Fall Winter Fashion Formula #5: Opposites Attract
February 6th, 2009
In love and life, opposites attract. So it’s no surprise that the same is true in style. Here, we present an outfit that’s full of opposites, in formality, styling details, and in color. Here’s how to reconcile the opposites in a outfit that’s completely chic:
1. Start with a plain white button down shirt and a pair of dark rinse jeans. We see two types of opposites with this pairing: (1) the masculine style of the shirt is counterbalanced by the feminine ruffles on the front, and (2) the formality of the shirt contrasts with the casualness of the jeans.
2. Layer on a brightly colored sweater and a menswear tailored jacket. The casual sweater peeking out from under the tailored jacket gives the outfit a punch of color.
3. Accessorize with a snappy navy hat that echoes the blue in the jeans and a smart orange clutch that echoes the bright orange sweater.
How do you wear opposites? Share your style with us in the comments!
Entry Filed under: Ready Made Outfits,Women
6 Comments
1. Sal | February 6th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Another great outfit idea! My paired opposites tend to be in the sweet/tough realm … studs and flowy dresses, leather and silk.
2. teri | February 6th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
what about shoes?
3. ellen | February 8th, 2009 at 1:56 am
i love these color combinations. as for teri’s question on shoes, i think since the outfit is a bit more structured, i’d go with ankle boots or structured flats…
4. ellen | February 8th, 2009 at 2:51 am
another way of viewing opposites could be mixing up different patterns? maybe like a sweater with a stripe or argyle pattern, but with a dotted scarf? or trouser pants with a plaid/herringbone pattern paired with an argyle/striped sweater, etc.
sometimes i also take notes from my boyfriend and will wear trouser pants with a pair of converse sneakers. a simple sweater that hits around the hip(not to tight) is usually what i wear on top.
5. Ellen Hart | February 9th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
All I can say is…gimme! These are great. The three C’s: cool, casual, chic! i love the two different oranges!
6. Trisha | February 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Ellen – great idea about ankle boots or another structured shoe. Both would work splendidly.
And totally, you can mix up different patterns as “opposites.” If you do so, keep the size of the pattern repeat approximately the same so that the patterns will harmonize in the outfit.