One of the best parts of styling, creating outfits and shopping for new pieces for me has always been my love for patterns and interesting texture. Sometimes I create templates in my mind of how I want to pair things together and when that comes together it’s a little like magic.
How do Stripes + Patent Leather + Red + Leopard come together!?!?!
Yes, I have on two patterns and a pop of color. 😱
But, it works. Here’s why:
- black and white patterns are neutrals now
- red is a neutral also
- Leopard has been a neutral for several years now
So you just throw on all your neutrals and live life. 🥂
If you know me, you get my jokes 😁
Everything is a neutral now!!!
Styling Techniques
From a stylists viewpoint, it works and here’s why:
Texture, pattern and the sandwich method are Styling Techniques that explain the why…
This is a three in one:
- Outfits need texture to pop. For interest. Stripes are a visual texture all their own. Leather is one way to add texture. It’s heavy, it draws your attention. And lastly my heels are leopard calf hair. All texture.
- Patterns. Black and white patterns are visually appeasing. To keep the outfit from moving into NBA Referee territory, I never wear this shirt with black bottoms. Use color to keep it from veering that way. What ref wears red? Leopard is having another moment this Fall, and the easiest way to dabble in pattern mixing is to pair leopard print with black and white graphics.
- The good ole Sandwich method. Match your top with your shoes (like two slices of bread) and choose bottoms (the sandwich filling) of a different color or print. In this case I sandwiched two patterns that pair well around a red leather skirt
“You don’t look like a Mom!”
I get that comment a lot. Sometimes it’s meant as a compliment, sometimes a judgement. Either way, I do not know how “a Mom,” is supposed to dress and I’m not sorry! Mom of 3 here who dresses like herself.
Some people will think you get dressed for attention. Some people will think you get dressed to impress others. Some people will even believe that you are insecure and need to put on makeup and fancy clothes to make up for it. I’ve heard it all. I read the messages and see the judgmental faces.
I get dressed for me. I like putting patterns together and playing with bright pops of color. I love getting dressed. I feel good when I look good and I will never apologize for that!
Wear what makes you happy!! Even if it makes you not look like a Mom! It takes me the same time to pull on a Tshirt, sneakers and leggings as it does to put on this button down, red leather skort and heels. Even less since I didn’t have to tie my shoes.
Peep the tan lines though. Those are my mom badges. Golf & Softball Mom all day everyday and I don’t dress like a Mom for those either!
XX – E
Houston, Texas
#momof3 #momstyle #momstylelife #momstyleblogger #houstoninfluencer #fashiondailypost #fitcheck #dailystyle #elevatedcasual #getdressedwithme #stylegram #houstonblogger #styleover40
