared below, and you’ll never stress about getting dressed ever again.
The Juxtaposition Formula
Juxtaposition is the easiest way to make an outfit look visually interesting and intentional if bold colors and prints are not your thing. Think about how snow softens rugged mountains. Pull that same interplay into your outfits by mixing soft with structured, matte with shiny, or feminine with masculine.
Examples:
- Menswear Meets Womenswear Contrast: A sharp blazer paired with a floaty dress
- Textural Contrast: A knit top paired with a vegan leather blazer and skirt
- Color Contrast: A head-to-toe charcoal outfit punctuated with a red bag or shoes
The Three-Color Rule
If your ensemble feels cluttered, follow the three-color outfit formula to bring a sense of calm and cohesion. Limit your palette to no more than three shades and allow your textures and proportions to stand out without competing for attention. Monochrome works beautifully too since different tones of a single color create a soft, unified look, even when the pieces match almost perfectly.
Examples:
- Tan vest, white button-up shirt, and black pants
- Brown monochrome loungewear set with gold jewelry accents
- Grey sweater with charcoal pants and black boots
The Third-Piece Trick
Feel like your easy outfit looks too simple or unfinished? Introduce a third piece to pull everything together. It could be any outerwear that adds visual weight through silhouette, like a classy jacket, a tailored or knit vest, a cardigan, a bolero, or even accessories like a scarf. Even the most basic top and bottom looks styled with the subtle lift brought by this outfit formula.
Examples:
- A long wool coat with a fitted top and straight trousers
- A lightweight jacket with a tank top and fitted pants
- A knit vest over a basic tee and jeans
The Proportion Play Formula
Proportion is fashion’s divine law for how to create an outfit. You could style all the right pieces, but if the proportions are off, the whole outfit falls flat, or worse, appears unflattering. Guide the eye to your best features by being intentional with where you add volume and definition.
Learn these outfit formulas by heart:
- Fitted top + loose bottoms - Highlights the waist
- Voluminous top + fitted bottoms - Draws the eye upward
- Loose + fitted + loose - Smooth visual flow
Examples:
- Fitted top with wide-leg jeans or trousers and an oversized blazer
- Fitted sweater over a flowy dress
- Button-up shirt tucked into tailored pants with a belt for definition
The One-and-Done Statement Piece
A statement one-piece, like an elegant dress or a chic jumpsuit, is the easiest outfit formula for a look that feels complete. This is ideal when time is short or simplicity feels right. Choose a silhouette with a standout detail or two, add a few understated accessories, and let the rest stay minimal for truly effortless dressing.
Examples:
- A fit-and-flare maxi dress with a halter neck
- Strapless jumpsuit with a fitted top and flared bottom
- A co-ord set in a single shade
Creating great looks with these outfit formulas is a skill that can be mastered with time, practice, and knowing what works for you. So when you feel stuck, resist the urge to buy more clothes, and learn how to create an outfit with what you already have. And when you’re ready to expand your wardrobe more mindfully, Crescent is here.
