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).

Please forgive my hairy, hairy shirt!

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??