10/20/2026
When you feel “off,” look no further than irony. You could say it’s instinctual to believe that the style aim is for things to “go together.” But determining what “goes together” is highly subjective—a compilation of ideas we have based on where we grew up, what we do for a living, and a host of other associations. When you’re getting dressed, and something feels too perfect—too predictable—stop and take pause. It’s not about ripping off what you’re wearing in a full pivot to start over. Rather, seek the oxymorons and apply them to your personal style: “humorously serious,” “sporty chic,” and so on.
As people, we want to communicate more about who we are—and we know that when you deviate from the obvious, things start to become interesting. This is where irony comes into play. When you’ve felt your best, it wasn’t because a dress made you look thinner or taller but rather because your style that day included some contradiction. Irony. Strategically employed to shake things up and tell a deeper story.
The great thing is that you likely already have the tools in your closet to balance this out because irony is a moving target. The slouchy knit that you wore to the office is now so much more with a sculptural skirt and strappy sandal. And that’s ironic. Isn’t it?
Discover Capsule 2026, available now at Tibi.com. For more personal style principles through the Creative Pragmatist lens, read “The Creative Pragmatist, 2nd Edition” by Tibi Founder & Creative Director Amy Smilovic, available at Tibi.com and select retail partners.
