I have always had a penchant for fashion. And, yes, like all of us at the age of 8 or 12 or even 14, that “fashion” was sometimes made up of an appalling rainbow sparkle scarf, Tinkerbell shirt, and newsboy cap.
I credit my Aunt Bethany with really cultivating my love for fashion. Her showstopping outfits at family birthday parties always made me wish I could be as cool as her someday—and now I am so tickled to be curating my own wardrobe with just as much flair. She took me, my cousins, and my sister out shopping for our birthdays every year until I was in college, and I truly looked forward to those Saturday shopping sprees as the highlight of my year.
She bought me Project Runway kits, took photos of me modeling my outfits, and encouraged my inner fashionista. When I moved to LA, many aspects were foreign. But the crazy fashion was right up my alley! Two Christmases ago, I wore an outfit that had everyone in a local Greenville, SC, coffee shop glancing at me twice (which is NOT my intention). That’s when I realized how at-home I am in LA, where people show up wearing kimonos and giant, chunky, emo Doc Marten boots. And no one even bats an eye.
So, maybe you want to expand your creative horizons to include your wardrobe, but you’re just not sure where to begin. Below, I offer a 4-step process I use to creative my outfits. It’s not something I consciously think about, but sitting down to explain it actually made me feel like I have some reason to my madness.
Step 1: Choose a statement piece.
This is a piece that tells a story.
Maybe the item is bold—it says “I’m not afraid to take risks.”
Maybe it’s a necklace your mom gave you with your hometown zip code—it says “These are my roots.”
Maybe it’s shoes you’ve been saving up for—it says “With persistence, I have achieved.”
Step 2: Build with a second piece.
It should be complementary in some way. Perhaps the vibes are the same: rustic, or 2000s, or torn, or fragile. Or maybe it’s as simple as the same fabric, or color.
Sometimes, things that are OPPOSITE actually serve as being complementary (this is called contrast). I love pairing lace with leather, or jean with tulle. Go bananas and pair stripes with polka dots.
This can also apply to colors. Study up on the color wheel, and what colors are on opposite sides (these are literally called complementary).
Step 3: Consider balance as you continue adding pieces.
If you’re wearing a very loud Christmas sweater, you may want to tone it down with a simple pair of jeans.
If you want to lean into quirkiness, though, you can pair the sweater with a fluffy tulle skirt; this will amplify the chaos of your statement piece, so be mindful of your balance!
Generally, especially when starting out (or when living in a rural area), you don’t want every piece to be a loud statement (unless you want your vibe to be quirky art teacher who’s not got her feet fully on planet earth).
A safe bet is simple shoes: I’ve been through nearly 4 pairs of the same basic, chunky white sneakers. You can also have a go-to necklace; my gold locket is perfectly cottagecore, and simple enough to not be a statement. And, of course, jeans are always a safe bet.
Step 4: Readjust as needed.
Take a moment to look in the mirror. Does anything need to be removed or adjusted?
Example: I recently got a pair of shoes that were silvery and SO CHUNKY. No matter what, I could not get them to match anything; they made everything else look fragile in comparison. Listen to your gut on this; only you are right here.
All the time, I’ll come up with an outfit idea, but when I put it on I realize that it’s too boxy, or too heavy up top. Critique yourself as you would a piece of art. Are the lines enjoyable to the eyes? Are there several places for your eyes to rest, or are they pinging to and fro, trying to take in all the bling and bobbles?
Step 5: Always ask if you can add more layers.
Layers are what make things magical. The other day, I layered a lace dress over a polka-dot dress. It created a whole new piece!
I am trying to collect more and more layering pieces. Think sheer dusters, dresses, and tops from Altard State or Free People. I’m obsessed with all the possibilities of a sheer piece!
Could you wear a collared shirt underneath your sweater? Tights under your dress? Leg warmers over your boots?
Step 6: Add your signature.
This comes and goes for me. Two years ago, I was SO into tying ribbons in my hair. This fall, I’m obsessed with dark, dark burgundy lipstick…and the color burgundy, in general.
Do you have a special item that is SO YOU? Even just for this week. Even just for this moment. Double check if you can add it here to make it your signature.
Tag me in your outfits on Instagram (@amanda.m.westlake), or ask me for outfit help! I’m always down to help.
Wallflower Garden 
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