T is for Texture

Next to color, pattern and shine, texture is an essential element of an interesting outfit. You can have all the color you want in an outfit, but if you don’t have texture it becomes boring. You can have patterns but if the fabrics are the same or near the same, the outfit can become boring. Shine lacks luster when there is no texture.
The mixing of textures can elevate an outfit. Texture can be everything from the fabric type itself to the added bits of embellishments on a blouse, skirt, scarf, or shoe.
Just a few include:
Brocade: A heavy fabric with a raised pattern and often comes with a subtle sheen. Brocade is a popular fabric for formal wear such as evening gowns and bolero jackets.

Fur: an unmistakable symbol of luxury. It elevates any evening wear and as a vest elevates your casual attire. However, contrary to what many stylists and fashionistas may say, the acquisition of the fur, even hide for leather and suede, harms animals. Always buy faux. Buy faux fur, faux suede and faux leather. You will still have the same great chic and luxurious look.

Tweed: A heavy weight fabric that is woven together from several colors of yarn. The most common being black, white, and gray. But, tweed can come in all sorts of colors. Tweed is sturdy, so sturdy that it won’t absorb moisture on those damp winter days.

Silk: a natural protein fabric. Silk can be woven into several different textiles. When processed produces a soft, breezy, elegant fabric used in dresses and blouses.

Sequins: disk shaped beads often in gold or silver, but can come in every color under the sun. Sequins are often used as added decoration on blouses, dresses, and occasionally denim. But, sequins can also be worn in an all over blouse, skirt, or shoe.

Wool: An incredibly soft and toasty fabric that is surprisingly breathable. This is perfect for layering on those cold winter days.

Suede: Made from the underside of a hide. Suede is a bit more raw than smooth leather, like patent leather. However, it has a softer nap that makes it feel oh so soft.

Velvet: Made from tufted threads that are cut. This process creates a soft dense pile. Provides the wearer with a regal sense of elegance. Commonly found in deep colors of red, teal, black and purple. Very popular in shoes, jackets, skirts and dresses. Embellishments of velvet can also be found on many blouses.

Leather: Patent leather is shiny and glossy. On belt or pair of shoes can elevate your everyday work wear. As a jacket or a skirt can elevate you to classy, ladylike, and super chic.

Corduroy: Was once called the velvet of the poor. Now it is popular in the wardrobes of the rich and famous to your own wardrobe. Corduroy gets its velvety texture from ridges or “wales” the thinner the wales the softer the fabric will be. Corduroy pairs well with prints and is perfect for laid back weekend and work vibes.

Lace: A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open web like pattern. Lace can be very dating but when done in a modern way, like with denim and a great pair of shoes.

Chiffon: A super thin, sheer, and floaty fabric. Chiffon creates angelic like dresses and blouses. When paired with leather its fabulous for a party or a date.

Cotton, Linen, and Denim are also textures, but are so common to our daily wardrobes that I left them out. We are trying to elevate our outfits after all.

Corduroy and leather is casual, but sophisticated and incredibly feminine.

Leather and silk is tough but feminine. An absolutely darling look for work.

Suede and knitwear is semi casual but totally work appropriate. When paired with an oversized sweater is adorably casual.

Wool and Knitwear is sleek, smart, and chic.

Denim and chiffon is casual, the perfect combination for casual Friday at work.

Denim and sequins are casual but party worthy.

For the fall and winter season, I love the textural combinations found with suede, leather, and corduroy.
Suede & chiffon, Leather & knitwear, Corduroy &Knitwear. Easy, interesting, and comfortable.

Suede and Chiffon is feminine and chic. A tie neck blouse makes it the perfect work outfit.

Leather and Knitwear is tough, feminine, and- as the British call it- smart casual.

Corduroy and Knitwear is super casual, but not as frumpy as you might think, especially when done in modern cuts.