Discover Sierra Rena’s bold approach to fashion and learn how to create confident, statement-making outfits.
There is no fashion icon like Sierra Rena. Sierra Rena is a New York-based wardrobe stylist and creative who has quickly made her mark across the fashion industry. Working across campaigns, editorials, performances and celebrity styling, Rena has collaborated with major names including SZA and Tyla, as well as brands such as Adidas, Nike and Givenchy.
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Making bold fashion choices creates her signature style, pairing unexpected patterns and silhouettes – she is a masterclass in individuality.
Since the rise of microtrends, curating an outfit that feels unique has become a tiresome and even daunting task. Experimenting with bold colours is stressful. Pairing mismatched patterns is anxiety-inducing, especially when you don’t know where to start. Don’t fret. We’re here to inspire you to dress as your authentic self.
Choose your Clothes Wisely
Firstly, picking pieces you can wear repeatedly is essential. Start with a few basic, high-quality items. This includes a quality pair of jeans, vest tops and a skirt you love. Make sure you’re focusing on the fabric used for these items. Look for cotton, wool or silk to invest in durable pieces.
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Look beyond the price tag; check the stitching, seams and buttons. These small details reveal how well the garment has been made. Consider the price per wear. The basics that formulate your favourite outfits offer better value.
Alongside this, statement pieces are an essential investment. Start small. Pick one bright coloured top that gives you the opportunity to wear it. Experiment with this item in different outfits and start to feel comfortable in how to style it. The goal isn’t to change your wardrobe overnight but to slowly curate a rail you can fall in love with.
Accessorise always. Any outfit can be elevated by the perfect bag. A plain or block coloured outfit, paired with an eye-catching bag, hat, scarf or shoes can create a whole new look with little to no effort. Investing in these statement accessories early on can be a game changer in finding your style.
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How Seirra does it. Choosing a basic black dress, an option that feels very comfortable for a lot of us. She elevates the outfit using a patterned hat and bag. Seirra keeps the colour scheme in black and white, but the contrast of plain black to a patterned black makes the outfit eye-catching.
Don’t be Afraid of your Wardrobe
It’s likely your wardrobe is already full of hidden gems. Most of us just aren’t aware of how to style them. Start by finding a top or skirt you love but never seem to wear. Look at the colours. The easiest way to pair it with another piece is to find a combined colour.
Similarly, try pairing a large, dramatic print with a smaller, delicate pattern. Contrasting pattern scales create contrast without fighting for attention. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns; that’s what makes the outfit interesting.
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How Seirra does it. In this outfit, she keeps the colour scheme similar, mixing different patterns. Her coat has a muted striped pattern which she paired with leopard print. The different patterns work well as the colours complement each other whilst creating a visually interesting contrast.
A Little bit of Colour Theory.
Complementary colours – bold contrast. These are colours that sit opposite each other on the colour wheel. Blue and orange. Purple and yellow. Red and green. When creating a statement look, this is the place to start. The strong contrast of the colours helps to create high-impact outfits.
Analogous colours – effortless and cohesive. These are colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel. Pink and red. Blue and green. Orange and Yellow. They create an outfit that feels harmonic, naturally blending the colours.
Monochromatic – same colour, different shades. This means wearing different shades or tints of the same colour. Navy blue and royal blue. Biege and caramel. This helps curate a polished look as there is a clear colour story running through.
Triadic – colourful and playful. This means using three colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel. Red, yellow and blue. An energetic combination is created using these colours. One colour could be complemented by different coloured accessories or shoes.
Additionally, don’t forget to incorporate neutrals. A black top paired with an orange blazer will make the colour pop.
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How Sierra does it. Pairing a halter neck blue top with an orange skirt, she utilises complementary colours to create a bold contrast in her outfit that looks effortlessly put together. Check out her Instagram for a masterclass in colour theory. She uses it to create most of her outfit, always showing up put together in her unique style.
The Art of Pattern Clashing
Picking a statement pattern piece becomes a lot easier when you understand what you like and how to use colour theory to pair it. The range of patterns is infinite. Start by analysing different outfits and understanding the patterns your eye is drawn to. Buy that statement piece in your chosen pattern.
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Each pattern will have a different colour scheme to utilise. Zebra print is black and white, so adding pops of colour is perfect. Florals are often quite bright, so match one colour of the piece to a different item you have. Check out the colour theory to figure out your best colours to pair.
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How Sierra does it. In this outfit, she pairs a patterned skirt with a black blouse. She matches one of the colours of the skirt with a pop of colour on the shirt, and it just works. It makes the outfit feel connected, an easy tip you can follow to add in more patterns.
Layer by Layer
Layering is an easy way to make an outfit feel more expressive. It gives you the chance to experiment with different textures, silhouettes and patterns, which makes a simple outfit feel more interesting.
Start with a base. A simple foundation such as a plain top, skirt or dress gives you a great start to work with.
Play with proportions. Combining a fitted shirt with an oversized blazer creates dimensions in the outfit. Play around and highlight your body shape using these contrasting proportions.
Mix textures. They make an outfit feel more intentional. Our best combinations are leather with lace, cotton with suede and denim with knitwear.
Finally, focus on small details. Let collars, sleeves and cuffs peek through, making an outfit look deliberately styled.
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How Sierra does it. Combining four colours, she matched lace with a sheer green dress. Playing with proportions, she pairs together the figure-hugging outfit with an oversized fluffy coat. Overall, she gives every piece a purpose to create an outfit entirely her own.
The Final Look
Furthermore, Sierra Rena’s approach to fashion reminds us that personal style doesn’t come from following a trend; it’s about choosing our clothes carefully and remaining true to ourselves. She encourages us to make bold choices. With clashing patterns and unexpected colour choices, her style proves that the most memorable outfits are created when we have a little fun stepping outside of the everyday.
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Picking clothes wisely doesn’t mean playing it safe. It means finding an outfit that embodies who we are on the inside. Fashion should be fun.
What’s your favourite patten to wear? Comment below.
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