How to mix textures in your outfits: a guide to adding depth and interest

Mixing textures in your outfit is a fantastic way to create depth, interest, and dimension, especially if you are working with neutral or monochromatic color schemes. By combining different materials and finishes, you can elevate even the simplest of looks, adding sophistication and creating an intentional outfit. Below, you’ll find how to master texture mixing in your wardrobe for stylish, well-balanced outfits. Let’s dive into how to mix textures.

Carmen @carmen_gimeno above combines the ‘rough’ texture of sequins along with soft wool.

Get her look with this similar dress, jacket, tights, sneakers, handbag and sunglasses.

Why mix textures in your outfits

Thinking not just about the shapes and colors in your outfit, but also the textures can really take your look to the next level. You can balance formal and casual, add the right seasonality, enhance visual interest and express your style personality.

What textures look good together?

There’s no right or wrong answer here. There are so many combinations you could create. Generally, you’re looking for contrast – so chunky and sleek, soft and rough, matt and shiny, fluffy and smooth… think about combining opposites.

Textures to choose

Let’s look at some of the textures you could choose, and then how to mix textures to create your outfits.

Leather and suede

Choose high-quality leather for a buttery, soft feel. Leather will give you a ‘tougher’, sleeker look, while suede has a warm, brushed, more tactile finish that is ideal for bohemian style personalities and the fall season.

Rails Nevina Faux Leather Jacket – BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket – AllSaints Saige Foil Leather Pants – 7 For All Mankind Leather Skirt

Cashmere and knits

Soft and cuddly, wool and cashmere keep you cozy while also giving an external feeling of warmth and visual weight. Cashmere is more polished and feels silky, giving an elegant, high-end feel.

Nordstrom Crewneck Cashmere Sweater – Nordstrom Cashmere Drop Shoulder Cardigan – Lauren Ralph Lauren Longline Wool Blend Wrap Coat – Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf

Faux Fur and shearling

Faux fur can keep you warm and add additional glamour to your outfit. Choose coats with faux fur or faux fur trim, or add elements to your accessories. Faux fur tends to have a more glamorous feel, while shearling is more casual.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Fur Coat – ZLYC Open Front Faux Fur Trim Poncho – Dolce Vita Hug Boots – UGG® Faux Fur Pompom Cable Knit Beanie

Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above (read her style interview here) opts for a teddy style coat with her denim jacket.

Check out this similar sweater, denim jacket, fur coat, pants, sneakers and bag.

Silk or satin

Add silk or satin for a luxurious feel. Silk is a natural material with a naturally smooth texture and a slight sheen on both sides, while satin is glossier on one side and slicker to the touch.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Satin Charmeuse Shirt – St. John Collection Liquid Satin Tank – Treasure & Bond Bias Cut Satin Midi Skirt – Elizabetta Vicenza Wool & Silk Scarf

Velvet

Velvet has a luxurious feel that is perfect for parties. Thanks to the raised pile, it is plush and soft and has a three-dimensional quality.

AllSaints Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Velvet Top – Lauren Ralph Lauren Stretch Velour Blazer – PAIGE Anessa High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Velvet Pants – Cole Haan Yara Soft Ballet Flats

Denim

You may not think of denim as a texture, as it features in many outfits, but it adds a casual flair to any outfit. Because of the thickness of the yarn, it has a slightly coarse texture, but the more you wash it, the softer your denim tends to get.

Good American Committed To Fit Denim – HIDDEN JEANS Oversize Western Denim Shirt – PAIGE Anessa Raw Hem Wide Leg Crop Jeans – 1822 Denim Front Slit Denim Maxi Skirt

corduroy

Corduroy is defined by its ‘wales’ – the raised cords running along its surface. It has a durable, substantial feel that is perfect for cooler weather.

Eileen Fisher Classic Collar Corduroy Jacket – Frank & Eileen Rory Long Sleeve Cotton Corduroy Shirtdress – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Patch Pocket Wide Leg Corduroy Pants – FRAME The Corduroy Front Slit Skirt

How to combine your textures

Now that you’ve considered what textures you might like to wear, let’s consider how to combine them.

1. Start with your base texture

As with any base layer, your foundational texture should be made of a straightforward, versatile fabric, like cotton, wool, or denim. This will serve as a starting point and allow you to add additional textures to your outfit without overwhelming the look.

2. Or begin with the star of your outfit

Another way to start is with the textured piece that you love. For example, a lace top, or a faux fur jacket, and then add more ‘basic’ items like your jeans.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Fur Coat – AllSaints Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Velvet Top – 1822 Denim Front Slit Denim Maxi Skirt – Steve Madden Dagne Knee High Boot – rag & bone Belize Small Suede Shopper Bag – UGG® Faux Fur Pompom Cable Knit Beanie

3. Contrast heavy and light fabrics

Pairing fabrics with different weights creates a balanced contrast, enabling you to keep your outfit visually balanced while adding richness. Try combining chunky knits, wool, or leather with more delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon. For example, you could wear a chunky knit sweater with a satin slip skirt, or a lightweight blouse with leather pants.

Good American Committed To Fit Denim Jacket – St. John Collection Liquid Satin Tank – Treasure & Bond Bias Cut Satin Midi Skirt – Cole Haan Yara Soft Ballet Flats – Brahmin Katie Croc Leather Crossbody Bag – Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf

Jona @the50plusgirl above combines the ‘toughness’ of leather with smooth satin.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, moto jacket, skirt, boots, handbag and sunglasses.

4. Play with rough and smooth textures

Just as heavy and light work well together, so do rough and smooth textures. Incorporating both in your outfit creates visual interest. Leather, suede, and corduroy will bring an edgier, more tactile feel, while silk, satin, and velvet add a smoother element. A leather jacket over a silk blouse, a suede skirt with a cashmere sweater, or a faux-fur coat with jeans are all great examples.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Stretch Velour Blazer – St. John Collection Liquid Satin Tank – 7 For All Mankind Leather Skirt – Steve Madden Dagne Knee High Boot – Brahmin Katie Croc Leather Crossbody Bag – Ettika Open Circle Statement Necklace

5. Balance shine and matt finishes

It’s all about creating balance with your textures. So combine different finishes. Adding shiny elements like metallics or sequins is a fun way to inject personality into your look. Still, it’s best to balance them with matte textures to keep your look sophisticated—for example, a cashmere sweater with a sequin skirt.

Nordstrom Cashmere Drop Shoulder Cardigan – St. John Collection Liquid Satin Tank – AllSaints Saige Foil Leather Pants – Cole Haan Yara Soft Ballet Flats – Brahmin Katie Croc Leather Crossbody Bag – Ettika Open Circle Statement Necklace

6. Use knitwear for dimension

Knitwear, particularly in chunky or ribbed styles, can add depth and warmth to your outfits. Knit cardigans and ribbed sweaters introduce a cozy texture, and look very chic paired with thinner materials like silk—for example, a silk camisole worn under a chunky cardigan.

Nordstrom Cashmere Drop Shoulder Cardigan – St. John Collection Liquid Satin Tank – PAIGE Anessa High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Velvet Pants – G.H.BASS Lianna Super Bit Weejuns® Penny Loafer – rag & bone Belize Small Suede Shopper Bag – Oradina 14K Gold High Society Hoops Earrings

7. Add leather for edge and structure

Leather is incredibly versatile and can work with lots of other textures. It instantly brings structure to an outfit and contrasts beautifully with softer fabrics. For example, wear your ‘tough’ leather pants with a soft wool sweater or a leather jacket over your summer dresses, or add leather with your shoes and accessories.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Satin Charmeuse Shirt – FRAME The Corduroy Front Slit Skirt – Steve Madden Dagne Knee High Boot – Brahmin Katie Croc Leather Crossbody Bag – Elizabetta Vicenza Wool & Silk Scarf

8. Don’t forget your accessories

Accessories can be the easiest way to mix textures without changing your whole outfit. To layer your look, think about adding textured bags, scarves, hats, and jewelry. You could add a suede crossbody, a chunky wool scarf, or contemporary brushed gold jewelry.

rag & bone Belize Small Suede Shopper Bag – Brahmin Katie Croc Leather Crossbody Bag – Ettika Open Circle Statement Necklace – Oradina 14K Gold High Society Hoops Earrings

Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) combines denim and wool in her outfit.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, skirt, boots, tights, bag and brooch.

9. And your shoes, of course

Your footwear can make a big difference to the overall look of your outfit. Suede creates a softer feel, while corduroy sneakers look casual. Patent leather can add shine to an otherwise matte look.

Rails Nevina Faux Leather Jacket – AllSaints Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Velvet Top – PAIGE Anessa Raw Hem Wide Leg Crop Jeans – Cole Haan Yara Soft Ballet Flats – Brahmin Katie Croc Leather Crossbody Bag – Ettika Open Circle Statement Necklace

10. Layer neutrals

If you love a neutral look, adding different textures in similar colors is a fantastic way to increase the interest level. Mixing textures in neutral shades will allow the unique qualities of each material to stand out without color distractions. You could, for example, pair cream wool with beige suede for a chic, monochromatic look.

Lauren Ralph Lauren Longline Wool Blend Wrap Coat – Nordstrom Cashmere Drop Shoulder Cardigan – St. John Collection Liquid Satin Tank – Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Patch Pocket Wide Leg Corduroy Pants – Dolce Vita Hug Boots – UGG® Faux Fur Pompom Cable Knit Beanie – Oradina 14K Gold High Society Hoops Earrings

11. Add texture with your outerwear

Outerwear is ideal for adding texture because coats and jackets often have interesting fabrics like faux fur, leather, sherpa, and suede. For your eveningwear, you could add a faux fur jacket over a satin dress, for example, or pair a sherpa shacket with denim. So, if you’re thinking about how to mix textures, starting from the outside in is a great way to do so.

ZLYC Open Front Faux Fur Trim Poncho – Nordstrom Crewneck Cashmere Sweater – PAIGE Anessa Raw Hem Wide Leg Crop Jeans – G.H.BASS Lianna Super Bit Weejuns® Penny Loafer – rag & bone Belize Small Suede Shopper Bag – Oradina 14K Gold High Society Hoops Earrings

Your textural looks together in one capsule wardrobe

Below, you can see many of the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can easily mix and match all of the different pieces to create many different looks for the season. For example, you could up the glamour with leather pants and a velvet top or wear silk or satin with corduroy.

Continue reading:

1. Building the perfect winter capsule wardrobe: all the cold weather essentials you need
2. Neutral outfits to wear in winter and fall
3. How to layer for winter without looking bulky

What textures do you love to mix in your outfits? Let us know in the comments below.

Like this article on how to mix textures in your outfits? Share it on Pinterest!

Feature image by Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle

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