Why It Works: January 14, 2025

Today is a special day because the idea to do ‘Why It Works’ content has been marinating in my brain since 2016 (literally) and I haven’t found the right way to bring it to life… until NOW!

So thanks for being here as I take a big leap into action with the hope of giving you clarity, education, and actionable direction for your personal style journey.

“Why It Works” is all about walking you through my thought process as I put outfits together to demonstrate what to think about and my logic behind each outfit.

I know it’s not intuitive for everyone- in fact, I know it’s a major hurdle for many women when you don’t know what looks good and you feel like you are just guessing or sticking to the same ‘safe’ looks on repeat.

Every week, I will analyze three outfits I’ve worn recently and explain why they work—touching on principles like cohesion, balance, silhouette, fit, fabric, proportion and colour.

My goal is to give you tools to eliminate the guesswork when you are deciding what to wear so that your style can become a source of inner confidence and an outlet for personal expression, creativity and joy.

I’m 97% certain that my personal style will be different from yours so keep in mind that this isn’t about copying my style or outfits- it’s about learning to think intentionally about how you pair pieces together and developing a deeper understanding of how to create looks that align with your personality, lifestyle, and values.

Try to read this through the lens of:

1. ‘What ideas resonate with me?”

2. “How can I apply this to my own style and in my own wardrobe?”

Okay, let’s get to it:

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Why It Works: Outfit #1

Outfit 1: Navy Linen Monochrome with a Pop of Red

I wore this for a casual work session at a coffee shop. I liked it because I felt feminine, elevated, and comfortable.

Here's why it worked:

1. Colour Palette

I kept the outfit monochromatic with navy-on-navy, creating a sleek and cohesive base. The pop of red in my shoes and lipstick added intentional points of interest, tying the look together and giving it a polished, dynamic feel.

2. Fabric Choice

Linen has been my hero fabric lately—breathable and comfortable for tropical weather while maintaining an elevated and elegant aesthetic. The fabric’s texture adds visual interest, even in a monochrome look.

3. Accessories and Balance

I opted for chunky silver earrings and a multi-strand necklace, coordinating their metallic tones. To avoid overcrowding the neckline (with the necklace, open collar, and my hair), I tied my hair back to create balance.

4. Proportion and Functionality

The set—a custom-made ensemble from Vietnam—balances elegance and versatility. It works as a coordinated set or separates, offering endless possibilities. My beige tote bag, a pre-loved Rebecca Minkoff find, was the practical finishing touch for carrying my essentials.

Takeaway Tip:

Monochromatic outfits are a powerful way to look polished with minimal effort. Add a pop of colour in accessories or makeup for a subtle but striking contrast.