My cousin told me I dress like a filing cabinet

Last weekend at a family cookout, my cousin Jenna looked at my outfit and said I dress like a filing cabinet. I was wearing a plain gray polo with black jeans and brown boots. She said I have zero texture or layering in anything I wear. It hit different because she showed me a photo of her friend who had on a denim jacket over a linen button up with some kind of chunky necklace. Now I'm wondering how to add visual interest without looking like I'm trying too hard. Has anyone here figured out how to break out of a totally flat outfit style?

2 comments

2 Comments

burns.fiona1mo agoMost Upvoted

Nah filing cabinets got clean lines and FUNCTION. Lean into it.

the_jordan1mo ago

Man that "zero texture or layering" comment would sting but she ain't wrong about the outfit comparison. I was in the same boat last year wearing solid colored polos and plain jeans every day. What honestly helped me was just adding one thing at a time. I started with a simple unbuttoned flannel over a t shirt, keeps the same vibe but gives you that layered look without feeling costume-y. Then I swapped my belt for one with a slightly chunkier buckle and got a plain leather watch band. Little stuff like that breaks up the flat look without going full fashion influencer. Your cousin's friend's outfit sounds dope but start small with one layer and one accessory and you'll see what works for you without looking like you're trying too hard.