In Uniform: Allison Bornstein On The Art Of Layering

Rip & Tan: Tell us about your three-word method. How can readers try it at home?

Allison Bornstein: The three-word method is a way to define one’s style. Many people think they don’t have style or do not take the time to think about it. This method is a fun way to give people a framework and the language to really investigate who they are and who they want to be. 

In my book, Wear it Well, I go over the process for finding your words but a quick abridged version is this—the first word is PRACTICAL and you find that by looking in your closet and pulling out your regulars or what you wear the most. Seeing these things is usually really helpful because it gives a good baseline of where you are. The second word is ASPIRATIONAL which you find by looking at your inspiration or the direction you wish to go. This is a north star that can help you evolve and guide you toward where you want to go. The last word is EMOTIONAL—this word is all about how you want to feel in your clothing. 

Rip & Tan: What are some of your closet classics (or “regulars”)?

Allison Bornstein: I wear a LOT of denim and, in the winter, it is mostly sweaters! Currently, since I have been mostly working from home, I have also incorporated some great silk and crepe pants. To me, this is comfortable and easy to wear while I work but still makes me feel dressed even if I am just at home.

Rip & Tan: For someone short on time who’s hoping to improve their style, what piece of advice would you give them?

Allison Bornstein: I find that with anything if we don’t have a vision of what we want, it is hard to figure out how to get there. When I work with clients and chat about their vision, I always encourage them to be clear. Whether it is with images (gathering inspiration) or words (defining their style using the three-word method). If something doesn’t work…Why? We can workshop why and create something better. It is so helpful to take photos of your looks every day and make a little folder. Seeing what you wear and analyzing what works and what doesn’t (and why) is so helpful. 

Rip & Tan: Where do you source your reference images? Do you recommend that people looking to improve their style save their own references?

Allison Bornstein: I find a majority on Instagram and Tik Tok. I really love looking at street style so photographers like Sandra Semberg or Phil Oh are amazing resources. I also love vintage images and follow SO MANY 70’s Instagram accounts. I actually have a video on how to source unique inspiration. If you love a brand, look at their social media and even their e-commerce to see how they style things. Since you are not looking with the intention of buying, the price is irrelevant! I often look at Net-a-Porter and use their search engine as an inspiration tool. Keep in mind we can have some imagination! We don’t need to have the same exact pieces, it is more about SHOPPING FOR IDEAS! 

Rip & Tan: Do you have any advice for getting out of a style rut? 

Allison Bornstein: I think the above is helpful! Gathering inspiration and creating a vision for where you want to go! A good exercise is to choose a look that you love and feels inspirational and then “shop your closet” to recreate it. Of course, you will not have the same items but I guarantee it will inspire you to see your closet in a new way. We often wear our pieces one way so seeing things in a different light or styled differently can really shake things up! It also forces you to really consider what you like about the image. I will often do it with vintage images or runway images. It will make me really ask myself–why am I so attracted to this image? Is it the styling? The pieces? The person’s hair and makeup? It is so helpful to force ourselves to be a little more thoughtful and dig for the “why”! 

Rip & Tan: How do you evolve your wardrobe for the winter? 

Allison Bornstein: In winter, often people will comment that their looks feel boring or swallowed by their outerwear. In that case, I rely a lot on accessories. I love adding a brooch to a menswear-inspired wool coat or a long funky pendant necklace with a chunky knit to add a little interest and embellishment! 

Rip & Tan: Do you have any layering tips that readers can incorporate in their own looks?

Allison Bornstein: I think a really simple but effective tip for winter layering is adding a long sleeve tee or thin turtleneck under a knit. Seeing a little contrast at the cuff and the collar is really helpful and a low effort high impact move. 

Rip & Tan: What’s inspiring you right now—both in fashion, and beyond?

Allison Bornstein: Since it is fashion week I love looking at Vogue to see the runway looks. Although I am not wearing head-to-toe designer runway, I am always able to source new ideas from the styling. Similarly, the street style is such a feast. It’s fascinating to see the way people put things together. I love how we often see the previous seasons’ collections through the eyes of these amazing editors, buyers, and influencers.