Have you ever seen those people at the club hidden away in sweats and hoodies? Maybe you see them and think, “Are they famous?” Or, “They look so cool.” Or maybe you’re thinking, “They look so f*cking stupid.” And what about those people you see at the most random places in public, dressed up like they’re going to a red carpet event — aren’t you immediately curious about who they are and where they’re going? Maybe, but either way, they got your attention. This is a juxtaposition: the art of contrast, the beauty of being different.
Opposites Attract, Right?
Why is there something so enticing about dressing completely contradictory to your surroundings? The feeling of standing out, looking and feeling different from everyone else around you and being the center of attention. It can make you feel special, like you’re the main character, and who doesn’t want to be the star in their own life? Juxtaposition comes in many forms, big or small. At the core, it’s all about being unique and showcasing yourself in a different light than everybody else. It’s also a quick and easy way to take your simple closet to the next level.
Masculine and Feminine
Androgyny is one of the easiest and coolest ways to elevate your style. Mixing together traditionally feminine elements with traditionally masculine elements creates a contrast that never fails to capture attention. This could mean throwing on a super girly dress and pairing it with sneakers or work boots and an oversized rugged jacket. This could also be matching a simple pair of jeans and a tee with extravagant pearls or earrings. Contrasting tight-fitting items with loose, oversized items is also a good way to explore gender norms in fashion.
Classy Meets Edgy
A classic story and a match made in heaven, combining innocence and purity with grungy and edgy darkness. Think good girl meets bad boy. A frilly, white dress with a leather jacket thrown on with ripped tights and tall boots is an easy way to showcase your inner angel and devil.
Clashing Colors
Sometimes two colors are so different that you would never think to pair them together. However, sometimes those insane opposites are more complementary than you might think. Play around with pink and green, blue and yellow, orange and pink, red and pink, or the same color in different tones and shades for a fun, unique, and guaranteed head-turning outfit.
Casual Slay
Sometimes curating the perfect “I just threw this on” outfit requires a lot of effort to look like there was no effort at all. But once you achieve that “I don’t care” style, it brings a certain casual coolness to you. While everyone else is dressed up and trying their hardest, you’re just effortlessly put together. So next time you’re going out to the bars, dinner or a party, throw on a simple outfit with some sick sneakers and sunnies and channel your inner local celeb.
Popping Off in Public
Is it The Met or the Metro? You never know who you’re going to see in public. So why not always dress like you’re about to meet the love of your life? Dressing to impress is the norm in New York City, and we think it’s time to bring this fashion culture to Miami. Spice up your life by throwing on full glam to run to the gas station — make the world your runway.
words_kelly bramson. photo_nina d’agostini. design_marita gavioti.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2023 print issue.
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