Style Class Cheat Sheet: S6 EP17 "The Closet Cleanse”
Every piece shown on style class, found here.
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If you haven’t watched the episode yet, you can catch it here. If you already have, check out a detailed breakdown of all the looks from Style Class below.
It’s a closet cleanse. Answering the question “should I wear it” rather than “how can I wear it.” Why? Because objectively speaking, we can make any outfit cute/interesting/even fabulous. But if it doesn’t speak to who you are, if it doesn’t work in your closet, then there’s a good shot it no longer belongs. If it ever did. Now, there are many things we keep for nostalgia - and that’s more than ok. It’s human. But the other things? When you watch and apply, you’ll probably have a grouping that you’ll want to offer up to a friend, a relative or TRR. OK?
The trusty framework of Chill, Modern, and Classic (plus a few well-employed Antonyms) proves to be the key to refreshing your favorite pieces from the past and make them feel new again. The ultimate “will I wear it test” is answered when you put it up next to a WOF? Watch the episode, you’ll see what we mean.
We recommend you pull out those WOFS and use them as a LITMUS test for your keepers. Promise, this will work, every time.
Amy and Sarah dig into the Tibi archives, in Amy’s backyard no less. They’re discussing specific older pieces many of you have sent in asking, “Is this still in? How can I wear this now and still feel modern?” They also walk down nostalgia lane showing Amy’s first pieces designed for the collection, Traci’s first runway show and more. We’ve broken down all the items here—past with present WOFS to make the most of your wardrobe.
The CP Book’s Principles come in to play here helping you make good stying choices, we’ve identified which to help you along the way.
The Principle: B-IGS - Brights like a metallic function best in materials that are icky, glossy or sculptural. The silver metal metallic pant was all three. It’s a keeper - not dial it down with your favorite WOFS.
The CP Principle: P-IGS - Prints work best in Icky, Glossy or Sculptural shapes. This print was on a rich dense silk wool with a horsehair trimming on inside hem. The full sculpted shape gave it gravitas. If this was on a lovely soft chiffon skirt, the effect would have lacked modernity. It’s why this is a forever piece.
Amy admitted that the styling she did for the Fall 2011 runway show was regretful - too thematic and missing the vibe of everyday life. Ironically, it was in the hands of Leandra Medine, just a burgeoning writer/entrepreneur at the time, who gave it the creative interest and chill it deserved:
We’d wear this still today. Decidedly chill, modern and classic.
The CP Principle: CMC - yes the dress is a feminine chiffon but the back is entirely cut out, and the rose petals are actually pieces of suede. It’s effortless, relevant and classic - in other words, CMC.
The CP Principle: B-IGS - brights in an icky, glossy or sculptural fabric are best. This ruched nylon suit gives all the ick - the good friction to pair back with any classic fabrics. It turns up the interest immediately. Or ick, if you will.
The CP Principle - Irony. The skirts fringe is actually long red shoe laces. The unexpected gives interest, always. This is a keeper forever - there was never a trend for “shoelaces as fringe” it was just, and continues to be, incredibly interesting.
The CP Principle: Big/Slim/Skin - this jean is the perfect big to any look. It’s a tool in your closet, never to go out of style.
The CP Principle: Friction. The acid wash gives a good itch to any outfit that feels a little flat. Dials it up in the strangeness, adds texture, gives dimension. See?
The CP Principle: finding the balance. The strong pleating, the modern hemline sculpted with horsehair, a rich navy, and in a fabrication that was more robust than chiffon and way less delicate than silk de chine. Timeless.
Happy navigating your closet.
Please keep doing these closet reworks. The ideas are popping! The looks become fabulous and fresh from my existing stuff.
The idea of comparing all against a WOF is VERY helpful to me. Like usual, Amy comes up with a simple solution to a complex problem (how do I truly decide if I would ever wear this?).
For me, ease in my clothing equals to confidence and calmness in my demeanor. This fashion information from Amy has changed my life.
I love reading your Substack as well as watching your style classes on Instagram. I’m a regular customer and am wondering what you’d think about giving your regular shoppers/loyal followers free subscription to Substack?