You Don't Need a Cohesive Aesthetic

How to use style uniforms without feeling confined

The Tyranny of the Cohesive Aesthetic

Hi guys!

Two weeks ago I mentioned capsule wardrobes. I have a complicated relationship with them. I like the idea of getting the most out of my wardrobe, reducing my consumption, and streamlining my choices in the morning. I dislike the elimination of creativity and surprise in my style. I think that’s why capsule wardrobes get a bad rap for being monotonous and boring (not to mention all the beige basics used as examples of capsules online).

I contain multitudes. I am girly and sleek and lounge-y and funky.

I don’t believe you have to sacrifice your different aesthetics. In fact, I think identifying an outfit uniform for each can clue you in to your signature style and how your clothes are functioning for you, at their best. With this approach, you can have a classic and sophisticated uniform for work, a trendy and edgy uniform for a night out, and a cozy and comfortable uniform for weekends.

Identifying Your Uniforms + Personalizing Details

Identifying a uniform usually starts for me with realizing what silhouettes are my go-to. For example, I feel pretty in banded waist dresses. I have a plain black dress like the one below that I’ve been wearing for 11 years. How this becomes a part of your signature style is to play with the details in order to keep what you love, but create a different look.

Below you can see the “plain” uniform (which I love), and a girly floral garden party reimagining of it. I have iterations of this dress in multiple colors and prints. It’s my go to for when I want to feel feminine in the summer.

Practical Summer Style

I live in a tropical climate so summer clothes have a new level of importance for me. Here is an example of a summer uniform: high waisted shorts + loose blouse that I can personalize and reimagine to identify my signature style in the heat.

What’s your go-to summer uniform?

My Version of “Hot Girl Summer”

Dress it up, dress it down, include the graphic tee on my style guide, play with texture, make it metallic. Voila.

Day Downtown

I am a millennial who still loves her jeggings🤷

When I was coming up with these uniforms, I was thinking about my activities and vibes in life. Where do I go when I wear x aesthetic? Why does y fulfill my goals in those times?

Midwest Roots

I can’t forget that when I picture summer, I actually picture Indiana girls on a porch by the lake with jeans and a glass of wine.

Jewelry, neckline, color, hair, accessories, shoes…great ways to spice up your favorite jeans.

When do you reach for this type of outfit?

TLDR;

Identifying your outfit uniforms can be as simple as figuring out the silhouettes that work best for you in specific situations. Once you have a basic uniform established, you can then add visual interest based on your aesthetic goals. This could be achieved through incorporating accessories, prints, and textures, or by playing with different colors and patterns. By doing so, you can create a versatile wardrobe that reflects your personal style while still streamlining with a functional uniform formula.

So go ahead—experiment with different pieces, (maybe journal), and have fun creating your own outfit uniforms!

Thanks for reading, supporting, subscribing!
See you next week!

Madison💕