Today I’m excited about the Design Principle REPETITION. The reason is that I’ve found a great combination that demonstrates how the ‘whole is greater than the sum of the parts’.

Take a look at these Cos earrings (shown front, back and side)

And imagine wearing them with this Marks and Spencer coat:

They are nice earrings (Cos sells minimalist jewellery with great impact), and the coat is nice too… but when you put them together you’ll look like a really well-designed package!

It’s about creating a rhythm to your appearance: evidence of a sophisticated intelligence at play.

So, if you have a garment with an original design detail, try to combine this with other elements that repeat or reference that detail. In this case the close proximity of the two parts (by which I mean that your ears are near your neck!) and the distinct roles/provenance of the parts, reinforces the visual game you are playing.

Careless abandon can be a great look if executed with flair, but using Design Principles to style your wardrobe is generally the best strategy if you are a bit older. A young woman who is too prescriptively dressed can appear a bit staid, whereas for you and me this approach to assembling outfits results in a look that is really together and impressive – the sophisticated woman raised up to her full height!

A caveat: it is really important not to start adding in other bits of jewellery. The clear pattern of repetition will be diluted by the introduction of other items not in the same vein. Keep it simple; keep the focus is on our ‘trick’.