Style Session: Column Dressing
What the heck is column dressing??
It’s a super-easy formulaic method of putting together outfits. I’d bet you’ve already done it and just didn’t know it had a name.
Step One: Put together a top and bottom in matching colors. Black top, black bottom, White top, white bottom. Grey top, grey bottom. Cream top, cream bottom. You get the picture. Top can be a tee, blouse, knit, turtleneck, blouse, tunic, cami, whatever. Bottoms are jeans, trousers, leggings, skirts, etc., (not sure what the “etc” would be but that list just seems too short).
Step Two: Put almost anything over the top! You’re getting the benefit of the “third piece,” but only having to pair up two things (your column color, and the thing on top).
Outfit One: Colorful kimono over black column. Could that BE any easier??
Outfit Two: Cardigan over black column. I think Every Single Cardigan in my closet would look good over the black column. Most would look good over a white column.
I would break up the color blocking of this outfit with something like a pendant necklace or scarf. And I would probably wear shoes.
Outfit Three: Chambray goes with everything.
What could be easier than that? Well, maybe just wearing the column (as lazy me did just yesterday), but…I’m a style blogger, I have to try and encourage at least a little effort!
If you want to see it all in action (bam pow boom) it’s in a 5-minute video here.
Have you used column dressing to create outfits??
eva @ StyleMyThrift
this is great! i have never heard of column dressing…remarkably simple–will try this week for sure when i need something quick and don’t want to think too hard, this is a great way to put something together stylish!
xo Eva
bettyewp
You could whip up SO MANY THINGS to go over a simple column base!
jodie filogomo
I’m not sure I knew the name for this for the longest time. And it is easy peasy.
OXOX
Jodie
bettyewp
And *I* thought *I* had coined the term back in 2018 when I first did a video about it. I’M SO CLEVER. Ha ha, only to discover, that no, this was not my discovery. Or name 🙂
But it IS easy-peasy.
Wendy Reynolds
You are so cute! Imagine my little sister making “films.” Better call Ted….
bettyewp
Ha, yeah, please don’t 🙂
Karen
YeS! Column dressing! My favorite “go to”. Endless variations on top, straight up and down YOU underneath. You look great! xo karen
Ashley
I totally didn’t know there was a proper name for this- and now I do! 🙂 I’m a big fan of this styling trick because it’s so EASY!
Love all three outfits you featured here- classic, fun, and go-anywhere!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Fran
Ive never heard of column dressing either but it makes things very simple!
Thanks for the tip!
bettyewp
You’re welcome!
Iris
This is great – and no, I hadn’t ever thought about it, not that I necessarily have tops and pants the same color – well, except white. But, I love the idea.
Grace & Peace,Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
Shelbee on the Edge
Ooh, I love column dressing! It really lets a statement piece be a statement piece. Like that amazing kimono! Gah. I adore it. It is also so super easy to create stylish outfits this way. Great post!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com