Styling a Statement
Build a look outside of your comfort zone with things you already have in your closet
state·ment
/ˈstātmənt/
noun
a definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing.
If you ask any of my friends from childhood, something that has always felt very “Megan-coded” is the wilder the outfit, the better. I realize this does not appeal to everyone but even my more minimally-dressed friends enjoy a unique piece once in awhile. I think it can be difficult to step outside the box in a way that feels like them.
Something that I’m working on is redefining the way that I label my clothes, and I think we could all benefit from this. Hear me out. In the past, a statement piece (upon first thought) would have meant a top covered in sequins, or something in that realm. Thats fine but I think that as we gain wisdom, a statement can also just mean a piece that packs a punch. In the case above, its the length of the skirt. It’s tiny. The statement is itty bitty skirt.
To style this “statement” I stuck with things that have been in my closet for years, things that you probably have, too. I would label these “easy” pieces. A black turtleneck, black riding boots, gold hoop earrings. There’s not too much thought that had to go into balancing this look.
In the first photo, its the cinched waist of the blazer and the exaggerated shoulders and sleeves. It would be less true to me, if I styled it with pleated “office” pants or even something silk on the bottom. The vintage levi’s are my grounded piece that make me feel like “me” despite the fact that I’m wearing a very over-the-top piece. You could use this example in your own wardrobe with something very elaborate or overstated on top, a voluminous sleeve or a deep plunging neckline - put it with something you’ve had for years and see what happens.
I’ve been reading a lot about trends from NYFW and the writers usually point to the most fashionable people sporting excellent tailoring and layering, rather than who is wearing the craziest outfit. I think as we age, this rings true for us all and that is why a lot of people fall into a “uniform” of all black or all neutrals. What’s becoming interesting to me is the awakening I’m having stylistically that statement pieces can still exist in a very neutral or minimalist’s closet. Layering the see through dress over the jeans is the statement here - so the layering is the statement, not one specific piece - does this make sense?
And now, as usual, the wild card. Of course I’m going to continue to wear sequins and color and things that feel very wild. I’m just doing it within the framework of better fabrics, proportions and color choices. This collar felt very pumpkin spice latte to me and that’s really all this season is about, right?
What’s in my cart this week: Plaid Skirt, Flower Shorts, Sheer Skirt, Leather Scarf, Celadon Sheer Dress, Daisy Jones Dress, Glass Earrings
Happy Fall, ya’ll
XOXO, Megan
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So fabulously pretty!!!! Love it
Loved this so much Meg! You’re the undisputed queen of statement styling 🤩