Translating What You See, Into What You Wear

Our living spaces are very important to us. Some are casual, some formal, and some eclectic. Do you ever see a room and wonder what it is you like about that room? Sometimes you can’t always put a finger on “why” you like a room, you just do! By applying some of the elements and principles of Interior Design, you can experiment with different and adventurous styles of clothing to create exciting and fresh new looks.

Play with Pattern

Pattern can be found in all different forms and designs: geometrics, florals, and motifs. Find patterns you like around you and then look for similar patterns in individual pieces of clothing or accessories. If you want to create a more dramatic and bold statement, look for patterns larger in size as seen in the floor of this room. If you prefer a subtle look, a smaller pattern would be more appropriate for you. A tip for mixing patterns is to look for similar colors in the patterns. The patterns don’t have to be the same, but it helps if one of the patterns is slightly larger than the other pattern, so they don’t compete with one another.

blazer Nordstrom $59.00

skirt White House Black Market $49.99

peep toe pumps Famous Footwear $39.99

Kate Spade clutch Nordstrom $325

Make Those Lines Work for You

Lines can be straight, diagonal, zigzag, or curved and are used to create length, width, and movement. If you want to flatter your figure, which I think most of us want to do, lines can be used to create optical illusions. While horizontal lines are known for expanding spaces, vertical lines help to elongate and lift the eye upward. The straight lines in this room give it a clean, polished look, while the zig zag rug adds visual movement. You can make yourself seem taller and slimmer by using certain lines. A v-neck, for example, can make your neck appear longer and your face slimmer. Heels are another example of elongating your frame; tilting your foot makes your feet seem part of your legs other than just another extremity. Figuring out how to make lines work for you, and not against you, is the key to finding success in dressing.

stripe top Old Navy $19.99

neon-edged belt American Eagle $14.99

wide leg trouser jean Gap $69.50

wooden wedge sandal Banana Republic $98

Add Me Some Color

Color has a tendency to be the most personal and emotional of all the elements of design; therefore, color can be one of the best ways to make a statement. The colors in this room might be unexpected, but work together to add visual interest. One tip for introducing vivid color into your wardrobe is to start small by adding a bright handbag, pair of shoes, or another accessory. If you want to create a more dramatic look with color, try the colorblock trend. Select colors of equal saturation close together on the color wheel or follow this formula: one bright, one bold, and one neutral. Or go the easy route and let the designer do the colorblocking for you by purchasing an item that is already colorblocked.

multi ring necklace Piperlime $48.00

blouse Anthropologie $68.00

skirt Anthropologie $128.00

sandal Nordstrom $46.90

Textbook on Textures

Textures can give depth and dimension to a look and are determined in two ways: physically touching or visually reading the surfaces. When you have a look that is monochromatic in color, try using different textures; it will help make the look more interesting. Because texture can emphasize or de-emphasize different areas of the body, beware of what textures you use and where you use them. As a general rule, smoother textures are typically more formal, while rougher textures are thought to be more casual (although this is not always the case). This room, with its neutral color palette, is a great example of how using different textures together can create a certain style.

cardigan Loft $49.50

stretch belt Loft $34.50

animal print flats Gap $39.99

handbag Nordstrom $38.00