I hear it all the time.
“I won’t buy it unless I can make at least three outfits with it.”
Quote of the day: “Nonsense wakens up the brain cells. And it helps develop a sense of humor, which is awfully important in this day and age.” Dr. Suess
While I understand where that thought comes from (we don’t want wasted Money or closet orphans), I think any piece is incredibly versatile and can at least be worn with 3 different color combinations.
Unless you have a closet full of the same two colors and the same clothing items (meaning shapes and silhouettes), you should be able to find more than a dozen ways to wear a new item.
Not that you need to go and buy something new to put this idea to use…you can use what you already own too.
What I’d really Love is to get everyone thinking about their clothing in a much broader spectrum.
Let’s ask ourselves, “How can I think differently about how to style my clothes?”
That’s where the magic lives.
Today, I want to share three concepts to review about how to style your clothes that instantly open up more outfit possibilities.
I have tons of examples of these ideas, so if you don’t like the outfits I’ve showcased or linked to, feel free to reach out and ask for more.
Need fun and positive content? Make sure to sign up for my emails. You also get my free eBook when you sign up, but that’s not the best part.
The best part is you get a daily dose of positive energy.
Insider info: If daily emails are too much, you can opt into just getting them on Saturday. I appreciate any support.
Let’s start with color, because this is where most women get stuck.
If you bring home a piece that feels totally different from what you already own, the panic sets in:
“What does this go with?”
My answer?
Almost everything. In my world, I’d say everything, but I know some women don’t like certain color combinations.
Insider tip: There are no right and wrong color combinations. Do you know how I know? I check with Mother Nature. And she shows them all.
First, any and every color should work with at least three neutrals in your closet:
I’d push you to go even further, and combine the new item with browns (maybe a tan or a dark brown) and then your greys too.
But, I’m also a huge believer that ANY two colors can work together.
The new color combo may not be your first instinct, but with tweaking (sometimes by adding in a neutral or third color), they can absolutely coexist.
Take this sheer burgundy tunic as an example.
I’ve worn it with denim, lime green, and orange.
Burgundy and lime green?
Burgundy and orange?
Not “safe,” but incredibly interesting.
Sometimes all it takes is repeating a color in your shoes, glasses, jewelry, or bag to make the combination feel intentional.
You’ve seen me do this again and again.
The same red plaid skirt becomes two entirely different outfits simply by changing the color of the other items I’ve paired with it.
The same goes for the chartreuse maxi skirt, two outfits, same base piece, totally different vibe.
Insider tip: When you’re experimenting with how to style your clothes, try pulling out two colors you’ve never worn together and play. You might surprise yourself.
Most women layer in one direction only.
A top worn under a jacket.
But when you expand how you think about layering, your closet suddenly triples.
Pieces can go over and under other pieces.
I’ve discussed this multiple times, for example:
There are a few mindset shifts that completely change how to style your clothes:
Yet layering isn’t just about warmth; it’s about dimension, texture, and creativity.
When you start viewing your clothes as building blocks instead of finished outfits, you’ll never feel bored again.
This is one of the most powerful ways to rethink how to style your clothing, especially as our bodies and preferences change over time.
This might be my favorite concept because it gives you permission to break the rules.
Just because a garment was made one way doesn’t mean it has to be worn that way.
Think of your clothes like origami.
They can be:
That sheer burgundy tunic? It’s the perfect example-again.
I’ve worn it:
Same piece. Three different shapes.
And shape matters just as much as color when learning how to style your clothes.
I’ve done this with skirts, too. This long, knit red skirt becomes two entirely different looks just by changing how it’s folded and styled on the body.
Nothing is permanent. Try it. Undo it. Try again.
That’s how personal style is born.
When I saw this crocheted bralette at Goodwill, even my husband questioned how I would wear it. That challenged me to give it a go.
Here are 3 fun ideas (and of course, there are more):
Insider tip: The best way to think differently about how to style your clothes is to describe the item. For example, this bralette is a circular piece of crochet, so it could work around my waist, possibly around a hat, or maybe even as a scarf.
I like to think of this as the opposite of styling “rules.”
It’s more like styling freedom.
And that’s the heart of learning how to style your clothes, by seeing potential instead of limitations.
Or as I like to say, “Be the boss of your clothes.”
I hope I thank you enough because your support allows me to continue this journey, which I LOVE!!!
Supporting a blog can be easy and free. Just visiting my pages, clicking my links (especially for Small Businesses and sponsored posts), and sharing the things you like on your social media make a huge difference. Spreading the word is how I can reach more wonderful people like you!
Or feel free to “buy me a coffee” which is a monetary way to tell me that you enjoy reading my blog.
The post How to Style Your Clothes: 3 Ways to Think Differently About What You Already Own appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.
