Learning from “Creative Pragmatism”
A few simple ideas on how to think about your closet
I follow a lot of fashion designers on Instagram but one in particular — Amy Smilovic, founder and creative director of Tibi — stands out because of how rigorously she defines her approach to style and how enthusiastically she shares it with followers. Core to Tibi’s style philosophy is the Creative Pragmatist, which the brand describes1 as “a woman with a unique, highly personal sense of style, who never sacrifices function for fashion, and, frankly, is interested in a lot more than just what she’s wearing.” As someone who likes dressing in an interesting way but still prioritizes comfort and ease, Creative Pragmatism (CP) speaks to me a lot.
On Instagram and TikTok, Amy regularly breaks down the what and how of CP with detailed doodles and text, often using her own closet and outfits to make a point. Recently, I was delighted to discover that the brand has also codified CP on its website with a “Tibicitionary” of frequently discussed concepts. Here are a few of my favorites:
12 Mo’er
An article of clothing or accessory that can be worn 12 months out of the year. It implies extreme functionality and desirability. In our quest for self-expression, pieces that can be returned to time and time again become a foundational piece in composing outfits for all occasions. Investments made here will pay off over time because a 12 Mo’er is on repeat regardless of season.
It’s not exactly suitable for all occasions but I do think of my NASA tee, seen below, as a “12 Mo’er”. The colors/graphics are always fun to wear. It’s actually a men’s shirt, so I kind of wear it like a dress. In the warmer months, it’s just an oversized tee. In the cooler months, I put it over long-sleeves and leggings as a low-effort, high-comfort item that can spice up a long puffer.
One, Ton, or None
The Creative Pragmatist can be a conundrum to others; for their commensurate passion for a balance between creativity and utility to feel like their best selves. The color theory of One, Ton, or None is about nailing a fluid style where the eye can rest. One pop of color gives focus where two pops can distract. Ironically, a full flood of colors creates calm. And conversely, the absence of color – through neutrals – is a color story worth trying.
I think I may have been following this color theory framework subconsciously to some degree. The below is a favorite “Ton” of mine… although it might be cheating since the “colors” here are either pastel or metallic, which are often neutrals in my book. (I’m working on distilling my own #dressingbycolor philosophy — stay tuned 😉 EDIT! I finally did it!).
Have to Have
There are moments when an incredible piece of clothing or an accessory captures your imagination. Gives you goosebumps. Tugs at you in a way where it is hard to think of anything else. And while not wearable for every facet of our life, it has a place. Because life is about those moments of emotion and beauty, where we crave a piece simply because we admire it. The HTH’s occupy a coveted spot in our closet that remind us of why we love style.
My HTHs are probably those items that have survived many rounds of decluttering even though I don’t wear them much. One example is this romper2 covered in velvet floral embellishments, which look matte or shiny depending on the angle. It’s not my usual cup of tea but the effect really does capture my imagination and feels exciting to wear on each rare occasion.
I find these CP ideas inspiring and helpful as I style what I have in my closet and consider new items to add. Perhaps you will too.
— Jenny