Style Recipes

A Beginners Guide to Cultivating Style 

Building a look is a lot like cooking – and everyone has to eat. Whether you like to order or will spend hours in the kitchen we all know what we like. Great style is akin to great taste. A little savory and sweet, a little colorful and chic. A taste of decadence, a look of elegance. The same way you had to learn what suited your taste buds is the same way you can curate your own style. 

So let’s cook!

Every good recipe (from what I hear, I am by no means that girl that loves to cook – she (me) loves to eat), starts with an ingredient list or foundation. The clothes you own are your ingredient list. Now sometimes the fridge and cupboards are stacked – experience says “let me keep a few non perishables items plus my go-to snacks around”. Begin to think of your closet in the same way. What are some items you need to keep in stock? 

Here’s a checklist of 10 great starter staples:

1. Denim – everyone needs a good pair of jeans that fit great and feel even better. Denim may be on the most versatile pieces of clothing. They can be dressed up or down, fit slim or loose, sit high or low. I actually started my career in fashion designing denim and have been hooked ever since. (That’s a story for another time though). My recommendations are one dark, one dark one light. I LOVE black denim, not washed (charcoal or grey – they cute but not mandatory) but true black. If you’re like me, grab one pair of those and one medium to light pair. 
   • Here’s where you can play with fit also. Like any good cook you want to have varying tools and ingredients. Right now we aren’t trying to be a showstopper (yet), we need the eggs of the world – fry ’em, scramble ‘em, mix ‘em, bake ‘em, souffle ‘em – we need to be multifunctional sis! One pair can be a slimmer fit, one a wider leg. One pair high rise, the other mid rise – you will not catch me endorsing the low rise jean. Girl no, just no.

2. T-Shirts – don’t sleep on the power of a good tee! Tucked in just right you can look very Parisian chic quick! Paired with good denim and a fun shoe – she’s ready for anything. Think of t-shirts like flour, holding a look together. A good t-shirt has two main qualities: good quality and great fit. We aren’t looking for a see-through undershirt here. We’re talking nice cotton, great weight, it’s ‘my business what I have on underneath here’ tee. In summer it can be thinner and looser, in colder months a bit more fitted for a more tailored feel. I love a crew neck but I have a smaller bust. If you’re more well endowed, try a v-neck or scoop neck. A little skin can go a long way visually when looking at proportions. Colors: crisp white, true black, heather grey to start. If you see another color you like, try it! Just don’t buy anything you don’t really like, you won’t wear it. 

3. Button Down Shirts – these are not just for the office! They are amazing at adding a bit of polish to a look. They’re like cilantro – fresh and crisp. Going somewhere and want to look like you care? A button down. Buttoned all the way up to the collar + accessories (or layered) gives attitude. Left halfway unbuttoned gives playful. Left fully unbuttoned and worn over another shirt/cami/dress gives ‘I do this’. I prefer mine to be a little roomy so I can wear it tucked in, overlapped, open, closed, etc. If going the oversized route (go for it!) – just commit to going larger and go up about 2-3 sizes. If you only go up one size you run the risk of just looking unkept and sis you’re better than that.

4. Blazers – do you hear that? The price just went up! Girl get yourself a good fitting blazer and tell me you aren’t willing to solve world hunger. Or sign the next Beyonce. Become the next president. There’s power in a good blazer. Blazers are like bread, they can sandwich near anything. The key’s here are similar to a good t-shirt: good quality and great fit. We’re looking for one that’s lined and maybe a very thin shoulder pad. We want it to be able to close, flattering your waistline. For length it should be a little longer than your sleeves stopping around the hips. Double breasted blazers are ideal however we won’t dismiss a single breasted version. STAY AWAY from tacky buttons. Or be willing to replace them. If they look cheap, ya feel cheap and now we’re headed down. 

5. Trousers – ie the “dress pant”. But these aren’t the ones from Sunday School or the khaki’s Jim wore on The Office (no disrespect to Jim). Again keys to the kingdom: quality and fit. They are typically mid-high rise, slim/straight/wide leg, non-denim pants. These can be cotton, wool, silk, a poly blend etc. If they match the above blazer – you’re golden! Two looks for the price of one. If they’re a solo number, you’re still in great company.  Think of a trouser like kale, good for smoothies and salads. Can be dressed up or down, day or night giving a different look then just regular denim. My suggestion: go solid or look for a fun print in colors you actually like.

6. Skirts – honey a good skirt can take you places! Pleated, a-line,pencil, leather,  denim, mini, midi, floor length – the possibilities are endless! Skirts are like avocados: good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Skirts have the unique quality of looking both ultra feminine AND powerful. Whichever quality you want to play up more you can. I love a high waisted a-line mid length skirt. You may be into a pleated mini skirt. Or a fitted midi skirt. Remember, avocados can be served sliced or blended into guac. A good skirt can be whatever you need it to be as well. 

7. Sneakers – listen we live in a pandemic-y world where many of us haven’t had to wear anything more structured than a slipper in some time. That’s okay! You just can’t go everywhere in your “workout” shoes. Do yourself the favor and get a clean leather or canvas sneaker that’s comfy and cute. You’ll get a ton of wear out of them no matter the season as they pair well with all the ingredients on this list. Sneakers are like pepper – they add a little spice to any look.

8. Boots – I love their versatility! Chunky, flat, heeled, platform, square, rounded – whatever you choose they can really seal a look. The key here will be overall use. I don’t subscribe to the notion that a person can “only” wear something “once” or for (fill in the blank). Many great boots get better with each wear, taking on some of your personality. Very similar to the potato – fried, mashed or baked it can be the stand out star or very satisfying side.

9. Jackets – this is not technically a coat. Coat’s we’ll get to. A jacket is that lighter outerwear piece that serves both as a covering and a style statement. Jackets include denim jackets, motorcycle (biker) jackets, army jackets, *light quilted pieces, trenches etc. Cool summer nights, fall days that are victim to daylight savings, spring mornings – this is jacket time! And jackets are exceptional at showcasing personality and keeping you comfortable. Ranging in size, shape and color, jackets can so easily lift a very regular look into one that’s stylish. Think of jackets like olive oil, great for cooking, dipping, dressing and mixing. 

10. Coats – this is the finale!! Gone are they days where a coat was only for warmth! Get outta here! A great coat has drama and warmth, it’s fun and it’s cozy, it’s dark and moody – it’s the salt on the list! Salt enhances flavors, bringing out what was already there, making good dishes great. You can even gargle salt, name another ingredient that’s working harder! Here in NYC, a coat may be all you get because it’s so cold outside. Why not have fun with it!? Peacoats, puffers, shearlings, furs, stripes, solids, plaids, animal print – go for it! Start with a coat that’s both fun AND functional for your climate. Coats don’t need to “match” your outfit but it certainly is fun. I would recommend starting with a solid or printed coat in neutral tones to start your venture into the colorful world of coats! Remember: salt is used on everything.

Now that you have your ingredient list you’re ready to cook! These staples will keep you no matter the season! And please keep in mind – this is a recommended foundation. This is not a right or wrong situation. Start with this checklist and remix it as you wish. It’s YOUR style so it needs to meet YOUR taste, unleesh yourself. 

Stay tuned for how I mix this list and make it my own next week! What would you like to see? Comment and share below 🙂

The goal is always to Wear Your Things – Freedom looks good on you!

xo Leesh