3 Stylish Combinations to Experiment With When Your Closet Feels Dull

      Even the most imaginative dressers experience moments when their wardrobe feels uninspired. Outfits that once sparked excitement no longer dazzle, and combinations that used to impress both others and yourself may seem lackluster. Fortunately, there are effective ways to rejuvenate your style. One such approach is to deviate from your usual "aesthetic" by merging it with a contrasting style, which adds depth and interest. While it may seem complex, it's actually quite straightforward. As the saying goes, opposites attract.

      When considering romantic fashion, you might envision lace-trimmed skirts, silky slip dresses, or rosette embellishments. Now, think about the stark contrast of grunge. Layering a leather bomber jacket or sturdy motorcycle boots with any of these romantic pieces disrupts the sweetness and immediately enhances the overall outfit. You could achieve a similar effect by wearing a sporty jacket with tailored trousers or pairing a sheer cover-up with a barn coat. Leading fashion designers are already embracing this technique of contrasting styles to create striking looks.

      For instance, in Khaite's resort 26 collection, which gained popularity in New York City fashion circles, Creative Director Catherine Holstein combined micro-floral blouses with structured leather skirts, pirate tops with pony-hair slim trousers, and vintage leopard-print coats with flowing boho maxis. Max Mara's S/S 25 collection featured models in beach-ready bikinis layered under crisp button-down shirts and paired classy column skirts with flat gladiator sandals. In the same season, Miu Miu showcased sporty swimsuit-clad models in classic peep-toe pumps and rolled-up gym shorts styled with collared shirts under cashmere sweaters. The fusion of contrasting aesthetics has long been a staple in fashion, both on runways and streets. Simply put, it’s a tried-and-true approach that the stylish won’t abandon.

      Scroll down to discover the ideal aesthetic blend for 2025 and effortlessly eliminate outfit stress in seconds.

      Romance + Grunge

      One principle I consider when assembling outfits is to avoid leaning too heavily in one direction. If I’m sporting something particularly frilly and "pretty," I incorporate an element that challenges it, like a distressed tee or an edgy jacket—perhaps a hint of grunge. These contrasting styles complement one another perfectly, balancing each other effortlessly.

      Intimissimi

      Lace Silk Shorts

      ZARA

      Leather Bomber Jacket

      MANGO

      Floral-Print Combined Dress

      j.crew

      Gwen Lace-Trim Skirt

      Sporty + Corporate

      This spring and summer, brands such as Miu Miu and Tory Burch are embracing clashing aesthetics, particularly blending sporty elements—think swimwear, drawstring bottoms, and technical outerwear—with tailored pieces like trousers and trenches. Not only do athletic additions inject practicality into typically formal or sometimes stuffy silhouettes, but they also engage onlookers. No one anticipates seeing tailored slacks paired with a nylon anorak or a swimsuit worn with a knee-length skirt. It’s surprising, but in a refreshing way.

      Tory Burch

      Jersey Bodysuit

      Resort + Utilitarian

      During summer, it’s enjoyable to fully immerse yourself in resort vibes by donning shell-themed accessories, wearing bikinis as tops, and choosing cover-ups as dresses, while opting for no footgear other than flip-flops. This seasonal indulgence only comes once a year, so why not embrace it? However, beachwear isn’t always the most functional. Luckily, it pairs well with practical items like barn coats and cargo pants, allowing you to experiment with vacation attire regardless of your location—even if you find yourself in the city, far removed from sand and sea.

      Juju Vera

      Riviera Petra Necklace

      Free People

      Sona Thong Sandal

      CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

      Marcelle Cargo Pants