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.
I’m SUCH a visual learner!! I need the photos to tell the story lol. I am desperately obsessed with the raw hem and polished loafers now; such a *subtle* contrast!!
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.
That’s a great point!! I wouldn’t want anyone to let other people deter them from something they love. I guess I think of it more along the lines of “would 2 people say it’s worth the cost? or “would 2 people validate that it could get good use in my closet.”
I think this is my favorite stylistic element, and you articulated it so well here. I love to wear feminine clothing mixed with masculine pieces, and the contrast can indeed be too stark sometimes. These are terrific tips for lowering the contrast effect into something grounding, with more ease. And that photo that scratched your brain? Same! I totally get what you were laying down there.
Yes!! I love the idea of our brains enjoying that image together. Truly, YOU GET ME. And I get you because I am often mixing masculine and feminine; but I want to do it with depth.
Depth as the quieter sister to contrast might be my favorite fashion metaphor I’ve read all month. Now I’m side-eyeing every outfit wondering if it needs that extra layer of interest.
Gah!! Thank you for this MAJOR compliment. I really believe most of us who create outfits with intention have a lot of depth in our outfits without realizing it!
Kelly, this is yet another brilliant understanding and analysis of style. I’m stunned by its simplicity and power! Depth, duh! Why didn’t I ever think of it like that? I love how you pushed beyond just layering, specifically how you called out the scrunched sleeve and raw hem against the polished leather. SO SO good. Taking this with me, big time!
The 4-3-1 rule is incredibly smart (I’m skipping the 2 only because I know what I like and don’t check in with friends). A huge yes to jewelry and accessories adding depth to an outfit and you nailed it with these inspo images ❤️
This post got me so excited to start dressing for colder weather. Not because I crave layers, but because I crave this DEPTH you write so clearly about. Something about warm weather makes it hard for me to think about anything other than just getting out the door and embracing summer's ever-present layer: sweat. But in colder weather, I feel excited to play with leather/suede/cashmere/cotton, and even a little lace. I'm hoping that by playing with these textures, and a few silhouettes, I'll find depth!!
I love the intentionality behind all of this. I’m a big fan of accessories in bringing in layers and depth and I loveee all the inspo you used. You and Emily are the queens of Pinterest and find the best imagery !!!
Ps — one of my all time favorite articles is the one about showing skin. I go back to it often.
I always think about how adding that small intentional detail to your outfit IS depth and you illustrate this so perfectly!! And that first Pinterest save w the fur coat!! So good, so chill. I love how the outfit just feels like her and not the fur coat wearing her. Total vibes.
What a great post, Kelly! I am a big believer in this concept, and it manifests as friction in my outfits. We are all nuanced people, makes sense out style would be nuanced as well.
In 2020 when I started writing about antonyms, and friction was such an ah-ha moment for me- also because it plays out in real life - a frictionless life can be so dull. I love how you played out though what happens when the friction is solely for the sake of it rather than for any real intent - because it comes off as forced and therefore lacks depth. I’ve sometimes described this as a fashion mullet - when there’s no connection to the front and the back. Leading with pragmatism in choosing the right antonym is a short cut to depth - but it also connects you to the why behind your choices. A super feminine dress for walking around Milan? A brogue over a heel is the pragmatic choice - and it’s also, to use other peoples words “the wrong choice” - but knowing why the wrong is right gives you confidence ….ergo ease…..ergo depth. See?
Amy, I love hearing from you because I really love the way your brain thinks of things. A fashion mullet! A lack of connection! Yes!! But, as you said, a pragmatic choice really builds depth and prevents said mullet! Brilliant.
For serious?! Wait, I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I was mad obsessed writing this but really doubted if it would hit. If it hit for you then I’m satisfied.
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.
I’m SUCH a visual learner!! I need the photos to tell the story lol. I am desperately obsessed with the raw hem and polished loafers now; such a *subtle* contrast!!
Yes - all the pics, pls. SUCH A GREAT SUBTLE COMBO! 💗Great one!!
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.
That’s a great point!! I wouldn’t want anyone to let other people deter them from something they love. I guess I think of it more along the lines of “would 2 people say it’s worth the cost? or “would 2 people validate that it could get good use in my closet.”
I think this is my favorite stylistic element, and you articulated it so well here. I love to wear feminine clothing mixed with masculine pieces, and the contrast can indeed be too stark sometimes. These are terrific tips for lowering the contrast effect into something grounding, with more ease. And that photo that scratched your brain? Same! I totally get what you were laying down there.
Yes!! I love the idea of our brains enjoying that image together. Truly, YOU GET ME. And I get you because I am often mixing masculine and feminine; but I want to do it with depth.
Am I a nerd if us getting each other makes me so happy 🥹
Then I’m a nerd with you which proves we ARE nerds because we get each other double
♥️
Kelly, GENIUS! Every week tops the last.
Depth as the quieter sister to contrast might be my favorite fashion metaphor I’ve read all month. Now I’m side-eyeing every outfit wondering if it needs that extra layer of interest.
Gah!! Thank you for this MAJOR compliment. I really believe most of us who create outfits with intention have a lot of depth in our outfits without realizing it!
Kelly, this is yet another brilliant understanding and analysis of style. I’m stunned by its simplicity and power! Depth, duh! Why didn’t I ever think of it like that? I love how you pushed beyond just layering, specifically how you called out the scrunched sleeve and raw hem against the polished leather. SO SO good. Taking this with me, big time!
THANK YOU!! It feels a little obvious as we look at outfits and get dressed every day but it’s deceptively layered!
The 4-3-1 rule is incredibly smart (I’m skipping the 2 only because I know what I like and don’t check in with friends). A huge yes to jewelry and accessories adding depth to an outfit and you nailed it with these inspo images ❤️
I LOVE that you know yourself well enough! I think I’m probably a tougher critic than my friends (who would be quick to say; BUY IT 😂)
This post got me so excited to start dressing for colder weather. Not because I crave layers, but because I crave this DEPTH you write so clearly about. Something about warm weather makes it hard for me to think about anything other than just getting out the door and embracing summer's ever-present layer: sweat. But in colder weather, I feel excited to play with leather/suede/cashmere/cotton, and even a little lace. I'm hoping that by playing with these textures, and a few silhouettes, I'll find depth!!
Yes!! I agree that my favorite kind of depth is created with physical layers or texture layers that just feel impossible in the heat of the summer 🥵
I love the intentionality behind all of this. I’m a big fan of accessories in bringing in layers and depth and I loveee all the inspo you used. You and Emily are the queens of Pinterest and find the best imagery !!!
Ps — one of my all time favorite articles is the one about showing skin. I go back to it often.
I am glad I’m not the only one thinking of the showing skin post, it will always be a favorite of mine.
it lives rent free in my brain
Brilliant Kelly! You’re dissecting the tiny styling tricks we take for granted with so much depth 🫣 and precision, love it!
Eee this is the nicest thing!! Thank you for this compliment!
I always think about how adding that small intentional detail to your outfit IS depth and you illustrate this so perfectly!! And that first Pinterest save w the fur coat!! So good, so chill. I love how the outfit just feels like her and not the fur coat wearing her. Total vibes.
YES! I realized- in writing this- that a little intention is what goes a long way. And that photo! Whewwwwww you nailed it; VIBES.
Your style analyses are spot on! All these subtle details that add depth and interest in an authentic way. So good 💛
Thank you so much!!
What a great post, Kelly! I am a big believer in this concept, and it manifests as friction in my outfits. We are all nuanced people, makes sense out style would be nuanced as well.
Asta I can't explain how much this comment means coming from you because I really love your cerebral approach to style. XOXOX
Omg you are the nicest kindest ever, truly
Such a good rule. I love all of the info so much. Thank you sister!
So thrilled you liked it!!
In 2020 when I started writing about antonyms, and friction was such an ah-ha moment for me- also because it plays out in real life - a frictionless life can be so dull. I love how you played out though what happens when the friction is solely for the sake of it rather than for any real intent - because it comes off as forced and therefore lacks depth. I’ve sometimes described this as a fashion mullet - when there’s no connection to the front and the back. Leading with pragmatism in choosing the right antonym is a short cut to depth - but it also connects you to the why behind your choices. A super feminine dress for walking around Milan? A brogue over a heel is the pragmatic choice - and it’s also, to use other peoples words “the wrong choice” - but knowing why the wrong is right gives you confidence ….ergo ease…..ergo depth. See?
Amy, I love hearing from you because I really love the way your brain thinks of things. A fashion mullet! A lack of connection! Yes!! But, as you said, a pragmatic choice really builds depth and prevents said mullet! Brilliant.
Obsessed with this concept and the fact that we have many of the same pins saved!
You and me exist in the same inspiration
Kellyyyyy!!!!! This is a 12/10 post. So good!! I love how you explain what feels to me to be so unexplainable 😂🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
For serious?! Wait, I can’t tell you how much this means to me. I was mad obsessed writing this but really doubted if it would hit. If it hit for you then I’m satisfied.
It hit!! :)