Elevate Your Outfits with this Styling Hack: Sandwiching Dressing

So chic (Picture: Instagram)

Do you ever scroll through your socials, wondering how the influencer girlies look so put together?

Well, we’re about to let you in on a little secret, and it’s all to do with sandwiches.

No, not the BLT kind.

Sandwich dressing is the hack that will make you look oh-so-chic, and it doesn’t involve expensive designer gear, or the assistance of a stylist.

First popularised by Instagram fashion guru, Lydia Tomlinson, the ‘sandwich’ rule is all about colour and balance.

Think about a sandwich – bread on top, filling in the middle and bread on the bottom – a delicious, and crucially, a symmetrical, dish.

Lydia popularised the term (Picture: Instagram @lydiajanetomlinson)

Well, this rule also applies to your outfit, but take away the bread, and add in some colour and accessories instead.

Still confused?

Farrah-May Archer Boadi, styling lead at Stitch Fix explains: ‘Begin by selecting a colour to act as your foundation (bread), which will essentially pull the whole look (sandwich) together when you incorporate it into both the top and bottom halves of your outfit.

‘Next, choose an opposing colour for your ‘middle’ (filling) – whether that be trousers, a skirt, a shirt or cardigan.’

So, for example, you may choose a top and shoes of the same colour, which sandwich a different colour for your trousers.

A mustard sandwich, if you will (Picture: Instagram @blaireadiebee)

‘The result creates a high impact twist on a monochrome look, and there are many ways to go about it, depending on the overall look you want to achieve – and your own unique taste and style,’ says Farrah-May.

And according to Megan Watkins, head stylist at SilkFred, it’s no surprise the hack has taken off.

‘It’s such a popular formula because it’s easy to pull off and always looks good,’ she explains.

‘An outfit all in one colour – let’s say grey – can look thrown together and frumpy – whereas if you simply swap out your grey knit for a white sweater, and pull on some white trainers, your outfit becomes seamlessly balanced and super stylish.’

It works in monochrome (Picture: Instagram @charissarae)

Pops of colour work well too (Picture: Instagram @sammijefcoate)

So how do we sandwich dress for SS23?

‘Try this season’s colour obsession, pansy purple, the perfect hue to embrace as we approach the warmer months,’ says Farrah-May.

‘Simply pair your purple blazer, Mary Janes and palazzo pants with a rich emerald green silk blouse, and you’ve got yourself a gorgeous sandwich ensemble. 

‘My favourite brands for monochromatic bright pieces are French Connection and Vero Moda.

‘But if bright bold hues aren’t quite your thing, opt for chic earthy tones from brands such as Selected Femme and AllSaints – which will create a more pared-back look.

It’s all about balance (Picture: Instagram @louiseroe)

‘For example, cream trousers, boots and a cardi – casually draped on the shoulders – will go perfectly with a classic breezy white button-down shirt – it’s just a slightly more subtle take on the sandwich.’

And if you’re not sure where to start your sandwich journey, accessories can help you dip the toe in the water… or sandwich.

You can also pull this look off by matching accessories,’ explains Megan.

‘For example, a black hat with black boots or a grey blazer with grey socks.’

We can’t tell if we’re hungry, or in need of some retail therapy.

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