How To Style A Great Outfit–Every Time

Want to know how to style a great outfit… every time?
Stick around to learn how to turn your pieces into outfits.

Having a wardrobe that supports your success doesn’t mean buying more clothes. It means knowing how to style what you already have.

Even the most successful women I work with tell me they struggle creating great outfits.

They’ve got pieces they like, but putting them together in a way that feels pulled-together and reflects who they are? That’s the challenge.

That’s why I created the Academy Awards Styling Method, an easy way to style an outfit so it looks intentional, polished, and like you actually meant to wear it. 😄

In simple terms:
The Academy Awards Styling Method is a way to build outfits by choosing one “STAR” piece and pairing it with two to three “Supporting Players,” so every outfit looks thoughtful, flattering, and very you.

NOTE: This isn’t the only way to style an outfit, but it’s quick, easy to remember, and gives you great results… every time.

What Is the Academy Awards Styling Method?

What this method entails is making sure every outfit you create has:

1 STAR piece (your “Best Actor”)
+ 2–3 Supporting Players (your “Best Supporting Actors”)

Every outfit needs 1 STAR + 2–3 Supporting Players.

For a really great ensemble, just one garment gets to be the focal point, your STAR.

It can be a real show-stopper “notice me” item, or simply something in an interesting color, cut, or fabric that truly stands out.

What Is a STAR Piece?

The STAR is your focal point. It’s the piece that makes you feel like YOU at the level you’ve achieved.

And there’s something super special about it, just like you!

A STAR could be:

  • A blazer with an impeccable cut
  • A fabulous print
  • A cool shoe
  • A color you want to drown yourself in

Something super important to keep in mind: your STAR pieces should be pieces you love. They should make you feel great when you put them on.

And also important to note is that everyone's star pieces will vary. What's a star to one woman is another woman's supporting player. (More on that ⬇️) 

Now I’m betting you’d like to see some examples of outstanding wardrobe STARS. Am I right?

Here are a few STARS.

Academy Awards Styling Method tweed jacket

Tweed, multi-colored star quality jacket

Elements of Image showing embroidered black blazer as part of The Academy Awards Styling Method

You'll FEEL like a star in this blazer and won't want to take it off!

a pair of women's plaid pants to show what a star piece  is for Elements Of Image's Academy Award Styling Method.

That's right, your STAR can be on the bottom

No matter what your personal style is, it’s really important to have some STAR pieces.

Chances are good that if you don’t have any, you may be a little bored with your wardrobe, or you might need some expert help finding your perfect STAR.

What Are Supporting Players?

Okay, so we’ve identified our STAR item. Now let’s talk about our Supporting Players.

Just like in a film, Supporting Actors aren’t boring. They just don’t stand in the spotlight the way the star does.

These pieces can be beautiful and even have detail, but they aren’t so strong that they compete with what your STAR piece is doing for you.

We’re all familiar with The Wizard of Oz, right?

Dorothy was the star… or maybe her red shoes were.

The Tin Man, the Lion, and the Scarecrow, were all Supporting Actors. The movie just wouldn’t have been the same without them!

And there are very few movies with just one star and one other actor. That’s how important your Supporting Players are.

Here are some examples of Best Supporting Actor nominees.
(Insert photos here.)

Navy satin women's pants demonstrating Elements of Image's Academy Awards Styling Method

Psst...these are navy satin!

A burgundy blouse with lace sleeves demonstrating Elements Of Image's Academy Awards Styling Method

Under a jacket, it's a supporting piece. On it's own, a subtle star.

How Do You Use This in Your Closet?

Now that we’ve got the concept down, I invite you to close your eyes and imagine you’re standing in your closet.

(Or if you’re home, take me into your closet with you.)

  1. Look around for a STAR.
    It might be something you wear often, or something you bought and never quite knew how to wear.
  2. Choose 2–3 Supporting Players to go with it.

Be a little daring. Pick something you might not normally choose.

Building fabulous outfits and feeling great is about taking a few risks.

Put the pieces on, or imagine them together. Your STAR plus your Supporting Players.

You feel so good you could walk the red carpet!

A Few Final Reminders

  1. Wearing STARS with  STARS creates a busy outfit and no one sees you.
  2. Wearing all Supporting Players is fine… but boring. No one sees you.
  3. Wearing STARS + a Supporting Cast = polished, confident, undeniably you.

Quick Answers

Can I have more than one STAR in an outfit?

You can, but when everything is the star, nothing is. Too many stars create visual noise and you disappear. (And yes, it can be done, but 2 stars in an outfit is an advanced move.) 

What if my STAR is subtle?

A STAR doesn’t have to be loud. It can be a beautifully cut blazer, an unexpected color, or a fabric that feels special to you.

Does this work for casual outfits too?

Absolutely! This works for casual, weekend outfits just as well as it does for an important boardroom ensemble. 

This is how you build outfits from the clothes you already own!

I urge you to try it in your closet this week.

And if you find yourself thinking, “I love this idea, but I’m not sure what my STAR pieces really are,” that’s exactly what I help women figure out.

Book your "Bye Bye Boring Wardrobe" strategy call today. Together, we'll strategize your wardrobe, one that's complete with STARS and SUPPORTING PLAYERS...making getting dressed the easiest part of your day! 

KICK UP YOUR STYLE

It's Your Time to Shine with

a Wardrobe That Wows!

Your ideal style is just a Zoom call away. Imagine walking out the door each day in outfits that skyrocket your confidence and shout out your success. Stop waiting for your dream closet – create it now. Let's partner together to make your style goals come to life.