I had a stylist critique 5 of my go-to outfits. Here's how she'd make my basic looks colorful and more mature
I asked stylist Caroline Vazzana for expert advice on balancing a colorful and mature wardrobe.
Vazzana recommended brighter colors and swapping out neutral accessories for pieces that pop.
After receiving these tips, I applied them to each outfit and loved most of the outcomes.
I let fashion expert Caroline Vazzana critique some of my go-to outfits to make them even better.
Caroline Vazzana is an author, fashion editor, and stylist. // Photo Credit: Alexandra Folster
Fashion has always been key to my self-expression.
After recently attempting to create a sort-of capsule wardrobe, I ended up with a lot of neutral tones in my closet. But my favorite color palette is rainbow, and I feel like there should be a way for my wardrobe to reflect this aspect of my personality while maintaining a sense of maturity as a woman in my late 20s.
It felt like fate when I connected with Caroline Vazzana, fashion editor, stylist, author of "Making It in Manhattan," and self-described, modern-day Carrie Bradshaw.
I shared five of my go-to outfits with Vazzana and asked her how to align them with my style goals.
My first outfit was something I'd wear on a night out.
I love wearing all-black outfits, especially this lace bodysuit and silk skirt paired with my favorite accessories.
One of my signature aesthetics is an all-black ensemble, which I especially like to lean into on a night out. It's an easy way to create simple, stylish outfits that can withstand the test of time.
But this style has the potential to become basic and monotonous. And it certainly doesn't make one stand out in a crowd — though, admittedly, I sometimes see that as a good thing.
Vazzana suggested swapping for more vibrant accessories.
My all-black ensembles sometimes feel a bit too basic.
Vazzana thought this was a really fun look and loved the two-piece set.
In order to add more color to make the look pop, she suggested starting with my accessories.
"Instead of the black backpack, I'd try a colorful clutch, maybe hot pink," the stylist said. "And for shoes on a night out, I'd go for something sparkly."
While shopping for these swaps, I found my dream clutch and the perfect sandals to match.
Per Vazzana’s recommendations, I added a bit more sparkle to my outfit.
My original intention was to find a hot-pink bag like Vazzana suggested. But when I found this beaded, multicolored clutch, I simply couldn't resist buying it.
Though it's quite fragile because of all the beads, I love that it matches and elevates virtually any outfit.
I also found the perfect pair of rhinestone sandals to go with it. They looked exactly like my black, braided sandals, but with much more sparkle, just like Vazzana envisioned.
The clutch was a wonderful way to add more color to my wardrobe. Paired with the sparkly sandals and one of my nice dresses or two-piece sets, these new accessories gave me a foolproof outfit formula for nights out on the town.
The second outfit we workshopped was a bit more casual.
I love the combination of this reversible top and flowy skirt, which has oh-so-precious pockets.
Both the top and skirt are from a local boutique in Hawaii that's been one of my go-to clothing stores since I was a teenager.
I love that the nude top is reversible, essentially making it two tops in one. And though I typically refrain from buying the same silhouette in multiple colors, I adore this pocketed skirt so much that I have it in two different floral patterns.
The outfit also features my go-to accessories: a leather backpack and black braided sandals.
Vazzana advised me to incorporate a vivid color palette.
This outfit is cute, but the colors are dull.
Vazzana's main piece of advice for this outfit was to go brighter.
"I always love a long, flowy skirt, but maybe opt for one in a bright color," she said, noting that she'd still incorporate one with a fun print. "Pick one of the colors in the skirt and match a solid-colored top with it."
She also said that if the outfit was really colorful, I could stick with the black bag and shoes.
Updating my casual outfit made it more dramatic and flattering.
I went brighter and bolder with the colors in my casual outfit.
While trying on this bright floral maxi skirt, I walked out of the dressing room to show my friends, and they said it looked like I already owned it.
On my way to the check-out counter, I came across a lavender lace crop top that matched the purple flowers in the skirt. Immediately, I knew they were meant for each other.
Upon putting the pieces together, I realized that the high slit on the skirt and the cut of the top were both more flattering for my body type. I also love that I can mix and match these pieces with other items in my wardrobe.
My third outfit featured a semi-casual dress that can translate between work and play.
This breezy, baby-blue dress is a recent addition to my wardrobe.
In Hawaii, my hometown of Lahaina translates to "cruel sun," so it's essential to have a few breathable dresses for sweltering hot days, especially with massive heat waves in the summer.
My blue dress is a versatile piece that I can wear to work, to the beach, out to brunch, or to drinks with friends. But I feel like my repetitive accessories were dragging down the look.
Vazzana recommended ways to elevate the outfit for social gatherings and how to tone it down for running errands.
This dress is definitely versatile, and Vazzana showed me how to dress it both up and down.
The light-blue hue of the piece stood out to Vazzana, who described it as a sweet, summer dress.
"To elevate this outfit for a dinner date, night with friends, or brunch, I'd add a printed block heel," she said. "I love a block heel because it can still be as comfortable as a slide, but just helps to add more interest to the look."
For errand-filled days, she suggested I pair the dress with white sneakers and a large tote bag.
I couldn't find the right pair of block heels, but I had everything else I needed in my closet.
I already had white sneakers and a tote bag in my closet.
Shopping for a printed block heel was not as successful as my other ventures. I found some beautiful shoes, but none of them paired well with the blue. I also wanted to ensure I was purchasing things I'd actually wear, and I tend to avoid heels — unless they're on boots.
Thankfully, I was able to shop my closet for white sneakers and a tote bag. The only thing I bought for this outfit was new shoelaces as my old ones were beyond saving.
Though I could still pair this dress with my signature black backpack and braided sandals, I felt like my white, leather Converse and leopard-print tote bag helped create a cohesive color palette with lighter tones.
My fourth outfit represented something I'd wear to work as a vendor.
On work days, I tend to get sweaty, so I dress accordingly.
Once a week, I set up a vendor booth to sell crystals and divination tools and offer tarot-card readings. I have to dress accordingly, knowing that I always work up a sweat assembling and breaking down the tent by myself.
I normally go for a breathable minidress in a dark color that'll help hide sweat marks or a simple crop top and shorts, which I shared with Vazzana.
Vazzana would replace this outfit with her own go-to summer ensemble.
Denim shorts can be too restricting and make Vazzana even hotter on blistering days.
Many people understand the struggle of increasingly hot summer days, including Vazzana.
"Instead of denim shorts — which, for me personally, can feel restricting and even make me more hot — I'd get a long flowy thin printed tank dress," the stylist said. "They are all I've been living in around the house this summer, and with a nice slide, it's the perfect casual summer outfit formula."
I wasn't in love with the new outfit and probably wouldn't wear it to work.
This outfit looks soft and sweet, but something about it didn’t feel right to me.
The particular tank silhouette was difficult for me to track down. Since I live in Hawaii, a lot of the dresses I found resembled a muʻumuʻu (a traditional Hawaiian dress that tends to be looser), which wasn't quite the look I was going for.
I had nearly admitted defeat but figured it wouldn't hurt to try thrifting at my favorite secondhand store. When I tried on this long, pink tulip-print dress, it was a flattering fit, and I liked the slit. I thought it was exactly what I needed.
After bringing it home, I started to feel buyer's remorse. I realized the outfit was kind of giving elementary-school-teacher vibes, especially once I added my mom's Vince Camuto slides.
I can't imagine ever choosing to wear this to work as a vendor, but I can definitely see myself wearing it around the house like Vazzana does with hers.
The fifth outfit was my favorite, before and after our transformation.
This is an outfit I’d wear on a first date.
After recently going on five first dates in one month, I put together plenty of date-night outfits. My absolute favorite was a beige body-con dress with a wide-brimmed hat and suede boots.
The silhouette makes me feel sexy, and always feel confident while rocking these accessories. But the neutral tones leave something to be desired.
Vazzana suggested I stick to the silhouette but find it in red or pink.
Vazzana wanted me to spice up the outfit with reds, pinks, and blues.
I felt validated when Vazzana agreed that she loved the shape of this dress and encouraged me to find something similar that would align with my style goals.
"Get the same silhouette dress in a red or pink," she said. "I always joke that red is a neutral, and it's the easiest way to start adding more color to your wardrobe."
She also suggested that if my heart was set on the tan dress, I could add bold accessories, like cobalt-blue shoes and a printed clutch. But since red is one of my favorite colors to wear, I jumped at the opportunity to incorporate more of it in my closet.
I found the perfect red dress, and I'd live in it if it wasn't so fancy.
This sexy red number is the perfect alternative to my tan body-con dress.
When I slipped into this sultry body-con dress, I knew it was meant to be mine because it fit like a glove.
The ruching fell in all the right places, which accentuated my curves, and the cowl neckline didn't hide my chest like the high neck on my tan dress.
The only unfortunate thing is that I'm a bit burnt out on dating, so I don't foresee any romantic evenings in my immediate future. But perhaps I'll take myself on a date, just so I can wear it.
The red dress also paired with my new clutch and sparkly sandals.
My favorite discovery was that my new, sparkly accessories also go with this red dress.
While taking photos for this story, I decided to try the multicolored clutch and sparkly sandals with this dress. It was a great match, and I may even like this outfit better than the version with my black accessories.
It's definitely a much fancier look, which may be a bit too upscale for my laid-back lifestyle on Maui. That said, it's ideal for attending a formal event or if I simply feel like standing out.
Overall, I felt like these wardrobe changes reflected my style goals.
I'm excited to cherish these new clothes and accessories after updating my go-to outfits.
Working with Vazzana on updating my go-to outfits certainly paid off, and I'm ecstatic about the majority of new pieces in my wardrobe.
Finding the exact same silhouettes for my date-night dress and braided sandals felt like the ultimate win. And I've already worn the multicolored clutch and sparkly shoe combination on a night out (with yet another dress) and received gushing compliments.
I also enjoyed the challenge of trying to find pieces that were secondhand or sustainably made, even if I wasn't 100% successful with that endeavor. The silver lining is that these new items I purchased are things I will cherish, and hopefully be able to wear for years to come.
