Style Equity
how strategy leads to smart investments
Marrying a guy in finance means I now know wayyy too much about things like “EBITDA” and “LBO’s”. At first it kinda went in one ear and out the other… I couldn’t help it! I work in an atelier and majored in communications (Roll Tide). He talks numbers, I talk fabric. He looks at companies, I look at closets.
But this weekend marks 12 months married and I think we’ve started crossing wires. Now when I overhear him talking ROI on a call, I just think about my black blazer that’s been paying dividends since 2017. Risk v return? My leopard coat is proof that sometimes… you take the risk. Capital allocation? That’s just deciding what actually earns hanger space.
To me, the overlap’s simple - deals close with strategy, outfits do too. My strategies just go by names like anchor pieces, bookending, tonal dressing, etc. So, let me walk you through my “deck”…
Strategy #1:
Anchor Piece → Start with one bold, statement piece and keep everything else paired back to let it lead.
Leopard Coat - the anchor and focal point. It makes the outfit.
Zebra Jacket - option #2, tried on last week and almost took home - fun, graphic, just as strong.
White Tee - balances the print, keeps it chic (not costume).
I cheated on my COS clean-cut with this one and it’s a new top contender in my tee roundup.
Denim - keeps it casual.
Linked a few other favorite pairs of the week.
Boots - minimal and sharp, pulling out the black from the coat.
Earrings - this Massimo Dutti pair has my attention. Bottega-inspired, but the brushed gold feels even better here.
Strategy #2:
Bookending → Repeat a color in details at the top and bottom to balance the outfit. i.e., shoes to any accessory - Allison Bornstein deep dives into this one.
Avoid “sandwiching” (top matching shoes), feels too literal/blocky. Here, the eye moves - even if you’re in a black top, the earrings still bring it higher up the body.
Brown Draped Top - draped silhouette with beautiful neckline, the black in the boot and earring allows room to play with color on top.
Elastic-Waist Loose Pant - will continue to re-link.
Collared Shirt - clean & crisp + a chic sleeve.
Denim - casual with light structure, super comfortable.
Croc Boots - I am really on a croc kick, adds interest to any look.
Leopard Earrings & Drop Earrings - the bookending piece. Subtly connecting a high point to bottom.
Strategy #3:
Rule of Thirds → More about proportions than fractions. Outfits look more effortless in thirds; halves can visually cut the body off. You see it in length - i.e., this house coat keeps the line long. Or in a color story - i.e., the boots bring in a third shade so the look feels dimensional.
Coat - gives the look vertical balance, pulling the green down the body. Important for the color to stay cohesive here.
Sweater - the crossover neckline is a small but elevated detail.
Pant - brightens the look, especially for daytime.
Suede Boots - where the third shade comes in. It’s just enough contrast to add depth without throwing the outfit off.
Earrings - gold echoes the ivory by pulling brightness up to the face.
Strategy #4:
Tonal Coordination → Not rocket science just dressing in one color family, but playing with different shades/textures. Creating a variation that gives the outfit depth.
Turtleneck - perfect warm base for a tonal look.
Tweed Pant - so into these… best example on adding depth & coordinating color.
Boots - carries the tone through + overlaps with bookending
House Coat - nothing more polished. The ivory lifts without breaking tone.
Tote - the true carry-all. Adds the other half of the bookending with the boots while still blending into the palette.
Strategy #5:
Pattern Play → Mixing prints is a hard one but works best when the palette connects. Then you can play with scale. Balance keeps it styled instead of chaotic.
Printed Trousers - playful yet refined, the lead print.
“Inspired by” options to save.
Turtleneck - Neutral piece to balance the look.
Boots - pulling color from trouser + the most comfortable heel.
Woven Belt - the 2nd print, smaller scale, color keeps it cohesive.
Alt. Top Option - a quick swap that takes the look straight into night.
Strategy #6:
One-and-Done Dressing → A matching set is the easiest styling strategy. Just be careful not to over-style.
These pieces are from Pepa Pombo - a “new to me” Colombian brand reinventing knitwear in the most beautiful way. Excited to try it.
Print Knit Top + Pant Set - statement print, fun silhouette.
Short Boots - tonal coordination, love a burgundy so linked a few pairs.
Knit Skirt - with this top. I can’t wait to wear this skirt.
Or pair with this sleeveless black turtleneck if you wanted to show a bit more.
Knee-High Boots - love styling a skirt with a high boot. It feels so sassy (in the best way).
Strategy #7:
Monochromatic Dressing → Ending on another easy note, the most accessible way to look instantly elevated. The trick is variation - mixing textures, finishes, and proportions keeps the look dynamic.
Textured Coat - adds movement, also how fun?!
Mini - saw this all over NYFW in leather, I like the satin-crepe more.
Heels - feminine, sculptural.
Clutch - saved up for this one… will absolutely be my new go to.
Gold Earrings - always the sharpest pairing with black in my opinion.
Rosette Gown - a flattering drape with subtle detail. Also comes in white…
Fine-Knit Top - practical, keeps the look sharp.
Draped Skirt - speechless honestly, adding to my wishlist.
And on the topic of draped skirts - saw this MK gold skirt go down the runway and am drooling over it…
Heels - Love them so much, linking twice - repeats the sculptural detail here.
Clutch - the gold clasps is a nice touch.
Earrings - this pair ended my month-long hunt for black statement earrings.
Black Blazer - stand collar, single-breasted, wiggle room but not too much… all elevating elements.
Or this raw edge layered blazer that gives structure in a fresh way.
Black Denim - structured straight-leg, a silhouette everyone needs on hand.
Black Ankle Boots - great heel, the patent adding another layer to the look.
Zebra Sequin Clutch - 2 in 1 with texture and print, a fun, playful detail.
Gold Hoops - clean and classic.
Some days I nail it on the first try, some days the floor’s a mess. But I like to lean on these strategies to make sure whatever I buy is worth the investment. He works his deals and I work my dressing room! I love how we can meet in the middle ;)
Xx,
LVR
Laura, you knocked this one out of the park!🩷