WHY YOUR OUTFIT LOOKS BORING
And How to Fix It
I know trying to look and feel stylish can be overwhelming. With TikTok throwing trends at us faster than we can hit “like,” and runway looks that feel like fantasy, it’s no wonder we feel lost. And while I live for a dash of drama and creativity, I also want you to feel genuinely excited about how you look—so excited that you can’t help but take a million cute pictures and, of course, share them with me.
The easiest way to build an outfit is by having a capsule wardrobe—basics in neutral tones that you can easily mix and match. It’s simple, it’s effective... but there is also a problem with this: it can feel soulless.
So, if the solution isn’t to buy every trending piece, but also not to drown in a sea of basics, what do you do?
Well... there are countless ways to skin this cat (as I write this, my cat Oscar is staring at me, so I’m definitely rethinking that saying). There are many ways to solve this, but one of my favorites is to add one contrasting piece.
THE ART OF CONTRAST
The right balance between harmony and surprise creates tension—the good kind—that keeps things interesting without tipping into chaos.
Contrast isn’t just about color. It’s about texture, silhouette, and aesthetic. It’s about playing with opposites and bringing them together in a way that makes sense, yet still catches people off guard.
I’ll show you exactly what I mean. Take this outfit: jeans and a sweater.
There’s nothing necessarily wrong with this outfit, but if you want to make it more interesting, here’s what to do.
The overall vibe of this outfit is inherently preppy due to the structured fit of the sweater and the classic silhouette of the jeans. To enhance this, I first leaned into the preppy aesthetic by adding a black headband, which further emphasizes the polished look.
At this point, the outfit could almost be considered a costume for how traditionally preppy it appears. That’s where contrast comes in.
To add contrast, I opted for a leather blazer. This choice was intentional: while a classic blazer would have reinforced the preppy theme, the leather adds an edgy, rebellious twist. The contrast here is all about texture.
Leather is inherently bold and rugged. It carries a rock 'n' roll energy, which juxtaposes beautifully with the knit and the prim headband. By maintaining the structured silhouette of a blazer but switching up the material, the outfit transitions from predictable to intriguing. This is preppy-meets-rock 'n' roll in the most wearable way.
HOW TO APPLY THIS IN YOUR OWN STYLE
As I mentioned before, you can add contrast with texture, color, and shape. But if it’s easier, you can also see it as a mix of aesthetics. In the previous example, it’s a mix of preppy and rock 'n' roll, since the fabric is reminiscent of a stereotype we know.
For example, if your style is more feminine and flowy (let’s say, boho), consider adding structure through tailored pieces. Conversely, if your look is usually sharp and structured, soften it with fluid, romantic elements.
I love that you can take the concept of contrast as simple as I did in this example or as far and crazy as you wish.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
How do you plan to add contrast to your outfits? Which aesthetic resonates the most with your style? Drop a comment and let’s talk about it.
And if you enjoyed this article and want more styling tips for everyday photos (so you can slay on social media), make sure you’re subscribed.
After all, the difference between boring and bold is just one contrasting piece away.
With love,
Bonnie
Quick Reminder
Next Friday marks the final workshop of the Love Challenge, focused on finding love in everyday life. This actionable steps are for paid subscribers, so make sure you’re part of the transformation by subscribing.
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PRIVATE CALL WITH BONNIE
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I enjoyed the outfit fixer upper with the before and after! Thank you!