The human brain is a prediction machine. It likes patterns because they’re easy to process. But once something is completely predictable, especially when it comes to our personal style, then it’s unforgettable. Even if your goal is simply to look a little more put together, rather than super stylish, we encourage you to challenge yourself just a little and deconstruct your look for a change. We have a few ideas to ease you into this design principle of controlled imbalance. Just like in interior design, architecture, photography and music, imbalance creates energy, while perfect symmetry feels static.
It’s also what neuroscientists call the balance between fluency and novelty. An outfit that’s perfectly matched is visually fluent. The brain understands it instantly. But because there’s no tension, there’s nothing to explore. Add one unexpected element and suddenly the brain wakes up and that tiny moment of curiosity is pleasurable to the eye because it adds interest.
It’s art and science and we’re going to help you get started:
Perfectly coordinated outfits can be beautiful. But they can also feel predictable. The most stylish women often combine pieces that tell different stories.
Get the look:
It might feel a little warm for this outfit depending on where you live, but file this one away for later in the year or for a cooler evening. We love how the classic heeled sandals (these are on major sale and you’ll wear them constantly) keep the look summery, while the wool blazer, relaxed denim (we just tried this pair from Madewell and they’re so good) and the perfect chambray shirt bridges it into fall. Finish it off with a cute tan clutch.
Get the look:
These fun metallic flats and silver cuff say party but the rest out the outfits is staying simple with a relaxed button-down (the Étienne shirt is back in stock at 50% off right now), perfectly faded light wash denim and a cute woven bag. Your brain needs a minute to put it all together and that’s what makes it unexpected and interesting.
Get the look:
This is how you make the outfit feel like it belongs uniquely to you, not out of a catalogue or off of a mannequin.
We love how she paired classic loafers (these are our current crush and these are a budget-friendly option) with something playful like this striped green skirt. Finish the look with a crisp blue button-down, a tailored blazer. and an eye-catching necklace and brown leather clutch (hers is Céline, but we like this Big Buddy from Parker Thatch even better).
One of the fascinating things about tension is that each piece enhances the other. An evening clutch makes a simple cotton dress feel even more effortless. And the casual dress makes the bag feel even more luxurious. Neither piece changes. Our perception of them does.
Get the look:
Opposites don’t compete, they amplify each other. A linen maxi skirt, matching linen blouse, and black sandals creates a perfect blank canvas. Create contrast with a bright woven bag (hers is Bottega Veneta but this one is a great alternative), a fun scarf around the waist, and simple gold jewelry.
Of course, not every unexpected combination works. The goal isn’t chaos, but just enough tension to create interest while keeping the overall outfit grounded. And bottom line, you have to like it and feel good so experiment and go with your gut. When in doubt, just work with one unexpected element and remind yourself the goal is to feel creative and have fun. And definitely don’t worry about what anyone else thinks - this is all about expressing yourself.
The easiest way to experiment is to introduce a single contradiction.
Get the look:
Layer an army shirt over a dress like this pretty knit one that’s on sale. Add t-strap black sandals and a leather bag. The only contradiction is the jacket. It’s really that easy.
Get the look: Everyone seems to be wearing striped linen pants this season and Madewell has our favorites. The contrast stripe at the bottom is chic and they even have them in a short length so you can keep the hem even if you don’t have long legs. Add your favorite button-down, some ‘70s sunnies and create contrast with a suede camel bag.
Get the look: A simple, tailored white linen button down contrasts perfectly with an unstructured, earthy printed sarong. And classic Hermès-inspired sandals contrast the straw fedora.
Get the look: The outfit is tonal but the casual gray tank is unexpected with the polished tailored trousers. Add ‘90s black sunglasses, a woven bag and a designer-feeling belt (this one is so cute). The black sandals work but a pair of black ballet flats would add a little more femininity, creating even more visual interest.
We hope you’ll experiment and have fun. This is actually the essence of personal style. Anyone can buy beautiful clothes. Style comes from how you combine opposing ideas:
masculine + feminine
polished + relaxed
vintage + modern
tailored + oversized
luxury + humble
structured + fluid
practical + glamorous
Let us know how it goes!
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