Mastering the Art of Contrast: How to Use Opposing Elements in Fashion

It’s no secret that I love a bit of contrast when it comes to my fashion choices. It maybe has to do with my obsession with balance. But along with that I love that you can bring two extremes together to make something beautiful. Wow, now there’s a metaphor that could answer a lot of problems in the world. Anyways, in the beautiful world of fashion, contrast reigns as an undisputed champion. Break down any good elevated stylish outfit and you’ll find it…contrast. Whether it’s style type, texture or fits, it’s there. Creating visually striking and memorable outfits. Pushing outfits out of their comfort zone and into the light. Let's explore this ultimate way of styling by looking at different approaches to contrast.

Color - Opposites do attract, and combining hues that sit on different ends of the wheel can result in a captivating ensemble. Imagine a fiery red top with an emerald green skirt - a combination that screams bold and beautiful. Play with warm and cool tones; let the oranges and blues dance together in a visual symphony. Or keep it classic with white kissing black for an effortless chic pairing.

Textures - This contrast adds what I call yumminess. Made up word, yes, but still effective. The different textures in an outfit add interest and pull people in. Imagine the silky smoothness of a blouse under the comforting weight of a chunky knit cardigan. Or perhaps the edgy toughness of leather against the soft charm of lace. Combining varying textures brings a new depth to your style, taking it from ordinary to extraordinary (I love a good rhyme).

Patterns - Now you know I’m a minimalist when it comes to patterns in my own outfits. But it doesn’t mean I don’t love a striped tee with a floral skirt or get pulled in by a geometric print mingled with polka dots. Remember, the key is to balance your patterns to avoid an overwhelming look. Find patterns that accent each other, not distract from each other. That’s why opposites work so well in this case. My go to when styling prints (for others of course :-) is to choose one busier print (floral) and one cleaner print (stripes or polka dots).

Proportions - Oooooh one of my favorite contrasts to play with. If you follow my channel, you know this. Playing with proportions adds another level of intrigue to your outfits. Think of an oversized, billowy blouse paired with sleek, slim-fit trousers, creating a fierce silhouette. It can also be quite flattering. Experiment with different proportions and watch your outfits come alive.

Accessories - Contrast extends to your fashion companions - your accessories. A statement necklace can transform a minimalist t-shirt, and a vibrant handbag can be a standout element against a monochromatic outfit. Or a feminine pair of earrings can elevate a masculine suit. Play around with your accessories and see how they can transform an effortless outfit. Once you establish the style moods of a look you can then identify what sort of accessories you can use as contrast. An elegant dress may need the boyish charm of a baseball hat and high top sneakers to elevate it further and bring in that edge.

Formal vs. Casual - This is where my favorite contrast comes in, a pair of jeans with a blazer. Combining formal and casual wear creates an outfit that's stylishly unexpected. It’s an effortless way to bring in that edge and is something you already have in your closet. Have a pair of refined black trousers sitting in your closet from back when you use to have to go into the office. But now work from home and have no use for them? Pull them out and pair them with a oversized slub tee and high top converse sneakers. You take them from being formal to edgy chic. Taking formal wear to everyday wear.

Style Types - Much like formal vs. casual, you’re finding styles with opposing style moods. So a Grunge style type piece would be a distressed oversized plaid shirt. Combine that with a Romantic style type dress that is super tight and short and you’ve got yourself an elevated contrast look. This why the grungy graphic tee paired with the sophisticated blazer is so iconic.

Style Tweaks - This is probably the easiest way of bringing in contrast because it can be done anytime and anywhere. We’ve all seen the conventional cardigan worn as a top with the bottoms undone just enough for some peaky cleavage. Boom, contrast! The preppy pair of chinos cut off at the hem for an edgy frayed crop look. Contrast!! Or the refined button up shirt with the sloppy rolled up sleeve. COOOONTRAST!! Have some fun with this one.

**So if you’re someone like me who is looking to always have that effortless understated edge to an outfit. Then keeping these contrasts in mind will help you to always have that. Whenever I put together an outfit I always ask “where is my edge”? And usually what that means is contrast, “where is my contrast?”