I realized that my last three posts on this blog had something in common. They all featured asymmetrical styles. It finally hit me that this is a line that I seem to gravitate towards when it comes to style. Hence, this style story was born.
What Is Asymmetrical?
In the most simple terms, asymmetrical is when both sides are not the same-just the opposite from symmetrical. In fashion, this could be hemlines (side to side or front to back), one sleeve looks, or just wearing two different earrings.
Asymmetry can add a note of interest and turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. It has continually been popular with designers and never seems to go out of fashion.
I find it to be very flattering and can make an artistic statement that I’m usually after in my wardrobe. Going through my closet, I pulled items to illustrate how asymmetry can be used in all our basic garments and have added one curated shopping and pattern selection to go along with each garment style.
Tops
I’m starting off with truly the most asymmetrical item in my collection. Not only is the hem uneven but the left and right side of the pattern has two different cuts. This top was just completed in July from fabric designed by Nicole Miller for Joanne’s fabric. It’s a good beginner pattern and is cut in one piece.
To Buy Or To Make
To buy: Chico’s and on sale
It is now discontinued, but as usual, can be found in numerous places.
Sweaters
I’m starting sweaters out with the easiest sweater I’ve ever knitted. The Paris Sweater by Sarah Keller is a rectangle (32 “x 23” to be exact)! I found it on Ralvery (a knitting community) and it is free. Depending on what yarn you choose, it can be worn fall, winter and spring. I had a large one pound cone of silk yarn in my stash called Olive Garden that I just didn’t know what to do with and this sweater was just right.
To Buy Or To Make
To Buy-A wonderful sweater tunic from Rain & Ross from Saks of the 5th. $44.99
To Make: The Paris Sweater
Dresses
I found this gorgeous print dress a couple years ago from ASOS’s Made in Kenya line. I set the print off with a black jacket and wide belt. I would check out the The Made In Kenya line-there are some gorgeous things on there and at this moment they are on sale.
To Buy Or To Make
To Buy: Kay Unger’s classic and beautiful asymmetrical dress. Now on sale for $180.60
To Make: A Zero-Waste dress pattern from the independent pattern company Elbe Textiles. I can’t tell you how badly I want to make this dress. It’s asymmetry is understated but there non the less.
Another Top-A different kind of asymmetry.
I wanted to include this top because it has what could be called step asymmetry-one side is a different length with no gradual change. This design is by Rachel Riss for her company Linear; a designer who has her garments manufactured in California. I added this top to my collection over a year ago. If you can fit into a XS, You can get this top on clearance for only $14.
To Buy Or To Make
It also comes in Powder Blue and Black.
UPDATE: As of 10/28, it looks like they are all sold out-darn, missed out!
To Make: Style Arc’s Crystal Overshirt
OK, I know this is a cop out but Rachel Riss seems to have the step asymmetrical tops all to her self. Anyway, this is a pattern that I know is in my future. It’s perfect for a piece of fabric in my stash.
Skirts
One of my easiest to wear skirts is this asymmetrical navy knit from Kansas City designer Laura McGrew. Unfortunately, Laura retired from designing last year but I am happy to have a few of her made in Kansas City designs in my collection.
Skirts offer so many fun asymmetrical styles; from handkerchief hems, front to back high/lows, dramatic wrap-Arounds. I’m wearing a simple left to right angle hem.
To Buy Or To Make
To Buy:From Newman Marcus: Vince Star Dot Asymmetrical Draped Skirt. On sale for$86 (down from $345)
To Make: Vogue Pattern 1638 offers a simple a-line skirt with a panel that give it’s an asymmetrical line-a classic skirt with a twist.
Asymmetrical In a Pinch
How can you create an asymmetrical look without actually having a specific asymmetrical garment? It’s easy and I have two examples that I’ve worn over the years.
One way, is take a large scarf and pin it to create a angled line as I did below with a scarf from St. Louis Designer Michael Drummond. Ah, those good old days when Rachelle and I could gallery hop on those First Fridays!
Another easy solution is to gather up one side of a top and secure it with either a hairband and, if you want, add a pin.
That’s the end of this quite asymmetrical tale. Do you a few asymmetrical items in your closet? What’s your favorite thing to wear if you have? If not, I hope I’ve inspired you to give this style a try. There are so many statements you can make with it.
Also, I took you on quite a hair style tour today, everything from the days when I was still going blond, then to going grey and finally my “wig game”, which, honestly is the most fun.
Style on, stay creative and stay safe!
MeadowTree Style 
hi Terri, what a fun post! I love asymmetry too, whether with earrings, necklaces, hemlines, necklines. I also like mixed (colors & patterns) fabrics when they are used in a single item of clothing–that can be interesting too. And ages old: I have a long summer dress (a sleeveless jumper) and also a skirt made by Nothing Matches. They are wild with different patterns and fabrics–they always make me feel light hearted. And just last month, I bought a plaid shirt from Tolani that has a printed flower back and also a hi-lo crepe dress by Truth & Style. Yay asymmetry. 🙂
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Thank you, Linda. It was a fun one to write-I just used what I already had because I thought most would likely have something asymmetrical too.
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I ALWAYS love asymmetrical pieces…for some reason I think they are more interesting. And can I just say, you are SO talented Terri.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Hi Jodie, somewhere it dawned on me that half the stuff I post has uneven hems so it finally dawned on me, that this may be something I actively seek out and maybe it was a time to round a bunch of stuff up and do a post! XOOX Terri
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You’ve done such an excellent job showcasing and look adorable wearing these pieces. Goodness, that Zero-Waste dress is so tempting to make, I think it will go on my Spring Makes list!
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Thank you Kim. This was a post that I was surprised that I hadn’t made yet. I think after making the Rose tunic it finally dawned on me that I always gravitate towards the asymmetrical.
And isn’t the zero-waste dress great. Funny, it was on my Spring list too-possible sew-along? Just an idea-something to think about.
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Great post a Terri! I enjoyed all of your examples. And the sweater you knitted? Love it! I do have a a couple of asymmetrical tunic tops, and really enjoy them.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
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Thanks, Michelle-yes, I knitted the sweater or the rectangle that the designer ingeniously made a sweater into by just the way it was sewn up. As long as your yarn wasn’t too heavy, I don’t see why it couldn’t be created in crochet too.
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Hi Terry,
I have a great affinity to symmetry, that’s why I have only one or two asymmetric pieces in my cupboard. I like the idea of creating asymmetric looks with symmetric pieces very much.
Stay safe!
Reni
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I found something that one of us likes but the other one doesn’t care for-Is that a first? I don’t think I had one asymmetrical piece until I turned 60-so it is a later in life thing for me. Stay safe too. Terri
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You have some beautiful asymetrical pieces. It is such a fetching line.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
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Thank you Mireille, I certainly have enjoyed wearing these pieces over the years.
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I just realised I have a thing for assymetrical pieces. Great post.
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I had that revelation in August-I had never thought about it until then. Thank you for dropping by.
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Such great pieces Terri! I love the sweater you knitted and am impressed with those who can sew like yourself! I love the asymmetrical top you are wearing and the pretty print. I have to think if I have anything asymmetrical. I really liked the musturd striped top you shared.
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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You are welcome, Jessica and thank you for visiting me.
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While I realize this post is about asymmetrical clothing, I will be featuring that gorgeous sweater you knitted.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
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Thank you and it is so easy to knit-a good beginning sweater.
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Terri, I love this! I also noticed that you were featuring a lot of asymmetrical pieces and I loved it because I am always drawn to asymmetry as well. It is more artistic and I think more natural than perfect symmetry! You have so many gorgeous pieces! Thanks for sharing and linking with me.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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Thank you-it was fun putting a piece together about asymmetry.
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