If you’ve scrolled through social media recently, you’ve likely seen a take on the “Wearing vs. Styling” trend by your favorite fashion influencer. If you haven’t seen these videos, here’s what you’re missing: simple outfits such as jeans and a t-shirt, being transformed into runway looks via accessorization, layering, etcetera. While this trend spans various aesthetics, there are some constant variables included in every stylized look. In a conversation with United Kingdom-based fashion influencer Eve-Lily (@evelilycp), we broke down the five main themes shown throughout these videos: complimentary accessories, matching jewelry, layering, hair and makeup styling, and tuck and fit preferences.

The style icon says these videos are meant “to show the potential your clothes have. You can start with jeans and a t-shirt, and then … take it to something way… high{er} end or way more interesting.” Eve is best known for her eclectic and maximalist outfit creations. Her overall viewpoint when it comes to putting clothes together is that she “likes to think of rules and then break the rules,” to create unique yet cohesive outfits. That is why she’s the perfect person to discuss this trend with. She understands fashion rules such as color theory and proportions and uses that knowledge while allowing her personality to shine with a fully stylized look.

Matching large accessories such as
a bag, shoes, and sunglasses

These pieces are essential to any look, so instead of going for everyday black or brown versions of these pieces, choose interesting pieces that match or compliment the clothing. Eve says “When styling a piece of clothing that has a specific color in it, often I will take from that color and match the shoes and bag to that color. Or, alternatively, say the outfit is purple and I know the complimentary color to purple is yellow, I might add a pop of yellow with the bag and shoes, so I’m either complimenting the color that’s in the outfit or I’m taking a color from the outfit and then generally matching the bag, shoes and sunglasses.”

Jewelry that corresponds with
the tone of the outfit

It seems obvious, but jewelry that goes with the outfit can make or break a look. Depending on your vibe, there’s no need to own excessive amounts of jewelry unless that’s what you’re into. Although she’s a maximalist, Eve keeps her jewelry pretty simple. She has a gold set of rings, necklaces, earrings, and a silver set as well. Usually, she prefers not to mix metals, so she wears the gold set with warm tone outfits, and the silver set with cool tone outfits. Oh, and as a cat lady, if there’s a feline on her outfit, she pairs it with her cat jewelry of course.

Layering pieces to add interest

Best known for her ability to add dimension to an outfit through layering, Eve makes it clear that she’s not adding more clothing on for warmth, rather to elevate her more simple pieces. “Layering is such a good way to elevate an outfit without needing to spend a lot of money on something really unique,” says Eve. “Just adding a t-shirt under a vest or adding a collar under something or adding a corset over something can completely change the outfit and make these two pieces of clothing put together look like one super interesting piece.”

Though it doesn’t get too warm where she lives in the United Kingdom, she encourages layering no matter the weather. Pieces such as detachable collars, vests, and sheer long sleeves are practical ways to stay cool while still expressing your personal style.

Hair and Makeup Styling Choices

Of course, clothing and accessories are the main points of interest in a given look, but hair and makeup that coincide with your personal aesthetic elevate an outfit even more. Like the rest of these style elements, hair and makeup should be authentic to the person wearing them, so there’s no need to go above and beyond if that’s not the vibe. Simple additions like a pop of red lipstick or a ribbon around a ponytail help make a look more well-rounded. Eve had a phase of wearing berets that matched every outfit, which gave her a signature look while embracing her love for eclectic maximalism.

Tucking and Fit Preferences

The way a garment sits on one’s body varies in part because of body type, but it also varies depending on what kind of style the person is going for. Sizing up on a top gives an outfit different energy than a top a size down. Same thing with skinny versus flare pants - the same fabric can give off such a different vibe based on how they’re cut.

As for tucking, Eve says, “sometimes you’re doing it for flattery and sometimes you’re doing it to add a bit more interest by adding this shirt peeking out or something like that.” Whether or not a shirt is tucked, and how tight the tuck is, sets the tone for the rest of the outfit.

It doesn’t look like “Wearing vs. Styling” videos are going anywhere as more of them continue to be posted online with the hashtag #wearingvsstyling. While some styled outfits are more interesting than others, trends like these encourage everyone of all different aesthetic interests to put together outfits that feel unique to them with pieces they appreciate most. Isn’t that the point of having style anyways?

Article by Danielle Tranter, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
*All photos courtesy of @evelilycp