The Magic of Juxtaposition in Creating Great Outfits

Welcome to Dressed for My Day, where I’m always playing around with multiple mini series at once. Ha! Yeah, I love me a good mini series. They give me the opportunity to really think through a topic piece by piece and grow along with you as I process one step and then another. And they keep me from writing too many monster-size posts! Today I’m continuing our Oh, So Pulled Together mini series by sharing the magic of juxtaposition in creating great outfits.

Juxtaposition: the act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side often to compare or contrast or to create an interesting effect

Merriam-Webster

Juxtaposition adds interest to an outfit, of course. But it also indicates an intentional choice was made. That intention is one of the keys of looking oh, so pulled together. Remember, we decided that a little effort goes a long ways when creating a chic look, so we don’t want contrasts all over the place in an outfit. Just one little unexpected point of whimsy or contrast will do the trick.

See if you can pinpoint the contrasting elements in each of the outfits below that create the magic of juxtaposition.

Juxtaposition can be created with contrasting accessories or garments. When we wear heels or pearls (or both!) with jeans we’re creating the magic of juxtaposition.

You can also create juxtaposition with colors that you wouldn’t expect to see together.

We also create juxtaposition when we pull pieces from different parts of our wardrobe to create an unusual outfit.

For instance, when you wear something that is traditionally considered to be active or loungewear with something that is generally reserved for the office, you definitely created an interesting contrast.

Sometimes designers interject juxtaposition within their design. For instance, sneakers with heels, dresses designed for playing outside or hoodies on fine cashmere sweaters.

Anytime we top a dress or other “dressy” garment with a denim jacket, we’re using the magic of juxtaposition.

We also create a little magic when we wear contrasting prints. One of the easiest prints to pair with another print somewhere in your outfit is any animal print.

I know some readers don’t care for ripped or distressed jeans. But I love the effect of wearing slightly distressed jeans with a silk blouse and heels. In fact, if you’re going to wear distressed jeans, you’ll definitely look more grown up and pulled together if you create a little juxtaposition with them.

Be on the look out for ways to use your chambray shirt to create a little juxtaposition magic, too.

Even wearing a long sleeve shirt with shorts creates a little juxtaposition. The key is simply choosing a lightweight top that is still cool and comfortable.

Button up your cardigan and wear it as a top. Magic!

Or wear that bright pink cardigan with a black and white all over outfit! Magic!

Okay, I’ll get out of the way and let you train your eyes on the next few photos. You find the magic!

Obviously I love the magic of juxtaposition. In fact, I have to resist its allure sometimes. I do like more cohesive outfits, too. So I don’t want to lean into this style tool every day. But it sure is fun. Here are a few of the items I keep in my wardrobe so that I can easily create a little juxtaposition:

• fashion sneakers
• denim jacket
• graphic tees
• animal print accessories: belt, shoes, handbag, etc.
• whimsical brooches
• colorful pieces (like my pink coat, red blazer, green cardigan, etc.)
• pretty and comfortable pumps
• wearable blazers
• pearls
• earrings with gemstones

Thanks so much for dropping in today. I hope you enjoyed this little bit of style inspiration. Will you be doing a little juxtaposition magic today? I’d love to hear about how you incorporate juxtaposition into your outfits.

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Blessed for My Day

Have you ever been through a season of life when your thoughts were absolutely consumed by one particular thing in your life? I had a season like that a few years ago. A specific struggle just absolutely captured my thoughts. And as much as I would try to stop thinking about it, I couldn’t. I felt dominated, like I was in bondage and out of my own control. It was very frustrating. I finally got victory over it, but it was an anxiety-ridden season of my life.

That’s why I know what it means to keep your mind “stayed on” something. The problem is that when our minds are “stayed on” anything or anyone other than the Lord, we will experience that same frustrating bondage that I felt. And those consuming thoughts lead to high anxiety, paralysis and panic. On the other hand, when we keep our minds stayed on the Lord, He keeps us in perfect peace. Ahhh. Why does that happen? Because a mind stayed on God is a mind that trusts completely in Him. Today I challenge us to stay our minds on God, reflecting on His character, ways and words. And let’s see if our anxiety isn’t settled with His all-consuming peace.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. ~ Isaiah 26:3