Outfit Formula HQRecipes for getting dressed

Outfit Formula HQ glossary

Outfit formula

A repeatable clothing template (e.g. blazer + tee + jeans + loafers) where pieces rotate through fixed slots.

Third piece rule

The styling principle that a base outfit (top + bottom) reads as styled only once a third element - usually a layer - is added.

Half-tuck

Tucking only the front of a shirt or knit to define the waist while keeping a relaxed line at the back.

Proportion play

Balancing volumes in an outfit, e.g. pairing an oversized top with a slim bottom, so the silhouette reads intentional.

Column of color

Wearing one color head to toe (or one color inner layer under a contrasting outer layer) to create a long, unbroken line.

High-low dressing

Mixing formal and casual pieces in one outfit - blazer with sneakers, silk skirt with a sweatshirt - for a balanced register.