A quick prologue to my post because Labor Day sales are starting and I thought this comment in the Midimalist chat was helpful as we navigate the floods of emails. With his permission, I wanted to share
’s 4-3-2-1 rule;
BRILLIANT, right?! I, especially, love asking myself if I’d wear it in 4 years! I figured it could help us all step off the fashion ledge when needed. Now, on to the post…
I’ve been spending time with an old lover lately; her name is Pinterest. I spend quite a bit of time looking at images on Pinterest for newsletters but, recently, I’m seeing more really inspiring outfits for myself. As I am one to do, I’ve also been dissecting the images and come to realize a styling tool that feels criminal not to share.
Before I get into it, though, I need to touch on this idea of contrast which I’ve written about before here;
In my opinion,
of Tibi was the person to bring the idea of “contrast” in an outfit mainstream with her use of antonyms. The idea is that if you don’t like the way your outfit looks you would seek to add tension/contrast by naming how your outfit makes you feel and seeking to add something that is opposing to that. It’s very closely related to ’s “wrong shoe theory.”Thinking of contrast is a great first-step tool to either switching an outfit that doesn’t feel right OR building an outfit that feels interesting. The below example might be that the top feels masculine (or maybe you’d describe it as elevated) so we would purposefully choose a bottom that is more feminine (or easy-going). Then, if you are a long-time reader, you’ll know I love creating a full vibe-sandwich by matching the shoe to the vibe of the top.
However, sometimes these outfits can feel a bit impractical; a bit contrarian for the sake of being contrarian. And leaning too hard into contrast can end up feeling… overworked. But there’s another way to approach contrast that is a bit more subtle- like the quieter sister- and that is depth.
Depth is more nuanced and leaves way more room for interpretation, so I’m calling it a Style 201 tool because it feels like it requires a bit extra thought and will look different for everyone. No matter how you choose to manifest depth, I think it leaves an outfit feeling more interesting.
I’m going to try and show some outfit evidence of great depth and the different ways it’s built but- ultimately- it comes down to layering. Depth is created by either physically layering clothes OR layering colors, textures, proportions and- definitely- opposing feelings in clothes.
Let’s begin with a Pinterest image that is absolutely burned into my brain ahead of fall dressing;
I love this outfit so much. And, yes, there are some physical layers with a white tee, zip-up hoodie and fur coat; but there are also lots of contrasting items layered together. She balances the elevated fur coat with really casual elements underneath, and she creates depth by pairing neutrals with two colorful bags.
While I had to start with that image, I recognize that (most of us) still have weeks of warm hot weather left and depth can be created even without fall layers.
Take these two outfits below, which are super similar and regularly pop up on my Pinterest feed.
The first thing I notice are the color combinations;
The white and ecru create a crisp lightness in the outfits, but the dark shoes (and belt on the left) ground the outfit and the orangey bags bring the energy. But it’s more than layering the colors; the proportion of the baby t-shirts working in opposition to the baggier bottoms; these are more subtle ways to contrast pieces against each other.
Onward to two great transitional outfit that shows off the depth created through mixing different textures.
One of my all-time favorite posts I wrote around this time last year is the power in strategically showing skin in the layers that fall/winter bring. Leandra does a great job of purposefully creating a deep V with her button down and cinching her pants up to show the top of her foot.
Speaking of showing skin; notice in the below image how the pushed sleeve adds depth to the outfit by showing her arm AND creating the bunching in the sleeve.
The chunky shoe and oversized bag play against the slim pant that she cuffed to create another slim point of reference at her ankle. Plus her belt adds some great polish to an otherwise really casual outfit.
Honestly, when I really look at outfits that grab my attention, each look has depth by creating really nuanced contrast through intentional elements. Lest you think depth only exists in Pinterest images, I actually captured two outfits in the wild while at the kids’ playplace in the mall that showed the intention that depth creates (I know, it’s a tad creepy, I’m sorry!).
This first outfit plays a fitted top against longer shorts. It adds polish through the belt and jewelry while keeping things casual in the jorts and (unseen) sandals.
This other outfit used the Big-on-Big proportions to contrast with flowy pants and top against the structure in her (unseen) big bag and slicked-back bun. There’s also a subtle vibe stack with an elevated hair scarf, casual tee, elevated silk pants and casual shoe.
In all things, think about how this can be adopted for YOU; YOUR closet, YOUR lifestyle, YOUR unique vibe. A few years ago when I was at the peak stress about trying to be a good mom, my friend said; if you are worried about being a good mom, chances are you are doing great. So, in that same vein, the best outfits are the ones made with intention. If you are taking the time to put together an outfit that feels good and interesting to you; well then you’ve already nailed it.
Lately style has started to feel a touch overworked and I don’t want the idea of depth to be just another box we feel we have to check. Also, I’m always looking for the very practical takeaways so here’s a round-up of little examples of depth;
Starting easy: JEWELRY! Jewelry can be a really simple way to add layers of visual interest to an outfit.
And, if you aren’t a jewelry person (specifically) you can still create good subtle contrast with other ACCESSORIES;
I just wrote a piece about choosing the “interesting” shoe (read here) and it’s truly one of my favorite, low-lift ways to achieve depth.
As the weather changes: ADD LAYERS
Last- but not least- I’m officially opening the Midimalist Clothing Swap for claiming on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27 at 12p MT. As a reminder, I made a Google Sheet that readers could fill out with items that they aren’t wear anymore- there are 29 (!!) things on it right now. Set an alarm because on Wednesday, you can go claim an item for yourself! And, if you want to add something to this list, get on it!!
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I freaking love contrast, which is funny because I spent the first 35 years of my life terrified to stand out in any way. The “quiet sister” concept is brilliant. Such a great teaching tool, I love they way you discussed contrasting textures, proportions, feelings, etc.
My FAVS: Raw hems with polished loafers, and a baseball hat with a fur jacket. Sign me up, baby. I have never really thought of it all as "depth" -- but now my brain wheels can't stop turning!
LOVED IT & LOVED the images for us visual learners.
The 4-3-2-1 rule is such a fun checklist. But honestly, I don’t care if my friends (or anyone else) like what I wear. If I want to buy it, I will. That’s the only question on the list I’d skip, because it feels like the one that could hold someone back from fully embracing their personal style, just in case of what other people think.