Classic Summertime Looks
On creating a timeless style
For my clients who don’t want to be caught up in trends and wish to invest in pieces they can wear year after year, I advise to go with neutrals and accessorize with statement colors. Accessories are much easier to replace than say a pair of great fitting pants. If you aspire to have a timeless quality to your personal style, stick to the basics. Ignore the frilly blouses and oddly shaped trousers. These pieces are hard to style, and if not done properly will end up hanging in your closet unworn. While it may seem boring to shop for a simple tee shirt and a plain blouse, remember these pieces do not need to stand out on their own. What’s important is how well they play with others.
I’ll show you how I create timeless looks for my clients using my guide to Creating a Signature Style. I always start with inspiration images. Personal style is created by finding clothes that fit your body and your personality. To get a clear sense of what feels like you, search Pinterest for outfits you'd like to wear. Ignore things that aren’t practical for your lifestyle. Pick your top six and add them to the template. Here’s a few photos I have gathered for a classic summertime look.
Step 1. Gather Inspo
Step 2. Create Your Outfit Formula
The next step is to analyze the images and create an outfit formula. Starting with color. Choose three colors from the inspo images, one statement color and two coordinating colors. A small color palette will make it easier to recreate the outfits from your Pinterest board. Since color is often an indicator of style, notice if the outfits you chose have a predominantly neutral color palette or if the outfits are a mix of different colors.
There are five style archetypes. Classic styles are created with neutral colors and tailored fits. Dramatic styles are sexy and alluring and are achieved with bold color choices like black and red and fitted silhouettes. Romantic styles are quite feminine with softer colors like pastels and fabrics that drape across the curves of the body. Creative styles mix colors and prints and often are loose or oversized. Casual styles are usually basics like t-shirts and jeans, they go with everything and are an easy way to dress down an outfit. To create a signature style, you’ll want to stick to two styles at most. Any more than that and you risk not having a style at all.
What are the two dominant styles in your inspo photos? The outfits I chose are both classic and casual. It’s the classic colors that feel timeless and the casual fits that feel effortless. The outfit formula in your template will make it easy to recreate your inspo outfits. As I assign colors and styles to the different items on the list, I want to make sure that I have a mix of colors and styles. This will ensure that every outfit I create is part of the signature look.
Step 3. Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
Use the outfit formula as a checklist for creating a capsule wardrobe. Before shopping for new items, take a look inside your closet. Things you never thought to wear together might be just what you need to cross items off your list. Shop to fill in the gaps. Based on my outfit formula for a classic summertime look, I was able to easily create this beautiful capsule wardrobe.
Get this look
If you see something you like, you can access shopping links here.
I’m also here to help. As an image consultant, I offer closet edits and online shopping packages. Book a call now.
What would you like to see next?
What kind of capsule would you like to see next? Subscribers can send inspo images for a chance to be selected. Whether you love denim on denim, coastal grandmother, or quiet luxury, I will select one subscriber and turn their inspo images into a shoppable capsule wardrobe. Sign up now, you could be next!
