There has been so much interest in my blog series about styling outfits using four different formulas. In my first post, I laid out the four formulas you can use. I followed up with another post last week that dug deeper into trickier concepts, and despite the formula I named Road Map Styling being relatively easy to understand, I thought you might enjoy digger deeper into this one as well.

What is Road Map Styling?

I named this formula Road Map styling because with this formula you use the color combinations found in prints, patterns, and accessories to combine color combinations in your looks. Just like a road map can tell you how to get where you are going, these prints and patterns can act as guides on how to wear combinations you might not have considered on your own. Of the four formulas, this is the easiest one to work with because you have the equivalent of cheat sheets to follow.

Outfit Examples Using Road Map Styling

You can refer to my original post on this topic to see some actual client examples using this formula and for more, you can check out these outfits I put together with this formula in mind.

Road Map Styling Outfit #1

In this first outfit, I used the colors found in the dress to accessorize. When using Road Map Styling, it really is the wearer’s choice which colors they want to work with and it is not required that all colors in the print or pattern be used when completing your look. The ultimate goal is to achieve what is balanced for you.

In this dress above, I could have used the beautiful minty-teal ground color of this dress from Chelsea28 but instead chose to highlight the accent colors of the print. I styled the dress with a pair of camel pumps from Marc Fisher, a mustard bag from Marc Jacobs, and navy tassel earrings.

Road Map Styling Outfit #2

In this outfit, I am using the beautiful combination of colors in this necklace from J. Jill to create this look. I started with this sleeveless sweater and cardigan combination in a deep teal green by Eileen Fisher to capture the deeper teal shade of the necklace. If you notice, it isn’t an exact match to the necklace but a deeper tone. I added these tobacco pants from Everlane and burgundy flats from Vince. The outfit is completed with a bright teal handbag from Vince Camuto.

When working with Road Map Styling, all your colors don’t have to match perfectly to the print or pattern. Just like taking a road trip, sometimes a slight detour can be more fun.

Road Map Styling Outfit #3

The road map in this look is found in these pants by J. Crew. I used the ground color more as an accent shade when styling and added this playful burgundy necklace by Kate Spade. I styled the pants with a vanilla-colored short sleeve sweater and to capture that I gold shade, added these gold loafers from Etienne Aigner, and for the bone shade of the floral print, I styled the look with this taupe vegan handbag.

Road Map Styling Outfit #4

Combining olive and sky blue isn’t a combination that naturally comes to people. Olive is such a versatile neutral that be just as useful as black in many wardrobes. Using the print in this ALLSAINTS scarf, I styled these olive pants from Wit & Wisdom with a sky blue cashmere tunic sweater from Nordstrom. I finished the outfit with a pair of waterproof cognac boots from Blondo to pick up the shade in the scarf and an olive handbag from Rebecca Minkoff.

Outfit #5

In this last look, it is the print that is guiding the way. I styled this printed top from Ted Baker with a pair of burgundy pants from Judith & Charles and finished the outfit with a pair of teal loafers from Steve Madden, a grey handbag from ALLSAINTS, and a silver layered station necklace from Kendra Scott.

Enter Your Outfit to Win a $50 Gift Card

Don’t forget to enter your outfit using one of the four outfit styling formulas to win a $50 gift card. More information and how to enter can be found here.