Caroline Lin's Guide to the Perfect Transitional Wardrobe

Rip & Tan: In a general sense, how do you define style?

Caroline Lin: Style is an attitude, a personal and unique approach to living everyday life.

Rip & Tan: How would you describe your own personal style or aesthetic?

Caroline Lin: My style is modern, classy, and effortlessly chic. My aesthetic is New York City vibes with a minimal and clean touch.

Rip & Tan: What are some of the wardrobe essentials everyone ought to have in their year-round rotation? What about a transitional wardrobe capsule?

Caroline Lin: A matching blazer and trouser set is a must for an elevated wardrobe. Everything else can be built around that. For example, a white button-up shirt, a black turtleneck sweater, and a trench coat to layer on top of it.

My transitional wardrobe capsule would include a tank top in both white and black color, pleated trousers in both long and short versions, a slightly oversized white shirt, an open-back dress for a night out, and some high heel sandals.

Rip & Tan: What tips do you have for someone looking to home in on their own personal outfitting ethos?

Caroline Lin: To try different things. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It takes time and practice to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I also think it’s helpful to follow fashion accounts on Instagram and go through high fashion magazines to see what style resonates with you the most.

Rip & Tan: Whether it’s accessories or an unexpected texture pairing, what are some of your favorite ways to experiment with a capsule wardrobe?

Caroline Lin: I love monochrome looks, so I would like to match everything in colors, and the different materials will give the outfit a sense of layers.  Also, a pop of color is always fun!

Rip & Tan: Can you walk us through some of these looks you’ve styled? Where do you typically start?

Caroline Lin: Typically I start with the basics and essentials: a top and a bottom. Then, I add things to it to make it more interesting.

For example, for the look with the white t-shirt and trousers, I added the sweater to make it look more chic and sophisticated. And the look with the white t-shirt and black pants would be a great outfit only by itself, but by adding the shirt on top, the outfit looks more put-together.

Rip & Tan: What do you love most about the process of getting dressed? Any advice for outfit indecision?

Caroline Lin: You get the chance to go through your wardrobe and experiment with the pieces you own. Sometimes you would combine some pieces together in an unexpected way but it works perfectly.

Also, the chance to show people your sense of style and your understanding of fashion is always fun.

In terms of outfit indecision, always keep in mind the occasion and the weather condition, it’s a great help to rule out pieces that won’t work.

Rip & Tan: What kinds of looks do you find yourself repeating most often?

Caroline Lin: Casual yet put-together looks. A tank top with pleated trousers, layering an oversized shirt on top, sometimes even with a sweater over the shoulders. This type of look makes me feel confident and most myself.