Create a Mix and Match Outfits Like a Stylist With What You Own

Having a closet full of clothes and finding yourself thinking, “I have nothing to wear?” You are not alone. The issue is not so much a lack of clothes as it is knowing how to mix them into new, fresh and fashionable combinations. You can learn to style well and it doesn't have to be a skill possessed by a pro. Ordinary items can come together to make surprisingly polished looks with the right approach to colour, patterns, textures, proportions and layering.

Here are some easy tips on how you can match up your current wardrobe, maintain colour and pattern balance and achieve chic style without having to keep buying something out of the ordinary.

How to Coordinate Outfits for a Balanced Look

Great outfits are not all created from a mix of clothes. They are effective when they add to each other and form a harmonious, deliberate composition. Point out one focal area for your clothing. It may be a bold print, eye-catching colour, an eye-catching silhouette or a knockout accessory. Allow the rest of the pieces to support it, but not vie for attention.

A co-ord set is helpful for this balance as these pieces fit together naturally. If you want to add something different, try to match a patterned top with a plain bottom in a complementary or neutral colour. This helps keep the outfit polished and allows the statement piece to stand out. 

Master Colour Combinations for Better Outfits 

Colour has the power to transform a garment into a sophisticated, sophisticated, or overpowering ensemble. It's not necessary to remember the colour wheel to make combinations that work. Rather, concentrate on a few basic guidelines that will make styling easier.

• Use One Base: Select one dominant colour and use shades to complement the dominant colour. Cream, olive or soft brown are great colors to pair with a rust skirt.
• Match Analogous Colours: Match colors that lie side by side on the colour wheel for a subtle and cohesive color palette. It is easy to make an example with blue and green.
• Make Bold Contrast: Colours which are across from each other will be a more striking color combination. Navy and mustard are a chic contrast, but not an overpowering one.
• Utilise Neutrals: Make black, white, beige, and grey your safe bases for pairing with lighter hues and colors and pairing with just about anything.

Even basic essential items in the wardrobe can look coordinated, fresh and thoughtfully arranged with the right colour combinations.

Create Balance When Mixing Patterns

Patterns can bring personality to an outfit, but don't overdo it, too many patterns look overwhelming. It's all about providing ample room for each print to be visible.

• Use One Star: Let one bold pattern be the star of the show and balance it with simpler patterns. A floral blouse is a good choice to wear with plain trousers or a neutral skirt.
• Mix Print Sizes: If using 2 prints, mix sizes for balance. Consider using a large design with small stripes or small dots. 
• Use Axis With Solids: Create prints on busy garments and hold them together with a 2 piece suits solid-coloured piece to create a clean, well-put-together outfit. 
• Details are Simple: You don’t want to have too many competing things when you already have multiple patterns. Allow the prints to be the primary emphasis.

Mixed prints can create a deliberate, chic and surprisingly wearable look when it's done with a good dose of scale and simplicity.

Add Depth With Fabric and Texture

While it's simple with a single color scheme, having multiple finishes and weights from different fabrics can make an outfit feel rich. Texture adds subtle contrast, making each piece stand out but without the use of strong colours or prints.

• Create a Mix: Combine two different textured fabrics, e.g. a soft knit with a structured jacket or a silk fabric with denim.
• Layer Lightweight Fabrics: Combine breathable fabrics like lawn with heavier ones for dimension and comfort.
• Mix Textures: Mix cotton, linen, wool, satin, velvet or silk hosiery dresses for the season. Neutral outfits can appear more thought-out with various weights of fabric.
• Contrast Soft And Firm: Balance delicate materials with structured fabrics for a more polished appearance. Tight jeans or a good-fitting layer of denim go great with a flowing blouse.

With careful consideration of fabric choices, simple garments can be elevated to ensembles that are layered, balanced and always in style.

Balance Everyday Basics With Statement Pieces

A simple personality is essential for a polished outfit. The basics serve as a clean canvas, with one distinctive piece serving as a true accent. Consider your big piece the statement item in the outfit. It might be a print skirt, colorful blazer, eye-catching shoes and handbags or sculptural handbag. After deciding on it, stick to an understated look with the rest of your outfit.

For instance, wear a bold blazer with a simple camisole, straight leg jeans and minimal accessories. The simple pieces complement the blazer, rather than compete with it. This will make it easy to wear a statement piece and still have a balanced look.

Build More Outfits With Wardrobe Essentials

The best outfits begin with solid pieces that transition seamlessly from one outfit to another. The basis of your style should be a crisp white shirt, well-fitting jeans, a well-tailored blazer, a simple dress, and neutral shoes.

At Zarlay, we believe versatile dressing starts with choosing pieces that offer more than one styling option. A quality basic can be paired up with a variety of colours, layers, accessories and statement pieces to provide you with much more variety of outfit combinations. 

Consider purchasing items that can be mixed and matched for various outfits rather than purchasing one outfit item. If everything you own is versatile then you can suddenly gain a lot of new possibilities when you add one new piece to your closet.

Choosing Accessories That Complete an Outfit

The way accessories complement, structure and finish an outfit makes them essential in aiding the overall look. It doesn't require high dollar items, but it's nice if you choose items with thought that make your casual outfits look more sophisticated.

• Elevate Simple Tops: Take a plain T-shirt to a whole new level by pairing it with a statement necklace for an extra touch of interest.
• Refine Casual Looks: Carry a structured handbag to give relaxed separates a more polished and put-together appearance.
• Change The Mood: Use different trainers, loafers, heels or boots to give the same shoes a casual, smart or dressy look.
• Define Your Shape: Put a belt around oversized shirts, loose dresses or relaxed trousers to add shape around the waist.

Creating Multiple Outfits From the Same Pieces

A Great Wardrobe isn't just a collection of countless items. It's all about how to manipulate the clothes you already have in order to create something new. Let's take a plain black dress for instance. Wear it as a standalone item for a casual appearance, a classic blazer for the workplace, or a denim jacket for a casual day look.

For evening wear, go with heels and big jewellery, or even add a belt for a more contoured silhouette. This way, you will shop with intention, avoid repetition, and make the most of your clothes.

Common Mix and Match Outfit Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common outfit combinations that you should avoid combining in order to avoid common outfit mistakes.

• Wearing multiple Statement Pieces: Mixing multiple big pieces can result in a chaotic ensemble rather than a design that centres on one piece.
• Outfit Proportions: An over-sized piece with an overly large item will make your figure look “hiding”. Mix loose and ill-fitting with more structured and fitted pieces.
• Matching Colours Exactly: If the colours are exactly the same from head to toe, the result can be very coordinated; if the colours are similar, it can be more natural.
• Too Many Prints: Layering multiple prints together without taking into account the scale can create a chaotic rather than a well-coordinated look.
• Avoid Missing Out On Fabric Balance: Layering all of a similar fabric can make a look seem two-dimensional, so incorporate contrasting fabrics to create more depth.
• Too Basic: An outfit going without accessories is an outfit that's lacking something, while smart shoe, bag, jewellery and belt selections provide polish.
• Copying Every Trend: Following trends that clash with your personal style can make an outfit feel uncomfortable or unnatural.
• Ignoring The Occasion: Even a well-coordinated outfit can feel inappropriate when the styling does not match the setting, dress code, or time of day.

 Shop Versatile Women’s Clothing in Pakistan

Searching for bits that you may put on more than one outfit? Whether you are shaking up your wardrobe or looking for your next outfit, discover a wide array of women's clothing that can easily be mixed and matched, layered and worn on a daily basis.

Find Zarlay at their Lahore store, or browse their collection of latest styles online from all over Pakistan. Find your next wardrobe favourite and create more outfits from every piece you choose.

FAQs

What is the proper number of colors to wear at once?

The rule of thumb is to have two or three colors in an outfit, including neutrals. This helps to make the look consistent and avoid overwhelming. Once you have got the combination of colors right, you can always introduce a few more variations with accessories.

Is it okay to wear a casual item with a formal item?

Absolutely, it can be a good and contemporary style to mix casual and formal items. A tailored blazer and jeans or a dressy top and sneakers is appropriate when the other item is kept simple and the piece with the blazer or dressy top is the focus.

How do you get started with patterns?

Go with one bold pattern and use neutral colors. When you're feeling confident, add another, smaller pattern on another scale. A limited color palette also simplifies pattern mixing for novices.

How to tell if there is an appropriate balance in my outfit proportions?

Measure and compare the volume of the top and bottom. If it's not a tight fit or the right size, wear it with a smaller item. This contrast adds shape and structure to the outfit, rather than making it shapeless or bulky.