Brian Maynor September 19, 2013

Do you ever look at someone and think, ‘of all the items in your closet why did you choose to wear those together’?  I do frequently, but it isn’t always a bad thing.  Taking chances and risks are how we grow in any discipline, including fashion, while the fear of criticism keeps us trapped in a mundane, boring and stagnant style.

We all have to learn, and most of us do that best through trial and error.  So what if your outfit is an epic fail.  You only have to wear it once and if it’s too much it doesn’t have to leave your bedroom.  Fortunately you do not have to face the your closet alone and unarmed.  Here are two inspiration outfits that are a little challenging and the reasoning behind why they work:

1.    Common Ground.  Every outfit needs a theme or element that ties it all together.  Without one you simply wear separate pieces and not an outfit.

Chances are you notice the yellow cardigan in the women’s outfit first, but that is an accent piece not the theme.  The color palette of the print is the theme.  Keep the look modern by using the other elements of the outfit to pull out various shades of colors found in the print, not matching ones, but leave some to stand-alone and pick one complimenting accent color to feature.

With the men’s look it is pretty easy to discern the theme is texture and print.  Every piece in that outfit adds its own layer, so to make them work together you have to keep the proportions balanced and the color palette neutral.  Ideally the outfit will work as a whole even if you eliminated any given piece.  

2.    Balancing proportions.  When it comes to prints proportion is key.  Not only should you consider proportion in relationship to your overall size, you should consider what role you want the print to play in your outfit.  

The blouse has a large non-repetitive print with a lot of background space.  Those elements are why it plays a supporting roll rather than the lead.  Even if you changed the yellow cardigan to light grey the focal point would shift to the skirt, not the blouse.  The print simply does not have the impact necessary to carry the focus of the outfit.

The men’s cardigan however has a bold and repetitive print that clearly dominates the outfit.  To create balance any other print used should be smaller and complimentary, like the tie, or a perceived texture like the micro-checked trousers.  The striped shirt actually works better than a solid here because it grounds the graphic by pulling out the grid pattern.  

3.    Round out the look.  Often I refer to accessories as polishing a look, but they also serve as support.  

The muted variegated green bracelet adds tonal dimension to the outfit while complimenting the vivid blue and yellow.  Keeping the bag and shoes a mid-weight neutral balance the look and keep it light.

The men’s watch and shoes are solid and dark to ground the outfit, while the tan soles of the oxfords help accent the lighter blues and add depth to the cardigan.

Have fun, mix it up and don’t be afraid to take chances.  As much as we may want to, the fashion police won’t arrest you or even cite you for a fashion violation.

Click on the images below to find out more about the outfit.

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].   Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.