Q&A: ask our stylist – addressing our most asked questions
On our Instagram @astyleset and @astylesetman we post polls and questions to help our community with any styling or fashion questions they have. Last week, we asked you to submit your styling questions, and we’ve gathered a few of the major themes to discuss below. We want all of your questions – be sure to stay up to date on our Instagram for more Q&As!
Finding your style
As nice as it sounds to have one specific style that works for you, your style will likely always be evolving and changing whether that be with trends or with your changing interests. When thinking about your style, think less about what it looks like and more about what you like to wear and how you like to wear things. If you love everything about the coquette style but hate wearing tight clothes, you can morph the idea into one that suits you. Aesthetics should be more of a starting point rather than an end goal in terms of styles that already exist.
When shopping look for pieces you like to wear and feel most confident in. Creating your own aesthetic is a long process of trial and error – it takes time and patience, but will pay off in the long run.
Envision yourself as Marie Kondo when you’re going into a store and picking out a piece of clothing – if it sparks joy and you can genuinely see yourself wearing it, then it definitely fits into your style.
Incorporating Contrast
Contrast is one of the best ways to create an interesting outfit. I’m sure we’ve all heard the Tik Tok sound,
“If an outfit's not interesting through color, then it has to be interesting through shape. If it’s not interesting by shape, then it has to be interesting through texture. If it’s not interesting by texture, then it has to be interesting by color.”
and it rings true for every outfit. Having contrast in either the texture, shape, or colour adds another dimension to the outfit. Pairing either contrasting colours or a bright colour on a otherwise white or black outfit makes it pop. This works the same with having a linen shirt and pants paired with a chunky knit jumper which we see plenty with Copenhagen styling. We also all know the big pants, little shirt or little pants, big shirt combo rules. This is again just another play on contrast in an outfit.
Another way we can play with contrast is through accessories. Think to styles like blokecore where we are contrasting the more masculine styles of the jersey top and maybe jorts with more feminine pink colours, layered jewlery and bows. Maybe you have a corporate job but still want to have a fun, contrasting colour, sock or shoe – theres always an option for contrast in every situation and it’s a great way to have fun with an outfit.
Styling Tips
Modest Styling
If you prefer to dress more modestly it can sometimes be hard to find options that suit you and feel stylish. A couple of great options are layering and contrast when styling yourself. If you love a dress with a low-cut neckline or spaghetti straps, try layering a plain shirt underneath or a looser top over the top. If you’re finding that your outfits are flat, adding contrast through texture will add another dimension to the outfit. You can also look for pieces that feature a statement collar or pocket on the front to add contrast through shape.
Modest Styling is always going to be a bit easier when it’s winter because we all instinctively reach for long pants and sleeves to brave the weather. When it starts to warm up, pay attention to the fabrics – look for natural fabrics like wool or linen as they are more breathable and will help to wick sweat off you. Another option is cotton which is also a breathable fabric. Looser clothing will also help you feel cooler in the warmer months
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Layering
Layering is a fun way to add more personality to your outfits. This includes layering jewelry, clothing, or accessories. Taking a basic outfit and adding a stack of rings and bracelets adds a dressy touch to an otherwise plain outfit. The same goes for adding a jacket and colourful cardigan over a white t-shirt as you get to pick each piece you put on which makes for an outfit more unique to you. Taking Pieces that contrast or match each other when layering creates dimension. When layering necklaces you want a collection of different style chains, maybe coloured metals, lengths and pendants. The same idea applies when layering clothes as you want a variety of different styles to give the best outcome when wearing multiple pieces. Look back to the section on contrast for more help when picking pieces to wear together.
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Styling Baggy Pants
Many of your questions involved styling baggy pants, specifically jeans and parachute pants, so here are some ideas and tips. Find baggy pants that actually fit: choose pants that are meant to be baggy and fit your hips or waist, not pants you’ve had to size up four times to get the desired fit. If the pants were meant to be baggy you’ll avoid the diaper look and the need for a belt to help them actually stay put.
Now onto styling baggy pants – of course, it’s going to depend on your style, but here are a couple of ideas that we love: Taking a baggy jean, a chunky knit sweater and a pair of sneakers is a staple of the Copenhagen style, simple and comfy. A dark-coloured parachute pant and a white tank with a sneaker is a little more dressed up and can work for either going out or just grabbing a coffee. Another option is a baggy trouser, an oversized button-up, and either a flat or a loafer which is a little bit more dressy but could also work for the office.
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