the anatomy of an outfit
Outfit Dissection: Fashion Formulas for Easy, Put-Together Looks
I am so excited to share with you guys some outfits I’ve been wearing recently. I considered doing my usual posts, but I wanted to put a little twist on them this week. I’m rolling out last week’s looks in the format of the “anatomy of an outfit.”
As most of you know, I’m a teacher. Like most teachers this time of year, we are relishing the upcoming summer vacation weeks to rest and recharge.
So why on earth am I writing a fashion blog post connected to teaching? Well, I’m not quite sure.
The hilarious part of this post is that some of my followers are my incredible colleagues who teach science. No, literally, they are some of the most brilliant, accomplished human beings I know.
So, I must warn them (and the rest of the world): The anatomy of an outfit is not meant to be in any way scientifically accurate. I do not have the bandwidth to do such a thing nor will I gaslight you into thinking I do.
With that said, let’s take some time to deconstruct some of my most recent outfits—all while I explain the formula I use in my brain to build a look!
Here’s the flow of this post:
Dissect the Outfit: In college, my sister dissected a cat and honestly, I’m still not okay thinking about that.
The Magnified View: Zoom in on specific outfit details through pictures.
The Formula: The thought process I use to create a look (more on this below).
I love a good theme, so each outfit will be called a Specimen. Scientifically accurate? Probably not. But girls just wanna have fun.
Anatomy of an Outfit Formula
The Base: A “foundation” piece that sparks the entire look.
The Layers: What I build around the base to bring it to life!
The Details: Accessories, shoes, sunglasses, hair, etc. All the tiny details that add flavor to the look.
The Why: Why did I love this look? How did the look make me feel? To what extent did this outfit solve a problem?
Specimen 001
The Dissection
The Magnified View
The Formula
The Base: The base was the orange pointelle tank (I sized up one) that I knew I wanted to wear to work! The outfit then was built around this piece.
The Layers: For me, this is about balancing the proportions of the fitted tank with the super wide-leg denim. The fitted tank creates a straight, neat line, while the wide-leg denim adds a relaxed touch.
The Details: I love to add a few bits of flair to every look. The gold-diamond starfish earrings added a fun and exciting detail. I chose the oval tortoise sunglasses to keep the look kind of retro. The Birkenstocks were also intentional to help balance the neat and trendy elements (like the tank and earrings) with the casual and retro vibe of the wide-leg jeans and Birks.
The Why: I wanted to look neat and put together while also staying comfortable and casual. During the last few days of school, we don’t have students in the building, so it’s a chance to look polished but still feel comfortable while I’m grading, moving textbooks, and cleaning up classrooms.
Specimen 002
The Dissection
The Magnified View
The Formula
The Base: The base was this floral peplum top (TTS) with the cutest feminine details. I built the outfit around this top.
The Layers: I needed a high-waisted jean to make sure my midriff wasn’t showing, so I went with a straight, light-wash denim.
The Details: I added silver orb earrings for a little pop of metallic and went with black strappy sandals to make the look feel a bit more formal. I usually reach for brown sandals since they blend into my wardrobe, but black felt cooler and gave the contrast I wanted. The strappy sandals are also super easy to walk in. The cat-eye sunglasses are SO fun and help keep the look feeling retro and interesting.
The Why: I was going for very cutesy and feminine with this look. I wanted to look put together yet casual. It made me feel summer ready yet professional.
Specimen 003
The Dissection
The Magnified View
The Formula
The Base: I wanted to wear black linen pants because I was proctoring a three hour exam and comfort is key!
The Layers: I contrasted the black with a basic white scoop neck tank. I added the scarf around my waist to take the look from meh to WOW. The crowd loved it. I mean this in the most respectful way — but what a stupidly easy way to enhance ANY outfit.
The Details: I felt very vacationing in Italy, so the coin earrings added flair. The black oversized sunnies went great with the look. I also wore my same strappy sandals to pull it all together. The slicked back bun screams pay attention to my outfit and do not let this wild mane of hair get in the way.
The Why: Being on your feet for several hours in a row means comfort but make it cute. That’s exactly what this look did for me. This look made me feel extra trendy and put together while doing what felt like the absolute least.
**ALSO: Shoutout to my fellow Substack gurus (Virginia Chamlee) who rocked a variation of this look that pushed me to try it myself!
Specimen 004
The Dissection
The Magnified View
The Formula
The Base: I wanted to go monochromatic! Black scoop neck tank with black long linen shorts were my base. Lindsay Sword [Lindsay Sword] helped remind me this is such a fool proof look for the summer in her piece The Secret To Summer Style Is…
The Layers: I get really cold from the AC in my office - so I grabbed this blue linen button down to contrast the monochromatic look.
The Details: Again, leaning into summer coastal vibes, the gold shell dangly earrings added some variation to a simple look. I paired them with gold-frame cat-eye sunglasses and the same black strappy sandals I love! Lastly, I wore this adorable beachy-inspired charm bracelet from J.Crew that was super cute.
The Why: Summer dressing should feel easy. Sometimes I don’t feel like matching colors and details. In that case, monochromatic it is. Add a few pops of flair, and you immediately look way more put together than you intended.
Specimen 005
The Dissection
The Magnified View
The Formula
The Base: The base was the scarf. It is so beautiful and quite the conversation starter. I love a scarf that can:
1. transition into other seasons
2. has colors that can match a multitude of bases.
The Layers: I went on Pinterest because I couldn’t figure out how I wanted to style this. I saw the way people were wearing scarves with basic linen dresses and I was sold. (Side Note: If you need help on how to use Pinterest effectively please see Emily Grady Dodge’s [Emily Grady Dodge] piece How I Shop!)
The Details: Gold shell earrings give a very old-money look paired with oversized black sunnies. I went with brown slides to make the look feel more vacationy-casual. I also added a slip under the dress — it’s a bit sheer.
The Why: It was the last day of work! To me, it’s the ultimate look-good, feel-good, play-good day. I’m celebrating the success of myself and my insanely incredible colleagues. It’s a day of reflection, honoring our retirees, and celebrating our students’ successes. This felt like the perfect mix of looking nice and bringing on those summer vacay feels.
Lab Conclusions
This week showed me how often I reach for certain core accessories: black sandals, cat-eye sunglasses, and scarf-styling. These repeat performers make pulling a look together so much easier.
What I’ve really learned is that when I get dressed, I almost always start with a single base. One piece I feel excited about wearing. Then I build from there, balancing the layers, choosing the right details, and asking myself why this feels good to me today.
Fashion and the "why" are so connected. What I wear is shaped by how I feel, what I’m doing, and what little styling tweaks can make the whole thing come together.
Alright, class is dismissed. I’m proud to now be a self-proclaimed very fake honorary Woman in STEM. Thanks for taking the time to read and support my work!
Let’s Chat!
What was your favorite look or piece from the options above?
If you had to dissect your signature look, what’s the first item you'd start with?
Love you guys! xo,
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Loved the analogy! 😍 I will try this going forward. I love your style and I look forward to learn more tips from you! The scar idea is wonderful and I will be implementing it going forward. Wishing you a beautiful and relaxing summer 🌞
Have to say, I am obsessed with the scarf as an accessory just as much as the next substack girly! You styled it so well!