If you want to put one statement piece at the centre, keep the rest of the outfit simple: plain colours, simple cuts and few accessories. The statement can be a colour, a collar, a stripe pattern or a special fabric. One clear accent is usually enough if you want to keep the outfit calm. This way you can combine the same striking piece in different ways. In this article you will see how that works in practice, with five kinds of statement pieces.
Why one piece is enough
If several elements stand out strongly at the same time, the outfit can become busy. One statement piece gives a clear visual accent. It does not have to be big, and it does not have to be expensive. What counts is that the rest behaves with restraint. Calm trousers, clean shoes and a simple bag let the statement do its work. Within a calm wardrobe, such a detail can stand out even more.
Five kinds of statement pieces
- A collar or silhouette. A blouse with a special collar, such as the Rosamund in white, a lavallière blouse made of 96% acetate and 4% elastane. The collar is the key detail here.
- A stripe or pattern. The Fiori in bordeaux striped, a T-shirt made of 79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide, brings pattern without you having to look for colour.
- A light stripe on a blouse. The Odette in light blue striped contains 50% bamboo, 47% polyester and 3% elastane, and gives an airy striped look.
- A colour. One top in bordeaux, light blue or pink under plain trousers is already a statement.
- A texture. A fine-knit polo or a wool piece gives depth to a plain outfit.
The building blocks around it
A calm bottom lets the statement stand out more clearly. Plain black trousers such as the Daphni in black (95% polyester and 5% elastane) let almost anything come into its own. For a softer look, the Daphni in cream fits. Alternate them, depending on the colour of the statement. As a plain base the Josephine in black fits: a polo made of 79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide that forms the background in a calm colour. For more tops, take a look at tops for women.
The rule of three colours
If you want to keep the outfit calm, limit the number of clear colours: the main colour, a second colour and the statement. Choose a neutral main colour, such as black, navy or grey. Add a second neutral colour, such as white or cream. The statement may then be a colour: bordeaux, light blue or pink. With a multi-colour stripe, you can keep the rest of the outfit simpler. If in doubt, first try one accessory or colour fewer.
Five outfits with one statement
| Statement | Bottom | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Rosamund in white (collar) | Daphni in black | One small necklace, black shoes |
| Fiori in bordeaux striped | Daphni in cream | No jewellery, white sneakers |
| Odette in light blue striped | Daphni in black | Small watch, loafers |
| Bordeaux top, plain | Black trousers | Silver earrings |
| Cream polo with texture | Brown trousers | Leather belt |
What if you have several beautiful pieces?
Then you choose one each day. Your wardrobe does not have to become bare because of it: put the other pieces away for a moment, and rotate them over the week. This way you can spread the striking pieces over different days. It also helps with packing for a trip: choose three statement pieces and five neutral basics, and you have a week of outfits without becoming busy. With few basic pieces you can still vary a lot.
Statement pieces in practice
A statement does not have to be the same every day. If you wear a collar on Monday, you choose a stripe on Wednesday and a colour on Friday. This way nobody sees that you are wearing the same trousers, and yet your wardrobe stays small. Ask yourself every morning: what stands out first? If there is one clear accent, the outfit stays clear.
A second tip: take photos of combinations that work well. This way you build up your own overview to choose from on mornings when you have little time.
For those trying it for the first time
Start small. Take a piece you like to wear and put it in a simple outfit. Wear it for a week and see how it feels. If the combination feels pleasant, you can use it more often. If you feel uncomfortable, the piece may be too striking, or you are wearing too much with it. It is not a competition. Above all, choose an amount of contrast in which you feel comfortable yourself.
Common mistakes
- Two stripes or prints together. Choose one and make the rest plain.
- A statement with too much jewellery. Jewellery competes with the piece you choose as the centrepiece.
- A colour without a resting point. Do not put a bordeaux top with brightly coloured trousers.
- A different statement every day without a base. First make sure you have good neutral pieces.
Where to begin
Begin with what you already have. Choose from your wardrobe the piece you find most striking yourself, and build an outfit around it with plain pieces. If you are missing a calm bottom, there is plenty to choose from in the trousers for women collection. If you want to add to your blouses, take a look at blouses for women. This way you build up, step by step, a wardrobe in which every piece has its place.
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, white
Fiori: T-shirt, bordeaux striped
Odette: blouse, light blue striped
Daphni: trousers, black
Daphni: trousers, cream
Josephine: polo, black
Frequently asked questions
What is a statement piece?
A garment that stands out through colour, pattern, cut or fabric and forms the centrepiece of your outfit. The rest of the outfit stays calm.
Can I combine two statement pieces?
You can, but the outfit becomes busy more quickly. If you want a calm result, choose one clear statement.
Which colours work as a calm base?
Black, navy, grey, white and cream are calm base colours that combine with many accents.
