Use Colour, Shape & Texture (CST) For A Look That Resonates

When we’re getting dressed some mornings even I look at my wardrobe with overwhelm. I love to have options so my closet is full! But if there’s too much to choose from that can make getting dressed actually harder.

A quick little fashion hack I like to follow is the CST rule. This fashion “rule” helps guide our decisions and makes getting dressed easier. The acronym is for colour, shape and texture. The idea is that an outfit should be interesting by one of these tenets in order to create a visually interesting outfit.

Colour

If you’re like me and you like colour then this is easy. Pick a colour (or colours!) that you love and let that drive your outfit. It can be the interplay of colour between patterns, a striking pop of colour in a scarf or blouse (even earrings!) or something about the outfit that draws the eye to the colour. This can drive your choices when you’re looking to pick out items.

What if colour is your nemesis or you’re just not feeling colour today? Then move on to shape.

Shape

If colour isn’t in your domain of comfortability then move on to the next option: shape. In terms of clothing, by shape I mean the interplay or composition of the outfit components. So a mix of lengths, layers, hems, etc. If you’ve decided on navy trousers, a white button-up and cardigan, for instance consider the shape of the pieces you choose. Is there volume in the wide leg of your trouser? Do you have a cardigan with some movement that adds visual interest? What about the collar? Can you incorporate a collar shape or a scarf at the neck that adds some interest? Take a look at what you have and consider what the shape might contribute to add visual interest.

Say you live in a world of black and white and no colour, no shape will veer you off course. Then look to our final category: texture.

Texture

Truthfully I think texture is the underrated secret weapon of a purposeful wardrobe. Even if we don’t know that something is cashmere or silk our eyes register the texture and tells us something is interesting here. If you’ve worked with me you know I almost always recommend a cashmere piece. Good quality knits read luxurious and the interest the texture adds quickly and simply elevates an outfit. Texture (and shape actually) is great when you’re living in monotones.

Varying textures give you outfit some visual variation and adds interest to even simple pieces. Consider the feel of pieces you choose and think about how different textures combine to add a visual message to your outfit. Notice when a cable knit, for example, can be added. Silks flow beautifully on the body and catch light in a way only silk can. Denim and cottons also have their own texture that works with so many other fabrics. Consider the interplay in fabrics and how those subtle texture changes can create interest in what you wear.

Getting dressed doesn’t have to be cumbersome. The CST rule is a simple strategy to breakdown how to get dressed and helps bring intentionality to all you wear.

Happy outfit planning!