Guide: creating an outfit

Putting together an outfit is straightforward and one of the things we learn to do very early in life. However, as we get older we begin to think about how we look and how we want to appear more consciously. But once we get into the routine of how we dress, it can be hard to escape that mindset.

In the following I will present a framework to look at this routine from a different perspective.

1. start with the weather

   Invest in reliable pieces for the weather of your city. As someone who lives in a city where it's rainy and cloudy all year round, believe me, I know how difficult it can be to go by the weather when buying clothes. Summer dresses look stunning and tempting, and you might convince yourself that you'll wear them on holiday, but this is coming from someone who has too many summer dresses collecting dust in my wardrobe, waiting more patiently for my holiday than I do.

   Another thing I'm still working on is actually so simple: find out what the weather will be like before you put together an outfit. Once you know what weather you're dressing for, you can set the scene for your outfit.

2. Build your Capsule wardrobe.

   Make sure you invest in staple pieces that can be mixed and matched, both basics and timeless pieces such as:

   • White t-shirt

   • Trench coat

   • Wide-leg trousers

   • Trainers

3. balanced outfit

   To create balance in your outfit, aim to have one colour at the top, a different colour in the middle and the same colour at the bottom as at the top. A colour sandwich so to say. You can also do this with accessories, for example by matching your handbag to your shoes.

4. juxtapose your outfits

   There are many ways to do this, for example a feminine silk skirt with a structured, boxy blazer, or a tight-fitting blouse with loose-fitting trousers. Be sure to balance your outfit to create a modern and sophisticated look. Contrast your styles and don't be afraid to play with different textures.

5. shoes

   One simple question to determine what kind of shoes you should wear is: what are you doing that day? Plus, an important piece of advice is to always buy your shoes in person to make sure they're comfortable.

6. add accessories

   Adding accessories can enhance any outfit. These include jewellery, belts, sunglasses and bags. Investing in the right accessories is an easy way to upgrade your wardrobe without having to rethink your entire style. A pair of simple gold earrings and a black structured bag with gold detailing are my staples.

I would not say that the list is complete with these six points, but it is certainly a start.