There is nothing wrong with outfit repetition. It simplifies your life and increases the cost-per-wear of wardrobe items. It creates “fast fall back” options when you’re rushed or stressed. It promotes a small or moderate wardrobe, which is cost-effective, easier to store, and much easier to manage. It also reduces shopping time, and your need to have more to feel fabulous. 

I also find outfit repetition very satisfying. It makes me feel like I’m wearing the heck out of my clothes, and relieves the pressure of styling an item ten ways just for the sake of it. No need to fix something that isn’t broken. And it strengthens your signature style. 

I don’t think I’ve seen a fashion blogger repeat an outfit through their blog or social media outlets. A repeated outfit would not yield the same traffic or commentary as a new combination. The fear of boring the audience is great, and the pressure to look fresh and fab is high. Instead, fashion bloggers focus on remixing wardrobe pieces to showcase versatility and cost-effectiveness. I’m sure fashion bloggers do repeat head-to-toe outfits in their daily lives. It would be fun and authentic if we saw this reflected on their blogs and through social media from time to time. 

I do understand the pressure to not repeat the same outfit combination to work, or amongst the same group of friends, until a certain amount of time has passed. For some the time period is a week, and for others it’s a fortnight, a month or even longer than that. 

I have a couple of clients who challenged themselves to not to repeat a single head-to-toe outfit over a period of six months. They managed to do so because they have large wardrobes and made small changes to outfits. They documented what they wore daily along the way. It was a fun project that they enjoyed, and my hat off to them for persevering. 

I’ve also heard talk of bold and dramatic items being too memorable in the context of outfit repetition. Personally, I think it is highly unlikely that other people will even remember what we wear, even if it is bold and dramatic. And if people do remember your bold outfit, what’s wrong with being memorable?

2017 has been my year for repeating outfits even more than I usually do. I have identified the combinations that made me feel extra fab and I’ve worn them over and over and over again. I used to try to wear different combinations when I saw the same clients or group of friends within a season. But this year I thought, why should I be concerned about that? Rather, I’ll send the message that I’m wearing the heck out of my clothes, loving my outfits, simplifying my life, and denying the need for relentless outfit newness.