Here’s what I know about you: you put on the same jeans, the same blouse, with the same pair of flats. Or maybe you pull on your leggings, throw on a flannel and call it a day.
No judgment! But I know you want to find your stride. You want to break out of your routine.
You need to create simple and unique fashion uniform that is tailor-made to your unique personality so that you can save time getting dressed, own less but wear more, and look effortlessly good no matter how much time you had to get ready.
In order to create a simple fashion uniform, you need to understand the basics of styling and what I like to call the anatomy of an outfit.
Be fearlessly you and get comfortable wearing the same things
I’m not afraid to wear the same thing over and over again. Be distinct about who you are and what you like though! It’s more than OK to have a unique point of view in the way you dress.
I want to encourage you that you don’t’ have to be afraid to wear the same things over and over again. Think about the things you absolutely adore and be true to who you are because that’s what style is.
People who’ve used uniforms, this is not a new concept
Georgia Okeefe, Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, Picasso, Audrey Hepburn, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Jane Birkin, Coco Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, Anna Wintour.
For most of the people on this list, they way they dress is a part of their art; their unique worldview. My background is in art and fashion, so for me, this is my philosophy too. I care about the way I look not because I’m interested in vanity, but because I care about the art of it.
Read: What Does Your Style Say About You?
The anatomy of an outfit
So here is the anatomy of an outfit broken down:
base layers, outer layers, outerwear, accessories, staple pieces, forever pieces
Base layers are the tops and bottoms of every outfit. They can be anything. Pants, jeans, skirts, shorts, dresses. T-shirts, camisoles, tank tops, blouses, sweaters. These are the articles of clothing that your outfit is built around. They are usually touching your skin and then, like a cake, you add layers.
For example, you have a skirt, a blouse, and a blazer. The skirt and blouse are the base layers. The blazer is an outer layer. The idea here is that when you start to edit your wardrobe, you’ll see colors, patterns, and a unique style emerge.
This is when you can really begin to see how all of your items work together.
Your outer layers are usually related to the top half your body. These are jackets, open sweaters, coats. Things like jean jackets and blazers could be considered outerwear during certain seasons and tops in others. Think cold versus warm.
Accessories are the sprinkles!
All outfits are essentially the same
In this way, I can take any one of my tops, combine it with any one of my bottoms, add almost any outer layer and any accessory I choose and it’s a totally unique look that works. This is how you always look like you but always look different even with a very small # of clothes in your closet!
Because your items complement one another, all you have to do is swap out one base layer, or one outer layer, or one accessory and it’s a totally unique look; a completely new combination.
When you start to edit your clothes and closet, you’ll see a certain color palette emerge; you’ll see your style emerge through the pieces that truly resonate with you. The more you understand the way to use the items in your closet to think outside the traditional box, the less clothing you need to create endless combinations. This is how your unique uniform is born.
Once you get all these things in place you now have a uniform. It’s a uniform that is unique to you, using all your own clothes and colors.
Read: 8 Things That Will Happen When You Wear A Simple Fashion Uniform
In conclusion
Creating a simple fashion uniform really is easy when you understand the anatomy of an outfit.
When you have a handle on the basics of how outfits are actually put together and how all outfits are essentially the same base layers and outer layers with details sprinkled in, you can finally start to edit your wardrobe and see your unique style emerge. Doing this will save you so much heartache because you’re not stressing about what to wear.
Finally, you need to know that you have my full permission to be totally you. Have a unique perspective. Don’t be afraid to wear the same things again and again. All the best artist, entrepreneurs and musicians have and if it works for them it can work for you too!
–
Your assignment this week is to start thinking about whose style resonates with you and what items in your closet really define your unique style. How can you start to build a uniform around these items by understanding the anatomy of an outfit?
If you would like help finding your style and unique uniform I would love to work with you. I am an expert at finding the hidden treasure in your closet, showing you how to style it, and teaching how to use what you currently own to look completely amazing.
Leave a Reply