Considerations for Your Next Outfit

in pursuit of style

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Clothing as a shared story

At one point in time my closet was full of t-shirts from the brand Aeropostale. These shirts were made in bright colors with bold script running down one side of the garment, announcing to the world my importance and obvious self-worth. I mean, COME ON, I was wearing Aero, what more could I desire? Life is funny that way. I have replaced these branded tees with similar shirts in bold colorways. This time, however, they are handmade. They still communicate my own importance though. I MADE THIS, I say every chance I get. If someone even looks at one of my self-made shirts with the slightest bit of admiration, I am launching into my spiel. I tell them about how I sourced the materials second-hand and they gawk with glee as I describe my process. Or so I assume. 

That is the case with us all and our clothing, though. We obsess over our closet because clothing is our shared experience. We all wear clothes. The clothes we wear represent our story. Even so simply as the dress Danny wore to that New Year’s party or the hoodie that Sarah kissed Chelsy in, there is power in what we wear and the stories those garments tell.

How I think about Style

When I think about the story that I tell with my clothes, I consider color as the driving force behind why an outfit works for me. The pink jacket and the blue hat that ties perfectly in with my pink and blue shirt and brown checkerboard shorts. I layer until I find harmony in the entire fit. I love solid colors, mostly. Ever so often I buy a print. Usually a stripe or checkerboard situation. I find the mix of colors very satisfying. Like a painter, I have always thought of solid colored fabric as my version of paint, either in my art-making or garment-making or outfit-making pursuits. Colors combine serendipitously if you let them. I think of my role as the facilitator or the muse.

I also consider the textures of what I am pairing together. Chunky sweaters and colorful denim and silky button up shirts. These elements bring in visual interest and depth to an outfit. I love the interplay of textures that you would not imagine going together. Texture is a chance for play and experimentation, just like color. One of my most favorite sweaters that I have made was a knit patchwork sweater vest with exposed seams. The mix of blue and yellow and pink with the varying weights of yarns used was beautiful to work with. I think clothing tells us a story and allows us to tell our own story as well.

I often hear people advise others to have statement pieces. I understand this sentiment but I also think often about the importance of each element. A funky belt isn’t going to save your drab ill fitting collared shirt. To me, each element has a purpose to a completed outfit. In a way, each of these elements becomes a statement piece. It follows that a wardrobe full of statement pieces will make a statement. Caring for the items we own and building a wardrobe that reflects our personality allows us to play, project, and communicate to others about who we are. 

Go out there and be

Do you find this all to be challenging? Then just go with your gut. Wear what makes you feel correct. Break the rules or follow them. The importance lies in the fact that you go out into the world feeling like yourself, feeling great. Don’t let me or anyone tell you how to be. My only goal is to give you little advice on your way to becoming.