There are a million and one ways to put an outfit together. But there are three main qualities to pay the most attention to: cut, textiles & colors.
The Cut
A creatively cut garment instantly elevates any outfit by introducing different moments of interest. Most fashion on the market right now plays with similar shapes and proportions to help keep production costs low, but tends to produce relatively safe outfits which might lack a distinct personality.
When looking at any silhouette, the two most influential features tend to be the shoulder and the shoe. The shoulders frame the face and establish a sort of attitude. Dropped shoulders tend to round off the figure, softening those hard lines and creating a more inviting atmosphere while pointed shoulders strengthen those hard lines and square the figure off, demanding more authority. The shoe dictates the movement of the silhouette, working with the shoulder to provide the overall emotional interpretation of any look.
The Textiles
The most important thing to consider about any textile is the composition of different fibers. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, or silk are generally well-suited for most garments but can occasionally require slightly more care. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, or spandex are often cheaper and rather durable but are typically less sustainable.
An interesting textile can spice up an otherwise quiet outfit, offering new textures and patterns for the eye. Additionally, varying fabrics across an outfit, particularly unusual pairings, are often a really interesting way to engage the eye even with outfits that might otherwise be more plain. Adding accessories also adds variations of texture and materials in an outfit, pulling the eye around a silhouette.
The Colors
We interact with the world through color, meaning we often have complicated and emotional connections to color. There are endless routes to picking colors for an outfit, but typically finding a palette that works not just with your skin tone but also your personality tends to create the strongest and most
empowering outfit.
The most important part of any outfit is confidence: be bold and be brave, but be distinctly you!
BY BILLY HAY