I recently stumbled across this article in the Telegraph outlining J. Crew’s Creative Director, Jenna Lyons’ tips for winter dressing. While there are many great insights here, the most universal and impactful is that regarding textures: “Stay away from multiple layers of the same texture, knit over knit or jersey over jersey, as the lack of contrast between the garments isn't interesting to look at.”
Lyons also gives readers her own personal rule of thumb when it comes to textural dressing: “There are three main elements that I like to include in my layers: something crisp, such as a white shirt; something soft, like a cashmere sweater or a Puffa jacket…; and something structured, like a blazer.”
Since I live for a fashion formula and since I recognize that not everyone finds this sort of fashion classification second-nature like Lyons, I thought that I would come up with some texture categories to help our readers mix and match their fabrics like a pro…
Sleek – These fabrics are almost texture-less due to their smooth quality.
Examples: silk, satin, jersey, microfibers such as Adea’s luxurious basics
Soft – Plush and pliable, these textures will add instant comfort and approachability to any outfit.
Examples: cotton, wool, fleece, cashmere
Rich – These materials are virtually 3-dimensional due to their abundant texture.
Examples: tweed, boucle, corduroy
Rough – Rugged and often stiff, these materials often get better with age and wear.
Examples: leather, denim, canvas, linen
Now that you have these categories to choose from, you can make like Jenna and pick 3 of the 4 to include in each ensemble in order to create an outfit with maximum textural impact. Then, finalize the look with “an exciting accessory” such as a bold necklace, a wrist full of bangles, a high-shine heel, a rugged boot or a colorful bag.
After all, if you’ve got to wear a lot of clothes to stay warm in the winter, you might as well make the best of it with a traffic-stopping look!
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