The one styling formula that will simplify getting dressed

Getting dressed becomes so much easier when you understand one simple styling principle: balance.

Often, the difference between an outfit that feels right and one that feels slightly “off” has very little to do with trends, size or even the individual pieces you are wearing. Rather it is about how the shapes and proportions within the outfit work together.

So one of the simplest styling formulas I talk to clients about is this:

Keep the volume in one area only.

That’s it.

When an outfit feels “off”, it’s often because there’s either too much happening everywhere at once for example, oversized trousers with an oversized jumper, or there isn’t enough happening! And by that I mean clingy pieces top to bottom with no balance.

There are two easy ways to approach this:

1. Volume on the Bottom Half + Neater Top Half

Think:

• Wide leg trousers
• Barrel jeans
• Full skirts
• Relaxed tailoring

Paired with:

• More fitted tops/knits/tees
• Shorter jackets
• Pieces that are tucked in to tame the volume

This combination creates shape and definition through the waist while still feeling modern. And importantly the neater top balances the extra fabric and movement on the bottom half.

2. Slimmer Bottoms + More Volume on Top

Think:

• Slim/cigarette trousers
• Straight/skinny jeans
• Leggings

Paired with:

• Longer line blazers
• Relaxed shirts
• Oversized/chunkier knits
• Oversized/longer length coats

This combination also feels contemporary as we look at volume from the opposing viewpoint. But the key in both scenarios is that the volume remains controlled and intentional – not oversized everywhere and not neat and fitted everywhere.

Now I am not saying for one minute that you cannot wear oversized pieces on your top and bottom (it is obviously a huge trend and has been for many seasons) and it’s actually by playing around with proportions that you can create interesting and varied outfits. But as someone who is petite I am always mindful of how much volume I place on my frame. It is definitely easier if you have a taller frame to work the oversized look all over but I would just try to adapt things slightly to work for my height – for example I would happily pair a wider legged bottom with a longer line blazer but I might need to be wearing a pair of heels when I do!!

Keep in mind your body shape

… because you will often find that one of the above formulas naturally works with your body while another isn’t quite such a happy marriage.

For example wider silhouettes on the bottom half will naturally work beautifully for hourglass/pears because they complement the curves through the hip/bottom/thigh and help to balance these out. While the neater tops will showcase the inherent waist curves in both these body types. Whereas oversized silhouettes up top will hide the body line, add volume and the lower half is unbalanced with tight fitting silhouettes.

Conversely, apple shapes or those of you with broader shoulders will find a longer blazer can be ideal for slimming and elongating the torso, creating vertical lines which draw the eye line inwards and vertically as well as skimming perfectly over the mid section. Whereas a shorter, neater jacket can make you feel top heavy.  And the slimmer silhouettes on the bottom half will showcase your fabulous legs.

Why Proportion Matters More Than Size

Most people assume style is about finding the “right clothes,” but often it’s simply about finding the right balance, the right combinations.

You can wear basic pieces – jeans, knitwear, a blazer – and still look incredibly chic when the proportions work together.

This is why some outfits instantly look elevated, even when they’re simple.

A Simple Rule to Remember

The beauty of this styling approach is its simplicity. Once you understand the idea of keeping volume in one area only, getting dressed becomes far less overwhelming because you instantly have a framework to work with. Instead of standing in front of your wardrobe wondering, Does this work? Why does this feel off?, you can quickly identify what’s happening within the outfit. If there’s volume on the bottom, keep the top cleaner and more streamlined. If there’s softness or oversized shapes on top, balance it with a slimmer silhouette underneath. It removes so much of the guesswork and overthinking, making outfits feel naturally more balanced, polished, and easy to wear and best of all you can replicate this formula across your entire wardrobe.

So when putting an outfit together, ask yourself:

Where is the volume?

If the answer is “everywhere,” simplify and choose one focal area. If the answer is “nowhere” then you need to add something along the way!

This single styling principle can completely transform the way you shop, dress, and build outfits from what you already own.

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