Friday 1/12/2024 • Combining half sporty pieces and half classic/minimalist pieces into one outfit is, for me, a no-fail formula for an outfit that feels interesting and personal.
Take this outfit, for example: I love a good jeans-and-sweater look. It’s classic. But instead of continuing down the classic road and styling them with, say, ballet flats and a leather jacket (which would be a very Instagram-approved outfit right now), I took my styling in another direction. I countered the classic vibes with sporty elements — sneakers and a nylon jacket. It’s those *subtle differences in tone and texture* that make the difference.
This formula also influences what I keep in my closet overall. My wardrobe functions really well when I have a classic version of a garment (like Friday’s leather jacket) and then a sporty version of kinda the same thing (like today’s nylon jacket).
So, sporty + classic is my go-to combo. But the beautiful thing about personal style is that it’s, well, personal! So I’d love to hear about yours. What styles do you like to combine to make outfits that feel quintessentially you?
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OUTFIT DETAILS
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Aritzia Coaches Jacket (wearing XS)
H&M Grey Sweater | Similar: Quince Cashmere Fisherman Sweater (cashmere under $100!) & H&M Fine Knit Sweater
Abercrombie Body Skimming Tee (underneath)
Abercrombie Mid Rise Baggy Jeans | Similar: Abercrombie Low Rise Baggy Jeans & Everlane Baggy Jean
Madewell Sculptural Droplet Statement Earrings (also available in gold)
James Avery Foxtail Chain Necklace (wearing 18in)
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I hope you had a lovely weekend. Take good care of yourself and thanks so much for reading my blog today. <3
Hi! Love your blog and one time you referred to a formula for dressing that involved adding up numbers based on their ‘complexity’ I think—they were totalling a certain number. It was interesting and I’m wondering if you could please remind me of the specifics?! Thanks:)
Hi Jennifer! Sure thing! :) It’s the 8 Point Rule — here’s the post:
https://www.un-fancy.com/outfits-fall/i-cant-stop-using-the-8-point-rule-of-fashion-to-get-dressed/
Hi, Caroline! Happy New Year!
This is such a creative approach to putting together outfits! And your observation about having the same functional item (like a jacket) in two different personalities makes so much sense.
For me, my clothing skews heavily toward masculine dark academia with small elements of feminity–a pearl necklace and earrings; a floral layer or accessory; refined boots. In my off-work time, I like basic black sweaters/tops with jeans, but with a lighter touch somewhere–a frilly blouse underneath; a little pop of pink; a fancy-ish pair of earrings.
I know others have said this, but I really appreciate the fresh and creative ways you think about your wardrobe. You make it so easy and inspiring to rethink what we have already committed our time, money, amd closet space to and to enjoy anew what we already have.
Mine is similar to yours, but where you go sporty, I go I guess bohemian?
What it really is is accessories made by Mexican artisans — like a woven bag from a Zapotec family we met in Oaxaca. So I guess they’re considered bohemian pieces, but I think of it more like representing my heritage and supporting artisans via fair trade practices.
But when I’ve tried on gorgeous embroidered clothing, as much as I want to wear it, it just doesn’t feel like me. So I keep the clothing minimal/classic and the jewelry, bags, and other accessories are where I do color and florals and other fun things.
Caroline, can you tell us how you do this perfect side tuck? I love it and what a great twist on the ‘ol French tuck at the mid-line
I’m loving an asymmetrical tuck these days! I take a little bit of the sweater and tuck it in tightly to create those horizontal lines. Then I roll the hem under to let it cascade down like that. Hopefully that made sense, lol — describing how to tuck is difficult! :) I do think what worked so well this time is that this sweater drapes really beautifully on its own. So it really could be tucked any which way and still look amazing.