I don’t remember how I found this gem in the crowded blog-o-sphere of fashion and style blogs. I just know that for the past few months, I’ve been hooked. Rather than a photo or plain textual description of her personal style, Lauren Friedman’s My Closet in Sketches is just as the name implies. Lauren shows readers her style and outfits through artistic sketches and illustrations. Originally from Michigan, Lauren currently lives in D.C. and has been blogging for over a year and drawing ever since she was young. Lauren adds a personal touch by giving her outfits unique, quirky names, as well as providing her readers with handwritten descriptions of what she is wearing.
Although not in illustration, here are a few tips to giving your own closet a style boost:
1. Developing a Signature Style.
A standard uniform is not just for fast food workers or grocery clerks. Lauren advises finding clothing that represents you and something that you feel amazing in all the time. You can explore what you like, and then add more trendy items to your signature look. So, what is Lauren’s go-to uniform? She is usually wearing a variation of the oversize men’s shirt and skinny pants. You can avoid looking frumpy in this trend by pairing a boyfriend shirt with tight, fitted jeans or leggings.
2. Investing in Timeless Pieces.
Lauren is all about spending money where it matters. If you quickly scan your closet, you will probably find things that you have not worn in years. It’s hard to not buy into the current trends, but stocking your wardrobe with timeless pieces will save you money and a closet full of things that were so last season. The basics are black and white or monochromatic colors, jeans, plain tees, a simple LBD, and a classic white button-up. Lauren asks, “Why buy six shirts you’ll be over by the end of the season when you could pool that cash for one perfect blouse that works every time?” After all, timeless does not have to be boring. Investing wisely and leaving the trends to your accessories will keep you in style forever.
3. Mixing Textures and Patterns.
There are some things that do not belong together, but they sure taste and look good. There’s sweet and sour or salty and sweet. Well, you can think of textures and patterns as one of those unlikely combinations that seem to not work but can if mixed the right way. Lauren recommends playing with sequins and polka dots or maybe cable knits and tweed, although not all at once. Mixing textures and patterns add more interest and variety to your style. So, go ahead and combine large prints with small ones, leather with lace, or plaid with polka dots. The key is to vary the size of the patterns and keep it in the same color family. These elements, according to Lauren, add “the dig” or that final “zing!”
4. Getting the Fit Just Right.
One piece of advice that Lauren has for all fashionistas is to go the extra mile to customize something for your shape. Why not try a few tucks here or a little hemming there? Tailoring clothing and wearing things that fit well will never go out of style. By taking the extra time to find clothing that complements your figure, Friedman suggests it will elevate a piece from “off-the-rack” to priceless.
5. Balancing Act.
It’s all about balance. Wearing heels and skinny jeans with a simple tee can be a classy, yet casual look. To avoid looking overdone, Lauren pairs her stilettos with an old t-shirt to achieve a slightly “off” style. According to Lauren, an immaculate, head-to-toe look can make you seem unapproachable.
6. Starting the Day in Style.
You may start the morning with breakfast, a pep talk, or even a workout. Style is more than an outfit or how you look; it’s about wearing who you are. Lauren says getting dressed is one of the few things people do for their own pleasure. As her tag line suggests, there is an always an excuse to dress up. Why not get up in the morning and put on something that makes you feel good? Treating yourself to style and getting all dolled up is the best way to jump start your day.
It all started from playing “The Closet Game” with her roommate. Now Lauren’s drawings of her own stylish outfits straight from her closet are a daily inspiration for her readers. It’s okay if you don’t have Lauren’s expansive wardrobe or sketching skills. After all, your closet is merely a blank canvas waiting to be painted. Following these tips will allow you to paint your beautiful masterpiece drawn in your very own creative style.
Image Source: Lauren Friedman, My Closet in Sketches