Coordinate Your Outfit With Ease
Julie Murrell
Style & Confidence Coach → You hate getting dressed and you think to yourself, "I guess I'll just throw this on again"
Tired of staring at your closet every morning, unsure of how to put together an outfit that looks polished and professional??
Do you find yourself wearing the same pieces day after day, simply because you're not sure how to mix things up?
?Many professional women struggle with coordinating their outfits for work, especially with workplaces places becoming more and more casual. These days, it’s almost like anything goes…
The beautiful thing is you don’t have to have an eye for style in order to be well put-together. There’s actually a lot of logic that goes into coordinating an outfit!
In this article, I’m delving into four key principles of outfit coordination—style, colour, formality, and refinement—and explore how you can apply them to create chic and cohesive looks for work.
Let's Start With Style
When we talk about style in the context of coordination, we're referring to the individual style of each garment.?
Understanding the style of each piece is crucial because not all styles coordinate well together. For example, a formal and elegantly tailored black blazer won’t pair with baggy joggers because the garments are drastically different styles.
To simplify the coordination process, ideally you want to streamline your wardrobe to your primary style and secondary style (if you have one). This way, you can more easily mix and match pieces that share a cohesive aesthetic.?
Whether you're choosing jackets, pants, tops, or accessories, aim to create a harmonious style story within your outfit.
Now, Let's Talk About Colour
The next pillar of outfit coordination is colour scheme. Selecting a cohesive colour scheme goes a very long way in achieving a polished look.?
There are various colour schemes to consider, ranging from neutral to monochromatic to accent with neutrals and beyond!
?Your choice of colour scheme should reflect your personal style as well as the message you want to convey through your outfit.
Neutrals like black, white, gray, and navy serve as versatile foundation pieces that pair well with almost any colour. However, don't be afraid to explore contemporary neutrals like burgundy and olive green, which can add depth and interest to your outfit.
If you are someone who is really drawn to colour and would like to embody a fun and creative vibe, experiment with 1 to 3 accent colours in your outfit.
One thing to consider when combining colours is the psychology of different pigments.?
For example, high-contrast combinations like black and white exude authority and credibility, which is great for situations like negotiating or presenting. On the other hand, lower-contrast pairings create a more approachable and welcoming appearance.
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Moving on to Formality and Refinement
Formality and refinement go hand in hand when crafting a sophisticated look.?
Refinement speaks to the quality and attention to detail of each garment and generally speaking, the more refined a garment is, the more formal it will be.
When selecting pieces for your outfit, aim for consistency in formality and refinement.?
Tailored blazers, structured silhouettes, and refined finishes elevate your look and project a formal image.?
Conversely, unstructured styles, casual fabrics, and relaxed details contribute to a more laid-back aesthetic.
What Now?
Incorporating these principles into your daily outfit selection may seem like a lot at first, but with practice, you'll become more confident in your styling abilities.?
Take the time to assess and refine your wardrobe, experiment with different combinations, and embrace the art of coordination as a creative expression of your personal style.
Remember, coordinating your work outfits isn't just about looking good—it's about feeling empowered and confident in every setting. By mastering the principles of style, colour, formality, and refinement, you'll elevate your appearance and make a lasting impression wherever you go.
So, the next time you're standing in front of your closet, remember these principles and watch as your outfits transform from ordinary to extraordinary.?
Julie Murrell
Image Strategist & Career Growth Catalyst for Professional Women
> Currently loving monochromatic outfits for my personal style
>> Considering the title of 'outfit artist' going forward
P.S. If you liked this, I have some FANTASTIC LinkedIn Events coming up that you might also like:
P.P.S. If you’d like to speak with me 1-on-1 for personalized guidance on how to create a confident professional image,
Book a Style Strategy Session and I’ll share the exact system I’ve used for myself and my private image clients to master their image & style.