Shop the look: DSM 1 to 3 Method as seen on The Marilyn Denis Show
When most people shop, they either only pair their purchase in the same combination every time which frankly gets boring or they can't find what else to pair it with so they make more purchases in the hopes of switching it up. Not only does this lead to overspending, but a catalyst to the frustration of never being able to find something to wear and we all know that's no fun.
We want people to shop with an outfit mindset and for the first time, we are sharing The DSM 1 to 3 method beyond our client base and masterclasses and putting it to the test. It is by far our favorite money-saving, smart shopping, style-savvy #DSMSTyleTip and so popular we took it to The Marilyn Denis Show.
Spoiler, you will need to really know what you already have in your closet - another reason why overshopping doesn’t serve you because when you have too much you can’t possibly keep track. This is a timely conversation as you spring clean, purge, and think of shopping for the new season.
Before we even get into it, we should mention two key pro tips
1. When selecting an item for purchase unless it's a closet basic consider what's interesting about it. This is a sure way to creating a more personality-filled closet.
2. Before you master the idea of three ways to wear everything you buy, you need to already be in the habit of always thinking of three items in your existing closet to pair that piece with. Basically The DSM 1 to 3 method.
We are putting two items to the test by styling each one three ways while implementing our favorite style tip. An oversized shirt dress and open back white cotton shirt both from Asos.
In line with point 1, what we love about this dress is the shape, cinched at the waist for a flattering fit, and a thick denim fabric makes it versatile to be worn as a layering piece. The shirt's large front pocket detail and wide collar add interest to the front but the most unique part is the open back, so we can either add an under layer or show some skin.
Denim Dress look #1
CeeCee #StyledByDSM as seen on The Marilyn Denis Show
The first test is a casual look of the dress on its own with some minor changes like replacing the belt it came with with a leather skinny belt. And in line with point 2 aka The DSM 1 to 3 Method, our pairing pieces being the accessory of a metallic detail bag, black fedora hat, and comfortable converse hightop sneakers.
Get the look
ASOS DESIGN Curve oversized belted shirt dress in mid-wash blue
Thrifted vintage button earrings from Value Village
Woven Leather Belt
Bracelets, gifted
Call It Spring bag with metallic floral detail from Plato's Closet
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star high top sneakers
Denim Dress #2
CeeCee #StyledByDSM as seen on The Marilyn Denis Show
In the second look, we are pairing a light crew neck sweatshirt, a bold and fun pair of earrings, and spring floral mules. A Pro style tip to make the look more flattering is to tuck the sweatshirt into a belt (hidden), not only can we see more of the dress but it just adds enough shape and personality to what would otherwise be just a sweatshirt over a dress.
Get the look
ASOS DESIGN Curve oversized belted shirt dress in mid-wash blue
Fuschia tassel earrings, gifted
Woven Leather Belt
Bracelets, gifted
Vera Moda boxy jersey crewneck sweatshirt from Asos
Love Moschino quilted crossbody bag from Asos
Call It Spring floral mules from Nordstrom Rack
Denim Dress look #3
CeeCee #StyledByDSM as seen on The Marilyn Denis Show
The third look is wearing this dress as a layering piece. As huge fans of fabric combination styling, we definitely played around with some fun textures with our three pairing pieces being a cotton graphic sweater, zip detail leather skirt, and studded boots. Because the look has quite a bit going on we opted for subtle jewelry.
Get the look
ASOS DESIGN Curve oversized belted shirt dress in mid-wash blue
Maqoba universe ice-cream graphic sweater
Ti Sento sterling silver rose gold plate necklace
Thrifted leather skirt from Plato’s Closet
Bracelets, gifted
Show Dazzel black studded bootie
This dress definitely passes the test and can be purchased.
This is also a good time to remind you about the importance of buying pieces that are interesting, think of it as making a great meal that starts with good quality ingredients and in style, personality in your look starts with pieces that are interesting. With that in mind, why just have a shirt when it could be an open-back shirt. If you already have a similar shirt without the open back, don't worry the tips will still be applicable to your shirt. Back to my cool open back shirt, it’s subtle in the front and party in the back with a lot of style potential.
White shirt look #1
The first look is quite laid back and its three pairing pieces are a pearl detailed earring, booties - we are all about bringing our boots into spring, and a print crop top underneath which you can see in the back. If this was a none open back we would do the same thing by leaving most of the front buttons undone so we could see the printed top underneath.
Get the look
Asos open back white cotton shirt
Hard Garden peal and black earrings
White Shirt look #2
For the second look, we are keeping most of our pieces from prior looks and just switching the jeans for our leather skirt, changing the footwear and switching out the earrings for a beaded pair. A key call out here is echoing our previous sentiments on why you need to know what you have in your existing closet. The more you practice this tip the easier getting dressed will be to create personality oozing looks.
Get the look
Asos open back white cotton shirt
Reflections of Africa Disc bead earrings
Thrifted leather skirt from Plato’s Closet
Show Dazzel animal print bootie
White Shirt look#3
Our final look is very spring-inspired. We love print and color around here so three pairing pieces include just that. We are bringing in a gold chunky vintage earring, printed highlow top, black pumps (which could also be a flat or sneaker). We also brought back the denin because you now know to maximize what you own by interchanging what's already in your closet. So what if you don't have a printed top just like this? Replace the layering piece with any printed option, non-print works too. A sweater or a crop top works just as well as long as doesn't hide the shirt underneath completely.
Get the look
Asos open back white cotton shirt
Zeena Kay A-symmetric afro print top
Thrifted chunky gold earrings from Value Village
The white cotton text has passed the test.
We get it, implementing this way of shopping and styling takes some practice. That’s why our stylists are here to help with our Virtual Styling Service which you can secure for yourself or gift to someone else.