Styling (putting together outfits) is a huge passion of mine. In fact, getting dressed up is often my favorite part of going out! If I have time, I like to allow myself a few hours to spend in front of the mirror, trying on dresses and picking just the right shoes!

The thing about styling is that just like in any creative process, there is no exact formula. Most of the time one must go with their gut and ‘feel out’ what works and what doesn’t. At the same time, there are a few guidelines which can help you get better at creating outfits.

Here is what you’ll need to get started:

  • An organized closet
  • Items that more or less complement each other
  • Full-sized mirror
  • 30-40 minutes of free time
  • Some inspiration

Note: I recommend trying everything on in front of a big mirror, not just laying stuff out on the floor or sketching it out on a piece of paper. Human proportions are tricky and what looks good in a drawing may not work on a real body.

  • Organize your closet

Imaging making a painting with your paints scattered all around the house. You need a green but it’s somewhere in the kitchen. You want red but it’s under the bathroom sink. You could really use some indigo but your dog ate it. Having an organized closet is super important when putting together on an outfit – all pieces should be visible and readily accessible to you.

I usually keep all my jackets together in a row, followed by tops, skirts, and dresses. Shoes on a shoe rack. Stockings and socks in a drawer. Unless you have a humongous wardrobe, I don’t think sorting by color is  necessary.

  • Find your key item

A key item is the central piece your outfit will be based around. It can be anything – shoes, a dress, a pair of socks – the only criteria is it must be something you really, really like! With me, it’s usually my latest purchase or something I’ve been meaning to wear for a while, just never had the chance. Another ‘problem’ of mine is an overabundance of tights – so I like to try a challenge myself and build an outfit around a pair.

  • Build around your key item

Take a look around your wardrobe – is there anything that complements your key item? Do you have a belt that goes well with this purse? Or a dress that looks super with these boots? Put it on. Continue adding more pieces that work well with your ensemble. If you don’t see any obvious matches, start trying stuff on at random – you might come across something unusual and fresh!

“How do I know if something ‘works’?”
This would depend purely on your taste and your vision. Meaning – if you LIKE IT, it works! With time, you will learn to trust yourself and your eye. :)

Sometimes you may simply not have the right item to bring it all together. When this happens, you can either put the outfit on hold and finish it later, once you have the item, or substitute it with something else. One time I was working on a look and really wished for a yellow patent belt, but alas, I didn’t have one.  I substituted it with a black & white striped one and amazingly, it worked! I still want that yellow belt though! ;)

  • Add an element of surprise

What’s the difference between a good outfit and a great one? A great outfit has a hook, something that makes it memorable and sets it apart from the rest! Such hook can be achieved on purpose, by accident, or by accident on purpose. :) As you may have guessed, my favorite is the last. Once you have most of your outfit together, look for something bold and unexpected to offset the equation! Something you’d never normally consider, like cobalt blue shoes in an otherwise white/gray ensemble, or bright red tights paired with a Victorian look.

Adding the unusual will make your outfit look more fashion and now. (Look at me throwing all that lingo around!)

  • Try to avoid cliches

It’s perfectly fine and even desirable to draw inspiration from underground fashion – lolita, pin-up, emo – but be sure not to copy the look down to a T. Change at least something to bring an element of modernity. Unless you want that particular look of course, in which case just go for it!

Some outfits I like and why I think they’re great


Blurgirl (left) and Luella (right)

Blugirl: I’m a huge fan of Blumarine, their line Blugirl in particular. The centerpiece here is clearly the striped sweater – which is unexpectedly paired with a red silk skirt and black ribbon belt. The ‘bucket’ headpiece and glasses suggest a classy, retro look, while the leopard boots with red soles give the outfit an edge. I would have never worn those shoes with this outfit but somehow, it works! Not only that, it entertains! :)

Luella: Much girlier than the Blumarine, this look’s centerpiece is, undoubtedly, the polka-dot dress. Matte silk, mesh & velvet make for an unusual combination, while ruffles on the bottom add texture. Oversized bow puts this over the top. The logical way to finish the outfit would’ve been some elegant, ruffled black shoes – instead, Luella throws in a rough, unlaced boot in blacks and ivories. Bravo!

Deerlings: how do you put together your outfits?