Denim brings a certain masculine vibe with it, as well as that unmistakably casual appeal.

So it makes perfect sense that when you're styling denim, you can create a little friction by bringing in something more feminine.

Think crochet, lace, pretty details , or even choosing a denim piece that has already done some of the work for you, like a gorgeous denim skirt.

 

But then… You can REALLY double down.

Because what if the crochet and lace were actually made from denim?  Yep.

You get the masculine, casual feel of denim AND the softness and femininity of crochet or lace, all wrapped up in one piece.
 

The balance has basically been created for you.

No complicated styling formula. No standing in front of your wardrobe wondering what on earth to put with it.

No extra effort required on your behalf.

Other than being brave enough to give it a go.And resilient enough to accept a few:

“OOOOHs…” and perhaps even a couple of “ARRRRRs…...

The Formula for Fabulous Wrist Decoration

The secret to creating the perfect combination of wrist accessories is friction.

Rather than having every piece look the same, give each one its own point of difference, through design, colour, texture or even mixed metals.

Think:

• Solid designs + open-weave or delicate designs
• Straight lines + curves
• Chunky + fine
• Smooth + textured
• Different metals working together

Sometimes one fabulous piece is all you need. Other times, three or five pieces create that beautiful, collected look.

The key is that they shouldn’t all match.

They should have enough in common to belong together, and enough friction to make it interesting.

The formula for print clashing has three tiers, and the first is by far the easiest place to start.
 

Tier One: Find the Common Thread
 

The simplest way to mix two prints is to choose prints that share the same print formation, for example, stripes with stripes.


 

The secret is scale.
 

Make one print large in scale, and the other medium or small. This creates enough difference between the two prints for them to work together, rather than compete for attention.
 

Think: same language, different volume.
 

That’s what makes the clash feel intentional rather than chaotic.


Tier 2: Find the Colour Connection
 

The second tier is a little more adventurous.

Here, the prints have one or two colours in common, but the actual print formations are completely different. They are in friction with each other.

Think stripes with florals, sharp angles with soft curves, or checks with organic shapes.



 

Tier 3: Let Colour Theory Do the Work
 

As we get ready to break out our toes, it's time to warm up and practise your Boss Friction Formula.
 

Let's take a look at the stylish friction happening in the outfits below.
 

You'll see camo Bermuda shorts (those knee-length shorts that finish around the knee) paired with striped polo tops, and camo shorts and pants teamed with graphic tees.

At first glance, these pieces might seem like they're competing with each other but look closely at what's been added to create that beautiful balance between masculine and feminine...
 

• Necklaces
• Earrings
• Handbags
   

These little feminine details completely change the conversation.
 

Then we have blazers with denim Bermuda shorts (or jorts, as they're now being called), heeled thongs, oversized sunnies (red is a huge trend right now!) and cute handbags.
 

Here's the thing... Nothing matches.
 

And that's exactly why it works.
 

There are contrasts everywhere.
 

Relaxed with polished. Masculine with feminine. Stru...

Why Jeans LOVE Pretty Things
 

I want you to stop thinking of your jeans as casual clothes.

Because jeans can be so much more than that.

One of my favourite ways to make denim feel fresh, feminine and interesting is to pair it with something pretty.

Think the colour pink, soft fabrics, beautiful prints, a delicate blouse, a feminine shoe, a gorgeous necklace, a top with a little bit of sparkle or sequins, something floaty, romantic, or suited to a fancy dinner.

Why does it work so beautifully?

Because Contrast creates interest, and Friction equals Style.

The relaxed, uncomplicated nature of denim gives you the perfect foundation for something softer or more refined.

The jeans stop the pretty piece from feeling too precious and the pretty piece stops the jeans from feeling too casual.

It's that delicious little push and pull between casual and sophisticatedthat makes the outfit feel modern.

Don't be afraid to mix your worlds.





You could wear your favourite jean...

Now, let’s dive into Necklace Know-How 
 

Finding a top where the neckline is both the perfect shape for your face shape and lands at your ideal face length (like the white V-neck in the first photo) is rare, but when you do, it’s a dream come true. 

In these cases, you don’t need to do anything to balance or correct the neckline.

You’re free to accessorise still with a ribcage-length necklace or earrings but just remember earrings should not fall longer than your face length (no lower than your chin).
 

Now, if your top has a neckline that sits higher toward your chin (second photo), it can create a visual disconnect between your head and body. To fix this, you’ll need to “cut out” the neckline, think of it like cutting a slice of pie from your top.

This is where necklaces come in. The necklace doesn’t have to be a bold statement piece (though, Vibrant colour types, you can go all out as that’s your style).

Even a subtle piece can make a huge difference in b...

Hold up, what does Nat mean when she talks about something being mascara (a slight visual highlight) rather than being a full dominant print that shouldn't be matched, only enhanced by a colour or used as a fabulous print clash?
 

Let's begin looking at the example below. These ivory pants have a double black line (dominant) and a middle white stripe (mascara).

How can you tell the difference? 

The black T-shirt looks as though you are trying to match the dominant stripe with your tee = old-fashioned. 

And it falls flat.

Whereas the white T-shirt looks fresh and appears to be non-repeating to the white mascara middle stripe, like you aren't trying to match = so stylish.

The outfit feels fresher, lighter, and much more modern.

 

          


Then there are the no-shadow-of-a-doubt strong print items that want a direct print clash in black-and-white print as well, but at a different scale.

The first image below has the jacket and pants in a small scale print with the long sleev...

Thanks for still being here and hanging out with me!

I know you have an inkling or even a pretty firm idea of which colour type in my Boss System you think suits you. 

And that's why I feel confident that this will resonate with you. 

 Knowing your best colours is only half the story. Learning how to combine them is everything.

That's when your wardrobe stops being a collection of clothes and becomes a tool that helps you communicate who you are before you've even said a word.

Colour isn't just about what suits us. It's also about what it communicates.

Before we've even opened our mouths, people have already formed impressions based on what we're wearing.

Colour is one of the very first things the brain processes, and while everyone experiences and sees colour a little differently, the undertone in any form will influence mood, attention, and first impressions.

That's why I get so excited about colour pairings. They don't just create a beautiful outfit. They create a feeling....

One of my favourite styling formulas is pairing a printed top with suiting

Because it creates the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.

A blazer or tailored trouser naturally brings structure, polish, and sophistication to an outfit.

By adding a print underneath, you soften that structure and inject personality, making the overall look feel approachable rather than corporate.

It's the perfect combination of casual and sophisticated.


           

Prints also act as a visual focal point. They naturally draw the eye upwards towards your face, adding interest and helping the outfit feel intentional without needing lots of accessories.

If you're someone who loves wearing blazers but sometimes feels they look a little too serious, a printed blouse, hoodie or knit is the easiest way to bring warmth and life to your outfit.


          

I also recommend choosing a print that doesn't include a colour that you wear in your shoes most often.

This allows your blazer, trousers, shoes,...