Juxtaposition

JillG

As in, how do you get it right? I see so many great examples on this site. Do you use a formula? Do you do it instinctively? Emotionally? How do you know when it "works"? Every time I try it I look...confused.

11 years ago

Inspiration

11 replies

Latest reply was from crystalj

rute

Veteran

I use ylf forum and Angie's post to get inspiration but when dressing we need to learn trust our instincts!

11 years ago

JulieJohn

Veteran

You have nailed one of the most important things: be true to yourself. If it feels good, you will exude confidence. If not, you'll exude ... well, something else.

I tried a few things that didn't feel like me when I first started thinking about my style. It made me listen more to my inner voice, especially on new purchases. When in doubt, play in your closet, it's certainly an inexpensive way to be creative. And post some photos so we can play too!

11 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think the best way, like Julie suggested, is just to try different things! It's fun!

11 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I agree with Julie. The other thing I do is Pin looks I love but haven't tried then see if I can make them mine

11 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

Give yourself plenty of time to play. You may find that certain elements work like textures, patterns, or mood, but the color or proportions are off. I sometimes have one vision which then doesn't work, and then I swap out one element after another and ultimately may end up with a completely different outfit. [Shrugs.] Have fun!

11 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I'm also on take-Angie's-blog-ideas-and-go-play-in-your-closet. Have fun and keep an open mind. Post some of your possibilities here for feedback if you need confidence or to be talked out of it.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What Joy said! This was tough for me to figure out too (and still is) but Angie's ensemble suggestions help to simplify the process. Today's outfit is an easy one. I'm not claiming it's a brilliantly creative outfit or anything,; it's copied directly from Friday's blog post! But it definitely incorporates juxtaposition and trying that in a failsafe way gives me the confidence to attempt my own versions. In this case there is casual (a sweatshirt, jeans) combined with polish (the sweatshirt has sequins, the jeans are white, the boots are pointy toed and highly polished). The jeans are structured, the sweatshirt is soft. There's also a subtle pattern mix because the belt is leopard print and the sweatshirt is houndstooth (but tone on tone, so not terribly visible.)

Many times when outfits don't work it's because of a proportion issue. This is especially true when you are playing with items from different capsules in your wardrobe (i.e. dressy with casual). So it does take some experimentation.

11 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

What kind of juxtaposition?
Hi-low? I've wear full blown designer with Target.
Formal-casual? I've worn a Brook Brothers button down shirt with distressed jeans. Or a silk blouse with boyfriend jeans.
If all fails, amazing shoes. I find even the most mundane of outfits can be elevated by a killer pair of shoes; they don't even need to be heels.

11 years ago

Rachel

Active Member

I think part of the secret is being confident in your choices and just rocking it. I paired some fuschia/dark plaid blue dress pants with a dark blue and black striped shirt with my favorite cobalt blue smoking loafers today... and LOVED it! Even if someone at work asked me if those are my golfing pants! Gotta make it fun!

11 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

For me it is how an outfit makes me feel. My favorite looks are feminine with an edge, specifically a dress with leather jacket . Everytime I feel spunky and my sassy self. I think skinnies with colored pumps is my new one. It really is very personal. The journey of dicovering your own should be fun and full of experimentation. I highly recommend trying things you haven't before and listening to your gut. It is a valuable journey to have your outsides match your insides.

11 years ago

crystalj

(website)

Active Member

I always feel that it should first be comfort then style. Both should be considered. I really agree with everyone. We should try or we regret for not even trying. Experiment on different looks, innovate your personal style.

11 years ago

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