From Jen Clyde Stylist Blog:
Mix Match Stylist Secret..Shhhh
Being a Fashion Stylist for 10 years now I have seen a lot of creations from other talented fashion Stylist and designers. I have dressed many celebrities and personal clients. We are inspired by so much around us and fashion is our art and our expression or ourselves and our personalities. Many people always say “I wish I could dress like that” or “I couldn’t pull that off” because I don’t know how? Or lack of confidence? So here are the secrets on how to.
Mixing different textures and patterns is a fabulous way to create more variety in your outfits, giving your outfit an interesting depth which is
definitely a must if you want to take a more individualistic and personal approach to dressing.Yes, mixing patterns and textures can be tricky which often result in wrong combinations that don't look that good. This is why most people say they'd never do it.
But seriously, it can look amazing if done correctly!
Side Note:If the idea of wearing head-to-toe pattern fills you with dread, try wearing a neutral colored, plain outfit and keeping the pattern to the accessories. Mixing patterns on your shoes, scarves, handbags and jewelry can look fabulously on trend without being scary!
Knowing Your Body
The most important thing that I learned about dressing myself is to know my own body. That way, I can wear something that flatters my body in spite of my imperfections. If you understand what type of fabrics, texturesand colors work for you first then you are able to look like a pro right off the bat.
Same color family: Once you understand certain colors complement other colors, and how to put them together, you are well on your way to being just as much a trendsetter as someone with her own stylist. Your patterns should share the same color scheme. For example, if you're paisley top is orange, teal and beige, your plaid skirt should have some orange, teal and/ beige to it or anything similar (same color, but different nuance) to those colors. Or a print that has at least one of the colors of the other print. If you're wearing a basic black and white stripe tee you're more free to combine it with whatever print piece you like because black and white are versatile and work with almost
anything. This also includes brown, gray and navy blue.
Break it up a bit: Give your outfit some rest by breaking it up with a basic, solid color. This makes your outfit look more balanced and modern. Basic wide belts, jackets and hosiery are great for this.
Don’t go too matchy-matchy: Similar polka dot patterns on head and toe make it look
like you’re overly confined to fashion rules. As if your outfit is too well-thought andpredictable. It just isn't exciting to look at. Add a few surprises by wearing different types of prints and textures.
Some prints can be neutrals:Think tweed skirts and dress pants or small houndstooth. And even black and white, navy blue and white. They are so classic and understated, they become a neutral and can be topped with two other print pieces.
Confidence: at the end of the day, pulling off an outfit has a lot to do with your own confidence level. This is definitely an 'out there' look, and yes, people may well stare! However, this is not a bad thing! If your perfectly pattern-blocked outfit makes you feel like a million dollars then get out there and wear it with a smile and a confident attitude. Happiness is infectious, after all.
Dressing like a stylist is all about knowing the trends, understanding body types, understanding colors, patterns, textures, and most of all showing off personality through their fashions. If I can not see any of who you really are through your clothing then you need to re think your shopping trips. Everyday should be your best day, and the more you feel like yourself the more successful days will come.
For more ideas and to learn all about fashion and lifestyle go follow my fashion blog:
http://www.jenclydestylist.com.
