ERIN SIMMONS studio

Hey there—I’m Erin Simmons, style coach, sustainable designer, and lover of outfits that make you feel like yourself… but turned up a notch.

Today, I want to talk about a styling concept I use all the time—with my clients, in my own closet, and honestly, anytime I want to make an outfit feel more expressive. It’s called creating tension—and it’s one of the fastest ways to make your clothes more personal and more dynamic.

Now, I didn’t invent this idea. Stylists and designers have been using tension to create iconic looks forever. But what I can do is show you how to use it in your everyday wardrobe—without needing a fashion degree or a designer clothes budget.

Let’s get into it. (Check out the YouTube video here)

What Does It Mean to Create Tension in an Outfit?

Tension happens when you combine two things that don’t traditionally “go together”—and somehow, they do. That push and pull creates energy. It draws the eye in. It sparks curiosity. And most importantly, it communicates complexity.

We’re not one-dimensional people and our clothes shouldn’t be either.

When you create tension in your outfits, you’re playing with contrast. Think: opposites, unlikely pairings, or unexpected blends that highlight your individuality.

Feminine + Masculine Contrast

One of my favorite ways to play with tension is mixing traditionally feminine and masculine elements.

I’m a woman with a shaved head and a lot of tattoos—but I feel most like myself in soft dresses and feminine silhouettes. That mix of masculine grooming with feminine styling creates the tension.

Ironically, before I shaved my head, ultra-feminine outfits often felt too “done” or like I was wearing a costume. Now, I can throw on a ruffled dress or soft feminine colors and it feels balanced—because the contrast is already built into how I show up.

Want to try it?

Pair camo pants with heels

Wear a flowy maxi dress with loafers or combat boots

If you lean more masc, try adding a silk scarf or delicate jewelry

Mixing gendered elements adds dimension and says, I contain multitudes.

Contrast Through Color

Color is another powerful tool for creating tension. I personally love high-contrast combinations like black, white, and red. These colors balance and amplify each other beautifully.

Want to play with this in your own wardrobe?

Use the color wheel. Try complementary colors—opposites like blue + orange or purple + yellow.

Mix light and dark shades. A cream blouse with navy pants. Pastel pink next to espresso brown.

Color contrast adds instant energy to an outfit—even if you’re not wearing bold silhouettes or prints.

Vintage + Modern Pairings

Another fun way to create tension? Mixing eras.

The other day I wore this creamy vintage ’70s dress, red Everlane mules, and a neon green bandeau bra. Nothing about that outfit technically “matched”—and that’s exactly what made it work.

Try this:

Take a thrifted piece and style it with something sharp and modern

Wear a retro print in a modern silhouette

Combine a modern fabric with a vintage cut

This kind of tension adds story, texture, and that “I didn’t try too hard, but I know what I’m doing” energy.

Mixing Style Profiles

We all contain multitudes, and your outfit can too. Tension can come from blending style archetypes—like sporty and glam, or classic and streetwear.

A few combos to inspire you:

Track pants + a frilly top:

Skirt + sneakers:

Cottagecore meets punk:

Ask yourself: What two style personalities do I love most? What would happen if you let them meet?

Playing with Texture

Texture is such an underrated way to add tension—and you don’t have to wear color or print to pull it off.

Try mixing:

• Leather and lace
  
• Denim and silk
  
• Faux fur and cotton canvas
  

Texture affects how we perceive a look—soft vs. edgy, polished vs. raw. Juxtaposing textures adds richness and nuance to even the simplest outfit.

Bonus: Print Mixing

I don’t do a ton of print mixing myself, but it’s another solid way to create tension—especially if you want that editorial, fearless vibe.

Quick tips if you’re new to it:

• Start with prints that share a color palette.
  
• Combine a bold pattern with something more subtle.
  
• Stripes, plaids, and polka dots are great “starter” prints for mixing.
  

This one’s more advanced, but definitely worth playing with when you’re ready. If you want some inspiration, check out this Pinterest Board.

Style Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Play

Here’s the thing: creating stylish outfits isn’t about doing everything “right.” It’s about playing with the unexpected. It’s about letting your clothes reflect your complexity, your edges, your softness—your full self.

When you start dressing with tension, your outfits start to feel more personal.

Want Support Creating a Wardrobe That Reflects Your Whole Self?

If you’re ready to reconnect with your personal style—or build a wardrobe that actually fits your life—I’d love to help.

I offer:

• 1:1 Style Coaching (virtual or in-person in Austin)
  
• Custom Sustainable Clothing Design
  
• Closet Edits + Identity-Based Outfit Building
  

🧡 Learn more or book a session here

And if this post inspired you, I’d love to hear from you—what’s your favorite way to create tension in an outfit?