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The Rule of Opposites

February 16, 2023 By: Nada Manleycomment

I am not saying that I don’t like ice cream. That would be crazy. I mean, who doesn’t like ice cream? What I am saying is that after something sweet, I sometimes want something salty. It’s all about balance.

It’s the same with outfits. Sometimes, an outfit just seems to be missing something. It’s blah, it’s lackluster, it’s boring. And, in the case of ice cream and outfits, opposites can attract. In other words, add an accessory or an element that contains an opposing detail to create balance.

It’s super simple, and it works like magic.

Do you have to do this with every outfit? Absolutely not. When in doubt, refer to my one of my cardinal rules:

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

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This is a strategy, not the law, and it’s yours to pull out whenever your outfit needs a little something. (Yes I know I call it a rule but it just sounded better!).

The Rule of Opposites: When an outfit seems off, add an opposing detail to balance it out, i.e. color to neutrals, slouchy to fitted, simple to embellished.

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So here, 3 ways you can use The Rule of Opposites to add interest to boring outfits.

Add Color to Neutrals

Some all-neutral outfits just sing. They’re chic and minimal and cool and have just the right balance of texture and details and simplicity to make them work. And others are just plain boring. When you encounter an all-boring outfit in your life (or on your body) one strategy can be to add some color. While the pop of color strategy never truly goes out of style, the way that it’s executed evolves. In 2023, that pop can be unexpected, and should almost always be limited to one item. (Note: This rule, like all the others, works in reverse too. Adding neutrals can ground and balance colorful outfits.)

This all neutral outfit checks all the boxes.
This colorful outfit is artfully assembled.
Sometimes a colorful outfit can feel hard to wear.
Adding a neutral layer can tie the look together.
Neutral accessories ground this outfit.
A fresh pop of color in this neutral suit elevates the look.

Add Baggy to Fitted

Sure, if you’re tall and willowy, an all-baggy outfit can be super chic. Same with an all-fitted outfit. Even for us non-models, the right slouchy or stretchy outfit can work, but when it doesn’t, it can help to add opposing element to smoothing things over. Adding a slouchy jacket or relaxed trench over a fitted dress, for example, can add coverage and tone the look down a little, while adding a fitted top with slouchy pants can make the volume easier to pull off.

Sometimes, all baggy works.
In general, the most flattering outfits are tailored but not tight
But often a fitted element with
Wearing something flowy over something fitted can add balance and modesty

Plain vs Embellished

After seasons of simple streamlined styles, bling is back, although I’m pretty sure nobody is calling it that. But the key to balancing something fancy, which has the potential of looking dated, over the top, or even frumpy, is to pair it with something simple. The reverse, as always, is also true. Adding something with interesting detail to an outfit that falls flat is a great way to bring it together.

An interesting detail like these earrings can add life to a simple outfit
Embellished denim jackets are a trend but look better paired with simpler pieces
This embellished jacket is balanced by simple pieces
An outfit with lots of embellishment can look dated or unbalanced

There are so many other ways that The Rule of Opposites can be applied to outfits. These are just a few. Which of these strategies did you find the most helpful?

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