Fashion has a language of its own, and while there are countless ways to express oneself, there are always some fun and unique styling tricks that stand out. One such trick that's been making waves is the concept of 'Sandwich Dressing.' Let's dive into this delicious style recipe!

Understanding the Basics of Sandwich Dressing

What is sandwich dressing? Just like in a real sandwich, this dressing technique is all about layering, but with visual interest in your outfit. Imagine two similar pieces of “bread” with a contrasting piece nestled in between. In the fashion world, this means coordinating two items of the same color or texture and adding a different piece in the middle. A common example could be matching your top and shoe color, with a different-colored pair of pants, shorts, or a skirt.

The overall goal in sandwich dressing is to have something in the bottom half of your outfit mimicking the top half. And for the part in the middle, aka the filling, to be distinctly different. 

WHY? Because wearing an outfit (as opposed to just wearing clothes)  gives us an opportunity to visually create balance and proportion, often where it might be organically lacking. And this sandwich metaphor gives a guideline for every body type to achieve a slight hourglass shape. Having the top and bottom mimic one another gives the sense of harmony and continuity. 

Choosing Your “Bread” and “Filling”

The first step to mastering sandwich dressing is to decide on your colors. One will play the role of the bread while the other will be your filling.

Consider your wardrobe. Do you find a dominance of a particular color or texture? Maybe that's your bread. Next, think about what would contrast beautifully against it - that's your filling. For instance, if you have a black top, black shoes, and white pants, the black becomes your bread, while the white takes the role of the filling.

But, this isn't just limited to colors. Textures, fabrics, and even proportions can also play a role. Imagine a smooth silk top, a rough wool skirt, and then smooth leather shoes - texture sandwiching at its finest!

Why Sandwich Dressing?

Symmetry and Elegance: This technique harnesses the power of symmetry, providing an effortlessly balanced and chic appearance. Ideally, we are trying to mirror what is on the top half of the body with the lower half. The goal being visual balance. This is key in fashion!

Flexibility: It's a style rule that’s adaptable to various settings and outfits, be it a laid-back weekend brunch, a corporate event, or a gala dinner.

Revitalize Your Wardrobe: Use this rule to breathe new life into your existing wardrobe by pairing garments in new combinations, negating the need for constant shopping.

Fashion is about personal expression, and while sandwich dressing provides a novel guideline, remember that your individual flair and comfort should always come first. It's a fun technique to experiment with and can yield some genuinely striking results.

My Go-To Outfit Sandwiches

Some of these photos date back to 2016. I love that because it illustrates that this style tip truly stands the test of time.

Matching top + Shoes

The bread - Top & Shoes (1 color)

The filling - Pants (different color)

I tend to use this formula often, because it works well for me, but there are other variations of the sandwich formula that may work better for you.

Examples:

Shop the looks:

Column of color with belt 

The “bread” is the outfit and the “filling” of this sandwich combo is the belt. 

The bread: Top & Bottom (1 color)

The filling: Belt (different color)

Examples:

Click here to shop the green outfit.

Shop the looks:

Sandwich Dressing with Proportions - Wide Leg Pants

This variation will visually create an hourglass shape using the silhouette of the clothes. A puff sleeve top, boat neck or slightly cropped top paired with a wide leg become the “bread” and the waist definition (ie slimmer part of the silhouette) is the middle of the sandwich. 

The bread: Wider top & bottom

The filling: Slimmer middle

Examples:

Shop the looks:

Sandwich Dressing with Proportions - Chunky Boot + Chunky Sweater

Having something chunky at the bottom of your outfit, ie on your feet, as well as on your torso helps  create a visual sandwich. The pieces can be the same color, but don’t necessarily need to be. It’s the shapes that are the sandwich king.

The bread - Chunky top & chunky shoe

The filling - Slim middle

Examples:

Shop the looks:

Sandwich Dressing FAQs

What is Sandwich Dressing in fashion?

It's a layering technique where two similar items "sandwich" a contrasting one.

Is it limited to colors?

No, you can experiment with textures, fabrics and proportions too.

Where can I flaunt my sandwich dressing style?

Anywhere! It's versatile; from casual days out to formal gatherings.

Do I need to buy new clothes for this?

Not at all!!! Rediscover and repurpose what you already own using this styling tool.

Is it a passing trend?

Fashion trends come and go, but classic techniques like layering remain timeless.

Now that you're familiar with sandwich dressing, why not give it a try? Mix and match, and discover new combinations within your wardrobe. Share your unique sandwich dressing outfits on social media and tag me, or join my Facebook group! I’d love to see your creativity. Happy styling!