I noticed one thing. I feel my best when I am grounded in neutrals (familiar) that don’t feel like average to start with. They have a great cut, shape, colour, something inherently interesting and well-made. But this doesn’t stop here. Even the best wardrobe full of “safe” neutrals needs a sprinkle of magic. This is what this letter is about: the magic.
Because if I’m honest with myself, deep down, gut feeling and all, I’m craving more. One more dimension, something that others would call friction. A pop of colour. A texture play. A pattern that should not work and yet wakes up the whole outfit. Proportions that make you stand taller. Something sharper.
A cute outfit is not the same as an outfit that makes you feel amazing.
So here is this week’s style challenge: Find one piece in your closet you love but never dare to wear. It will add friction, give you dimension, and make you feel amazing. Don’t worry, I’ll give you 10 ways to do it.
I put together 10 silhouettes to inspire you — clothing, accessories, and beauty to make your summer easy and magical. Take the idea of it, of what sparks joy for you. Shop the pieces that are filling a gap in your wardrobe. And as always, everything can mix and match.
Let me know in the comments which tips you’ll try first.
✦
I’m currently obsessed with this market tote bag (8) — it fits over the shoulder and will carry your magazine and book. The mini dress (3) is everything I want to wear past 33°C, barely there. It’s perfect over a triangle bikini top (1), and the tortoise detail is just enough interest to show through the ties, with the matching bottom (4) — imagine this with a golden tan! A classic cap (2). The sandals (11) are so chic and practical — from beach to dinner. Make-up is minimal: a good highlighter (9) and a bronzer (10), easy to carry everywhere, foolproof application. The trinity bracelet (6) feels safe, and the lobster brooch (7) is a conversation starter.
→ Pick one textured thing, and pair it with your favourite mini summer dress.
✦
Nobody needs to know this isn't technically a dress. But you can make it your dream breezy set: this cotton voile top (1) has a flattering neckline — I love the length! Pair it with the white sheer skirt (6), and you’re ready for island hopping in Greece. Underneath, obviously, a white balconette bikini top (5) and bottom (8). I love to ground this with black thong sandals (9) (my most worn sandals so far!), add some colour and texture with the green suede bag (7) (back in stock, it’s a shoulder bag, a crossbody bag, and a clutch!). I know we are busy, so I like the multi-moisture cream (10) as an all-in-one for the entire family. Ideally, you’d find a cute bracelet in a local store, but this one (4) screams summer ‘26. I tried this highlighter (2) for a golden sun-kissed skin effect, and it made an instant difference (bonus point because it comes with a mirror, great for touch-ups).
→ Try to pair white clothing + black shoes + one bright colour.
✦
Let’s say you’re heading to dinner. Or maybe just drinks. You want to feel like yourself but a little bit fancy (like the sunglasses (2)). This black organza silk top (1) is fabulous, and I’d wear this bra (4) underneath because it’s not boring. I’d keep it minimal for the bottoms, just this pair of silver satin pants (8) that look expensive and easy at the same time, and matching mesh invisible underwear (5). You know I can’t go anywhere without a pair of metallic gold ballet flats (9). For fun, because you’re allowed to have fun and play, so go for it: this necklace (3) is like a beach treasure, with the ring (6).I think this chartreuse clutch (7) is the wow! element here — the black version would be easier, sure, but we want dimension.
→ Pick one special accessory (the bag or the shoes) and let it shine against a black and white outfit.
✦
It’s date night, but it’s still so warm. Well, the silk dress (1) is your friend! It can easily be dressed up or down throughout the season. Underneath, I picked this strapless bra (2) because you don’t want to ruin the effect of the dress and the blue straps, and the matching thong (4). Pack the brown mascara (7), you will crave it at some point (or at least pack the mini size). After a day out and about in the sun, I can suggest this powder (6), it’s like a blurred filter, making your face look refreshed. For plumped and hydrated lips, this cult lip balm (8) now comes in 3 colours (rose latte is my favourite for summer). See, the trinity bracelet (3) is great. This brown clutch (5) adds texture, fits your phone and your lip balm, and matches the dress. These shoes (9) are your grounding and modern element.
→ Go monochrome + add a defining, edgy black element.
✦
Sage is the neutral that makes people ask what you're wearing, even though it's basically beige's cooler cousin. The one-piece backless swimsuit in sage (4) with the taffeta sage shorts (1) as a base. Depending on the itinerary, I’d wear it as it, or with a navy poplin shirt worn open (3) or a baby white tee (2). With a silver bangle (6). The butter yellow bag (5) is excellent for summer, can be worn as a clutch, a pouch, or a shoulder bag! Never underestimate the styling power of rubber flip flops (10) as they make everything feel chill. Nothing is sexier than hydrated skin, so get a body lotion (9) and thank me later (travel size!). If you can only carry one beauty product, make it this cheek and lip balm (8).
→ Try a soft, muted neutral for a change.
✦
I love a travel day if I love my outfit. Should you pack carry-on only, consider this suitcase (6), it’s one of a kind. This leather shoulder bag (7) makes a fantastic personal item thanks to the full zip (and a great office bag, too). My friend told me these drawstring cotton pants (8) are the most comfortable ever, and I believe her. I’d absolutely wear them with metallic ballet flats (9), an oversized grey sweatshirt (2) over a baby white tee (3), with an optional big silver bangle (5). Eye patches (1) are non-negotiable. This SOS face mist (4) will rescue your skin from the recycled cabin air, bad airplane food, and jet lag.
→ Go with your trusted basics, and add texture with something metallic.
✦
These blue taffeta barrel pants (1) could be my new jeans and the buttery soft white ballet flats (9) are my white trainers (comfortable and crisp). This shiny blue against the taupe leather bag (5) just asks for some grounding and edge: the black cotton top (2) has a great shape and doesn’t look sloppy. I adore this black bra (3) and matching thong (4), so comfortable I could travel in them. I can’t deal with eyeshadow in general, but this has been life-changing: this stick (7) is the easiest thing in the world and brings so much light to my eyelids and inner corner of the eye within seconds. I can’t be more than 12 hours away from my notebook, and this one (10) is high on my wishlist. The trinity bracelet (6) keeps coming back in this edit!
→ Pair the fancy pants with a black, grey, or white cotton top.
✦
The perfect summer sandal does not exi… (7). I’m sorry but wow, so chic, with this nail polish (9). Comfort first: this bra (4) holds you and disappears at the same time, paired with the classic cotton tank (2) and the pointelle thong (6). On a really hot day, when all you want is to be n*ked but you can’t, then silk boxer shorts (5) are your friend (I’ve been wearing mine a ton lately). You already know I’m obsessed with this shirt, and beige sand (1) is another great bet, goes with everything (red! or black! or blue! or white! etc.). Special mention for this bucket bag (8) because the colour is perfect and it can fit so much (including this lip balm (10), obviously).
→ Use a big cotton shirt to balance the feminine pieces (silk shorts, satin sandals, tank top).
✦
Summer = stripes, I don’t make the rule. This shirt (1) is beautifully made and original yet classic. Worn as a light jacket over a white cotton tank top (2) and the pants (5) that are amazing for travelling and daily life in general. Best daily undies, comes as a set (7). If you crave something minimal yet roomy and practical, the taupe bag also comes in black (4). If you’re already over rubber flip flops, let me suggest this pair of sandals (10): comfortable, polished, and so easy to wear. For your face, this daily SPF hydrating cream (8) and this face mist (9) make a great duo. Don’t forget the lobster brooch (6), your colleagues will ask you about it.
→ In case of doubt, add stripes for instant wow, interest, and dimension.
✦
The second it's cool enough for real jeans, I'm reaching for this lightweight 501. You know what’s extremely chic? A double bag! I love this butter yellow pouch/clutch/shoulder bag (5) with the blue and yellow market tote (8). I’d keep the rest of the outfit minimal but excellent: black leather slides (9), white baby tee (2), classic sunglasses (3). The navy shirt (1) is here to serve as a light jacket, adding dimension and coverage, and it works so well with butter yellow. Make-up can be easy, here: meet the summer set (7). Oh, and the pendant (4) is only here to hold my sunglasses!
→ A white baby + denim jeans never get old, but add a polished shoe and a fun bag (or a polished bag and a fun shoe).
✦
That’s it. That’s the Wow effect.
Great fundamentals paired with one of a kind pieces go a long way. You don’t have to give up neutrals — just add a pop of texture, colour, sheer, interesting shape..
You will feel like yourself, but better.
This letter is useless unless you actually don’t practice this. So this week, go find something you love in your closet and bring some magic. Then drop me a line or leave a comment down below to share your experience with me.
screenshot this:
10 styling ideas to add more magic to your outfit
☐ pick one textured thing, and pair it with your favourite dress
☐ try to pair white clothing + black shoes + one bright colour
☐ pick one special accessory and let it shine against a black and white outfit
☐ go monochrome + add a defining, edgy black element.
☐ try a soft, muted neutral for a change
☐ go with your trusted basics, and add texture with something metallic
☐ pair the fancy pants with a black, grey, or white cotton top
☐ use a big cotton shirt to balance the feminine pieces (silk shorts, satin sandals, tank top)
☐ in case of doubt, add stripes for instant wow, interest, and dimension
☐ a white baby + denim jeans never get old, but add a polished shoe and a fun bag (or a polished bag and a fun shoe)
This letter is useless unless you actually don’t practice this.
So this week, go find something you love in your closet and bring some magic. Then drop me a line or leave a comment down below to share your experience with me. I can’t wait to see what you’re coming up with!
Let me know what sparked joy for you:
✦
When you restack this post with a note, it reaches more people like us and allows the publication to grow organically and independently. Please do add your comments so I know what sparked your curiosity. Follow along @ardaschandra on Instagram & Tiktok.
If you like this and want more of it, consider hitting the little heart ❤️ it means the world to me.
See you soon,
This post contains affiliate links. If you’re curious, you can shop my closet and my wishlist, here.
If you’d love to partner with me, email me at ardaschandra.creative@gmail.com.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.