Welcome to Step 3 of The Style Discovery Series, in this final step we cover everyday styling. This is where you put your learning into place, and utilize your thoughtfully edited wardrobe by creating outfit formulas for your life.
This really is the fun part, up until this point you’ve:
- Built a foundation by Understanding Your Style (Step One)
- Created a curated canvas by Editing Your Wardrobe (Step Two)
Now it’s time to bring everything together, and dress with clarity for the current life you’re living.
What Is An Outfit Formula
An outfit formula is a combination of styles you repeatedly wear because it works for your life, your body, your style.
An outfit formula supports you, it doesn’t work against you.
What are you typically wearing when you feel your best?
- A pair of straight leg jeans and a t-shirt?
- A long dress and ballet flats?
- Wide leg trousers and a crew neck sweater?
- A blazer and an a-line skirt?
Whatever the combination is, this is your outfit formula. It’s as simple as that!
Why Outfit Formulas Matter in Seasons of Change
Outfit formulas matter in seasons of change because they create ease instead of stress, they allow you to present your true self to the world by subtly creating confidence in comfort.
Outfit formulas prevent decision fatigue by giving you the choice you know you will make down the road, they’re faster and more efficient.
Most importantly, when you’re in an in-between phase, outfit formulas support you by providing you with a piece of your identity when you feel you are looking for yours.
Style Types and Their Outfit Formulas
We talked about style types in Part One of this series, if you need a refresher you can go back and read How to Find Your Style Archetype.
The natural style type
Think natural fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, earthy colours.
Outfit formulas:
- Soft knit or tee + relaxed denim + sneakers or sandals
- Linen or cotton top + wide-leg pants + simple slides
- Casual dress + light layer + flat shoes
The classic style type
Think clean lines, structure, and a neutral colour palette.
Outfit formulas:
- Tailored top + straight-leg jeans + loafers
- Button-down + knit layer + ankle boots
- Simple dress + belt + minimal jewelry
the romantic style type
Think elegant detail, flowy silhouettes, soft pastel colours and patterns.
- Flowy top + high-rise denim + delicate shoes
- Midi skirt + simple knit + flats
- Dress + soft layer + understated accessories
the dramatic style type
Think strong lines, length, and statement silhouettes.
Outfit formulas:
- Sleek top + long, straight trousers + pointed shoes
- Monochrome base + structured outer layer
- Simple silhouette + bold accessory or sharp shoe
the creative style type
Think layering, contrast, and unexpected details.
- Statement piece + simple base
- Layered top + relaxed bottoms + interesting shoes
- Neutral outfit + bold colour or texture
the gamine style type
Think cropped proportions, sharp structure, contrast colours.
- Cropped or fitted top + straight or slim jeans + flats or loafers
- Shorter jacket + simple tee + tailored trousers
- Shift-style dress + ankle boots or ballet flats
the elegant chic style type
Think restrained details, elevated fabrics, and simplicity.
- Structured blouse + tailored trousers + minimal shoes
- Simple dress + refined outer layer + understated accessories
- Monochrome base + one polished focal piece
If You Don’t Fit Neatly Into One Style Type
It’s important to note you may fit into one or more of the above style types and that’s okay. You are allowed to change, shift, and evolve.
Tip: Borrow elements from different style types for your own unique look if that is what aligns to your identity. No need to look at these as fast and hard rules.
How to Start Using Outfit Formulas This Week
To get started, choose 2 formulas that feel most aligned to you, build these around what you already own and what you reach for the most often.
What you reach for most often is your clue.
Keep a mental note of what outfits worked, and what didn’t. How did you feel wearing each outfit formula?
Continue to experiment with different formulas until you figure out which one works best for your life, makes you feel the most confident, and makes getting dressed each day easy.
How to adjust your Outfit formulas as your style shifts with life
Outfit formulas are a way of listening to yourself, tune into how your style is changing by what you reach for the most and what gaps you want to fill.
Remember your style will always evolve, so incorporate these pieces into your outfit formulas as you discover their alignment to your life.
- Notice what feels off even if you’ve worn it for awhile
- Let one element evolve at a time, no full overhaul is needed
- Notice repeating styles and formulas and lean into them
- Treat outfit formulas as seasonal and not static
What’s Next: Understanding Proportion in Your Outfit Formulas
As your personal style evolves, outfit formulas can start to feel off even when you’re wearing pieces you love.
The issue is often proportion.
The next article in this series, The Rule of Thirds in Fashion Explained, you’ll learn how proportion affects the way outfits look and feel, and why certain outfit formulas work better than others.
