When the New York label launched in 1997, it did more than build a foundation of garments, it forged its own vocabulary. Chill, Modern, and Classic are the terms founder Amy Smilovic has built her brand’s persona on, describing them as “a ratio used by the Creative Pragmatist to compose a well-balanced outfit.” In her latest style session, hosted in partnership with Muse Boutique in Auckland, Smilovic says that when defining personal style, regardless of the words you use, they can typically be drilled down to fall under one of these archetypes: For example, ‘effortless’ becomes chill; ‘familiar’ becomes ‘classic’; ‘progressive’ becomes modern. But even with the right ratio taken into consideration, sometimes our ‘fits simply don’t add up. So, what gives? Below, we recount how your ensemble could benefit from a system reboot.
5 reasons your outfit isn't working:
Reason 1: You’re Trying Too Hard
When you force it, it strips away the ease. Smilovic describes pieces that “let you get the look without working too hard but never appearing as if you’ve totally slacked off” as the holy grail of dressing. Investment denim like their Sid Jean, Barry Jean, or Tuck Jean have a subtlety to them that make an outfit, yet are able to be worn repeatedly.
Reason 2: Your Outfit Lacks Dimension
Everyone wants to be perceived as having depth. If an outfit is too plain, too simple, or lacking texture, it communicates that we ourselves lack dimension. Simple decisions (jewellery, shoes, whether they’re shiny, embellished etc.) can transform a flat outfit into something to behold without screaming it out.
Reason 3: It Doesn’t Feel Right
If you can’t put your finger on why an outfit isn’t working, it’s probably because it doesn’t reflect how we feel. Smilovic suggests that this is where you look for antonyms to explore. Identify how you don’t want to feel and look for pieces that do the opposite until it feels right.
Reason 4: The Vibe Is Completely Off
Clothing, like art, holds energy. Too many pieces possessing the same energy becomes limiting when pulling a look together. Each piece is a tool to shift the vibrations of a look. If your outfit has too many casual/ relaxed/chill pieces, you may need to revisit the ratio and adjust accordingly. Can you introduce more modern pieces? Could it benefit from a WOF (without fail) piece to ground the outfit such as a blazer, oversized tailored shirt, cashmere sweater, or baseball cap?
Reason 5: It Lacks Interest
A pop of colour is lost if it’s the same texture as the rest of the look. You can have all the right building blocks, but without pieces that have novel textures or prints, it’s going to feel off, boring, or flat. Smilovic suggests introducing a ‘have to have’ garment or accessory. For example, Tibi’s Artemis Skirt can be effortlessly layered over skirts, denim jeans, or leggings, bringing a certain je ne sais quoi without trying too hard.
‘Fundamentals’
This assortment serves as your WOFs (Without Fails) and are designed to create space in your wardrobe for creativity and experimentation. No matter how extreme your closet may become, these pieces serve as the grounding element that ties everything together.
Words: Louise Dunn
Images: Supplied
