How to Dress Like a Stylist: 4 Essential Tips for Effortless Style
Have you ever opened your closet, stared at it for what felt like an eternity, and then promptly declared you had absolutely nothing to wear? Same. And then in your outfit-depraved haze, delusionally navigated to Instagram in the hopes of finding exactly what you were looking for on some celebrity stylist’s page, only to find everything underwhelming? Me too. The problem is making an outfit (aka styling) is an extremely personal practice. No two personal styles are alike, so it’s not surprising someone else’s Instagram is uninspiring. And while you may feel like the solution to your fruitless closet is to buy more things—better things, the reality is that we don’t give our clothes enough attention. I heard a quote recently from stylist Allison Bornstein that perfectly captures this feeling. She says, “We don’t need more stuff. We need more ideas.” So, here is my guide to 4 ideas that will re-inspire you to shop your own closet and dress more like a stylist.
Tip #1: MIX PRINTS
Mixing prints in an outfit makes you look like a true style expert. It demonstrates boldness and confidence in your fashion choices. When done well, mixed prints can achieve a harmonious look that appears effortlessly chic, despite the seemingly chaotic combination of patterns. Although mixing prints looks difficult to pull off, it’s actually quite simple. The key is to not overthink it. But, if you’re looking for more prescriptive advice, here’s my two cents. If you’re hesitant to mix prints or don’t know where to start, start by choosing two prints with similar colors.
For a beginner-level version, I went neutral and paired a vintage black and white Versace turtleneck tank in a wavy stripe with this layered black and white polka dot maxi skirt. But this tip would still work if the pieces were blue, red, or leopard print.
For example, these printed jeans with the crocheted halter tank feel like they were made for each other. The top’s yellow ochre, baby blue, pink, and creamy white go perfectly with the pant’s slightly more vibrant versions of all of those colors. But print mixing doesn’t have to follow any rules for it to work. Meaning, if you like it, it works.
Is this navy blue gingham maxi skirt the most intuitive match to this black, orange, and yellow groovy floral print? No. Do I like it? Yes! Thus, it works.
Tip #2: MIX DECADES & AESTHETICS
While your inclination may be to pair some high-rise flare jeans with a striped top or a clog and go full-on Donna Pinciotti from “That 70s Show,” I recommend mixing decades and aesthetics. Doing so creates unexpected contrast and timeless appeal, making your outfit stand out and feel fresh. By mixing, you also avoid looking like you walked straight out of a specific decade. It’s important to note, however, that not all decades are totally distinct in aesthetics. For example, I love the 80s. It’s maximalist and glam, but so is the 60s. So if I were trying to style an 80s sequin jacket, I’d avoid choosing something glam from the 60s and might opt to pair it with a casual baggy 2000s jean.
Here, I paired a 50s printed circle skirt with a sultry brown beaded mesh top from the 90s.
The same rules that I outlined for decades apply to aesthetics. (Preppy, romantic, edgy, boho, sporty, glitzy, etc.) Adopting only one aesthetic for an entire outfit tends to read costumey. Our personal styles are often much more nuanced than a single aesthetic, so mixing them can help you create an outfit that is unique to you.
One of my favorite mixed aesthetic outfits is my vintage St. John lady jacket paired with vintage Levi’s jean shorts and cowboy boots. The lady jacket is sophisticated and slightly preppy (dare I say almost grandma-ish?). But its refined-ness is offset by my casual Levi’s. The knee-high cowboy boots paired with shorts add a dramatic touch that feels very true to my style. Finally, the black suede and leather shoulder bag ties the look together.
Tip #3: USE THE COLOR WHEEL
Complementary colors are pairs of colors on opposite sides of the color wheel (i.e. red and green, blue and orange, yellow and purple, with variations on the spectrum between each.) Complementary colors add interest and depth to an outfit without needing varied prints or textures.
For example, I paired this blue sweatshirt with my orange Moschino mini-pencil skirt to create a striking look. I let the colors speak for themselves and opted for neutral accessories—a cream sandal, and a subtle brown and black box bag with gold hardware to match my gold chain necklace. This outfit wouldn’t stand out if the sweatshirt were gray and the skirt black. However, using color theory to pair complementary colors makes even a simple outfit look thoughtfully put together.
Here, I paired this lavender silk slip skirt with a lime green cropped loose crocheted tank. I also added a chunky turquoise necklace and metallic magenta and pink scallop sandals. Even though this look doesn’t use exact complementary colors, the colors are close enough to still be eye-catching. It also gets bonus points for utilizing contrasting textures to create extra interest. (I’m a maximalist at my core, what can I say?!) The contrast of color and texture in every piece of the outfit creates a sense of harmony that screams, “I know what I’m doing.”
Tip #4: ADD A BELT
Belts—where form and function meet. Belts are versatile accessories that can add value to an outfit in several ways, beyond just holding up your pants. From enhancing the silhouette to adding a pop of color or texture, belts can transform an outfit.
Here, I used this wide purple leather belt to help me mix prints. In outfits with bold prints or patterns, a belt can break up the visual field and provide a focal point. Here it helps me marry my multicolor tiered maxi skirt with a floral print top, in addition to adding texture.
Why limit the fun of your outfit to one belt, when you could add two?! I didn’t think I could make a vintage Christian Dior silk slipdress any better, but alas it’s possible. And the key is two belts. The upper black leather belt with the large gold medallions defines my waist stunningly and adds a fabulous contrast in chunky metallic texture to the delicate lace and silk of the slip. The second layered chain coin belt pairs seamlessly with the gold medallions of the first. It also acts as a layering tool and creates an extra edge to the outfit that is intentional and unique.
So, there you go—my top style hacks to help you dress like a stylist. I hope this article reminds you that styling is not about having a never-ending closet filled with new clothes. It’s about making the most of what you already own. Mixing prints, combining aesthetics and decades, playing with color, and strategically using belts can unlock endless combinations in your closet. The very best outfits are born when you step outside of your comfort zone. So, I challenge you to pick a tip, try it when you get dressed tomorrow, and let me know how it goes. Happy styling!
