Not "Dressed Up," Not "Dressed Down" — 3 Ways to Make Your Outfits Seem More Purposeful

      Blanca Miró Scrimieri is a Barcelona-based stylist and serves as the Editor in Residence for Who What Wear UK. She is the founder of the fashion label La Veste and a co-founder of the sunglasses brand Delarge, highlighting her skills in design, creative direction, and brand development. While you may recognize Miró from her partnerships with high-end fashion brands, her unique street style and outfit curation have likely caught your eye on Instagram. When she isn't at fashion week or working behind the scenes at La Veste, she can be found curating stylish tablescapes on her Instagram account @blanca_a_table.

      Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of the "in between." It’s not quite dressing up but also not entirely casual. It represents a middle ground where things feel less rigid and more instinctive. I’ve come to realize that I no longer dress for specific events. I don’t compartmentalize my outfits as “this is for dinner” or “this is for the day.” Instead, my style often combines elements that feel a bit more formal with pieces that are easier and more laid-back. For example, pairing a skirt that appears polished with a simple knit or layering a tailored jacket over something more relaxed and almost undone. It’s less about perfectly balancing opposite styles and more about allowing them to coexist organically.

      1. Start With the Shoes

      Often, the shoes dictate the entire outfit. I find myself returning to styles akin to indoor footwear—comfortable leather flats, clogs, and softly rounded shapes. I prefer nothing too structured or overly polished. Sometimes I wear them with socks, other times without. They contribute a sense of ease to the look, creating an impression as if the ensemble was effortlessly thrown together, even if that’s not the case.

      Khaite 75mm Cage Sandals

      Loewe Petal Anagram Slide in Lambskin

      GUCCI Embellished Studded Leather Clogs

      2. Play With Proportions

      At times, a small adjustment such as a looser layer can shift the entire look away from being overly defined. I appreciate how this approach softens an outfit without tipping into casualness. It retains an element of elegance while eliminating the notion of being too formal or stiff. There’s an authenticity in that.

      MANGO Oversized Funnel Neck Trench With Belt

      Front Row Shop Tie-Dye Bohemie Printed Quilted Jacket Mountain Green

      Kule The Watson Cotton Overcoat Jacket in Khaki

      3. Dress for the Day, Not the Occasion

      This reflects our current lifestyles, where the boundaries between moments are less distinct, allowing for various activities throughout the day without a change in pace. Dressing in a way that accommodates this fluidity feels more natural than selecting one specific “version” of oneself. I’m attracted to garments that don’t fit squarely into one category, which can adapt based on how they’re styled. A classic silhouette can be worn casually, or a simple piece can appear elevated with just one detail. It’s a look that doesn’t announce itself right away. It’s subtle, which is part of its appeal.

      Loewe Paula's Ibiza Anagram Shirt

      La Veste Pippi Sequin Pants Green