Sometimes I come up with names for the ways in which I do things. This comes pretty naturally to me: naming things. I used to think that being a namer of things (nail polish, lip gloss, paint colors, businesses, etc.) would be the perfect job for me. Now I get to name all the different pieces of clothing for my line, so win win. But let me get back to the point here, which is yesterday I mentioned something that I have now dubbed “BLANK SLATE DRESSING” and I need to expand upon this concept.
I’ve noticed that the core pieces in my wardrobe that I reach for time and time again are mostly neutrals or basics (I consider leopard print a neutral and vintage t-shirts and denim to be basics) and that I always layer over these core items. So I started thinking about this idea of the core items being like a blank canvas on which to layer paint (jackets, jewelry, belts, scarves, shoes) onto. It’s similar to foundational dressing but it sounds more creative and fresh.
So let me quickly walk you through this. I have a few blank slate looks in my mind:
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Jeans and a grey, white or black t-shirt
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A matching shell and pants set (such as the Donni ones I sell)
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A little black dress or monochrome top/skirt combo
Now what you choose to layer onto your essentially empty canvas is completely up to you and depends on what you are doing, where you are going and what mood you are in. And the best thing about this concept is that you can keep the original base look, change up the layers and be ready for an entirely new event! This way of dressing is great for travel, allows you to get more wear out of your favorite tried and true pieces and gives you a valid reason to spend more money on high quality, classic items (hello, cost per wear)!
I like to think of the BLANK SLATE as a way to make getting dressed easier but also as a way to create a look that sets you apart from the crowd. We may be wearing the same base look but I will paint my canvas completely differently than you. And if you stock your closet and drawers with hard working, well made pieces, you will truly love choosing your layers (like the icing on the cake, or the toppings on your sundae).
One more thing before I go: if you, like me, also love to name your looks/style based on mood/vibe, you can be many things in the span of a week, even if you only change your top coat. SOPHISTICATED SCHOOL GIRL CHIC, 90’S SUPERMODEL STREET STYLE, NYC COWGIRL, SEXY VINTAGE FRENCH PIRATE, APRÉS SURF (OR SKI) BUNNY. The list goes on.
And I mean, who doesn’t like a BLANK SLATE? You can literally do anything with it: write a book, draw a picture, start your whole life over in a new place if you really want!
XO,
Hilary Star
P.S. as always, please send me a message if you are interested in personal styling tips or recs!
