Neither "Dressed Up" nor "Dressed Down"—3 Approaches to Make Your Outfits Seem More Purposeful

      Blanca Miró Scrimieri serves as the Editor in Residence for Who What Wear UK and is a stylist based in Barcelona. As the founder of the fashion label La Veste and co-founder of the sunglasses brand Delarge, she specializes in design, creative direction, and brand development. While you might recognize Miró from her collaborations with high-end fashion brands, it's likely her unique street style and outfit curation have drawn you to her Instagram account. When she's not at fashion week or involved with La Veste, you can catch her creating stylish tablescapes at @blanca_a_table.

      Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the notion of the "in between." It’s not exactly "dressed up," yet not entirely casual either—there’s this middle ground where things appear less defined and feel more instinctive. I’ve come to realize that I no longer dress for specific occasions. I don’t categorize my outfits as “this is for dinner” or “this is for the day.” Instead, it's typically a blend of something that feels slightly more polished paired with something easier and more laid-back. A skirt that could seem quite "finished" when paired with a simple knit, or a tailored jacket thrown over something softer, almost undone. It’s not about achieving a perfect balance between opposites, but rather about allowing them to coexist naturally.

      1. Begin with the Shoes

      Often, the shoes dictate the entire outfit. I find myself returning to styles that resemble indoor footwear, such as soft leather flats, clogs, and slightly rounded shapes. Nothing too structured or overly "done." Sometimes with socks, sometimes without. They add a sense of ease to the look, giving the impression that you didn’t deliberate too long on it, even if you did.

      2. Experiment with Proportions

      Sometimes, a minor adjustment like a looser layer can shift the entire look away from being overly defined. I appreciate the effect it has on an outfit—it softens the overall appearance without making it feel too casual. It maintains a certain elegance while eliminating the notion of being stuffy or excessively dressed. There’s an authenticity to that.

      3. Dress for the Day, Not the Occasion

      This approach reflects how we live today; the boundaries between moments are less distinct, and a day can encompass various activities without disrupting the flow. Dressing in a way that allows for movement through all of that feels more natural than selecting just one “version” of yourself. I'm attracted to pieces that don’t fit neatly into a single category—items that can change depending on how you style them. A more classic shape worn in a relaxed manner, or a simple piece elevated by just one detail. It’s not a style that makes an immediate statement; it’s subtler than that. But I think that’s part of its appeal.