Texture adds life to your wardrobe
Mix up your shopping by choosing lively fabrics.
By Laura Collins
[contributor]
Keeping to one signature look can be boring. Stop wearing those faded jeans and that ratty t-shirt, and start adding some flavour to your closet.
Texture is the way to get some life into your wardrobe, and it’s not that hard.
Start shopping with the goal of mixing up your choices of fabric. When you pick up a piece, try to think of what you currently own and see if the item you are holding would be another addition to the 20-something cotton sweatshirts hanging in your closet. If so, put it down.
Scan the store for some satin, wool or lace. You can keep those comfy jeans, but pair them with a lace tank to add some dimension to your outfit. Go a little dangerous with sheer and leather fabrics, mixing in the bold with cotton pieces to keep the outfit grounded. Try black leggings with a lose fitting cotton dress and a dark brown leather jacket, giving you a look that feels great and looks sexy in a less revealing manner.
Once you’ve mastered the various forms of fabric, it’s time to study up on the different weaves. Look at the way fabric is sewn, pairing together contrasting pieces. Add a loose knit scarf to a tightly weaved sheer. Throw on a loosely sewn lace tank underneath, letting it poke out just slightly at the top. These contrasting elements coming together to give your ensemble depth.
Spice up your closet with tweeds and velvet. These two fabrics are heavy, so don’t go head to toe in them. Stick to one piece, like a nicely tailored jacket or blazer, and forgo these fabrics in the late spring and summer.
Texture is eye candy. An outfit with varying fabrics and weaves will give your onlookers something to ogle. Bring out a sense of play when flipping through your closet in the morning, remembering to mix in different elements of texture to create a look that others are sure to try to copy.
