Style That Evolves With You
Let me share something that took me nearly five years (and plenty of trial and error) to truly understand: great style isn’t about following trends or copying Pinterest outfits - it’s part instinct, part intention. And most importantly, it’s always evolving. As our lives, values, and even our body shapes change, so does our style. We grow. We learn. And what felt right a year ago might not feel like you anymore.
But there are a few tricks that stylists use time and time again to pull an outfit together—techniques that help you understand what’s missing when something feels a little “off,” or why an outfit you love on someone else just doesn’t sit right on you. These aren’t rigid fashion rules. Think of them more like shortcuts that help your outfit feel elevated, cohesive, and intentional.
Use The Sandwich Method like a Stylist
This one’s a classic. You may have heard of the sandwich method before, and there’s a reason it keeps coming up—it works, and it makes putting together outfits so much easier.
Here's how I use it like a Stylist
I start by picking a base piece—the “filling” of the outfit sandwich.
This could be anything from a floral dress to a classic shirt and jeans.
It’s the central focus of the outfit, the part that gives it personality or texture.
Then I build the top and bottom “bread” layers to match each other—this might be your shoes and your jacket, or your handbag and a hat.
They don’t have to be the same colour, but they should echo each other in tone or style.
That visual repetition gives your outfit a finished, styled look without looking like you tried too hard.
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like something wasn’t quite clicking—it might be because there’s no balance between the bread and the filling. Once you start thinking in this structure, everything clicks into place so much faster.
Master Colour Schemes Like a Stylist
I used to shy away from colour because I was scared of clashing, but learning a little bit about the colour wheel changed everything. It’s such a powerful (and simple!) tool when building outfits—especially when you're trying to step outside your comfort zone with colour.
Monochromatic colour schemes
These are built from one colour, just in different tones and textures. Think mid-wash denim jeans with a pale blue cotton shirt and a navy tailored coat. It feels calm, confident, and elevated—like you made an effort, without overthinking it.
This method can be used on any possible colour - to create that monochromatic cool.Here are three beautiful monochromatic colour palettes for green, pink, and beige—each featuring five harmonious shades perfect for styling elegant, layered outfits.
Complementary colours
These are colours that sit opposite each other on the wheel, like blue and orange, or red and green. Used in small doses, they create a vibrant, intentional edge without looking like you got dressed in the dark. This is definitely for the braver fashionistas out there!
Analogous colours
Then there’s my personal favourite, especially when I want something soft but layered: analogous colours . These are three shades that sit next to each other on the colour wheel—like olive, sage, and mint green . They naturally blend into one another, creating a harmonious and stylish look that feels thoughtfully put together without being too bold. Read more about Colour Theory Here.
Follow the 80/20 Rule for Balanced Style
One of the biggest shifts in how I dress came when I started using what I call the 80/20 rule. It’s such a game-changer if you want to look effortlessly stylish without falling into trends—or worse, feeling boring.
Here’s how it works:
80% of your outfit should be made up of basics.
These are your classic, timeless, easy-to-style pieces—like tailored trousers, plain t-shirts, structured blazers, or neutral knits. They give your outfit its foundation, and they never go out of style.
Then, you add your 20% of “fun.” This is where you bring in your personal flair—maybe it’s a bright handbag, a statement necklace, a printed scarf, or a bold shoe
That little pop of interest is what gives your outfit you. It adds character, playfulness, and personality—but without taking over.
Too much “fun” can make your outfit feel chaotic. Too many basics, and it might fall flat. But when you hit that 80/20 sweet spot? That’s where the magic happens. It feels balanced, modern, and elevated—without screaming for attention.
You can implement 80/20 Rule to different parts of your life. Read more about it Here.
Final Thought: Confidence Over Perfection
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s no such thing as the “perfect outfit.” Your style will keep evolving—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s your body changing, your lifestyle shifting, or simply becoming more aware of what feels like you, fashion should grow with you.
These little stylist tricks—the sandwich method, the colour wheel, the 80/20 rule—they’re not here to box you in. They’re here to give you a clear path when you feel stuck, and to help you see your wardrobe in a new light.
The more you use them, the more your confidence builds—and that, more than any outfit formula, is what truly makes you look and feel stylish.
