Outfit variety can prevent a style rut, but some people prefer the simplicity of wearing a similar outfit day to day. Outfit repetition strengthens your signature style and can make life easier. Find the stylish sweet spot between outfit variety and practical repetition. 

Wearing the same kind of outfit too often can also feel uninspired. Before buying something new, experiment by mixing and matching your wardrobe in ways you may not have considered before. Options will encourage creativity and reduce boredom.

When you feel fabulous in an outfit, wear it repeatedly. You may feel social pressure to always wear something different, but in truth people seldom notice the repetition. This mindset shift reduces stress and promotes a healthier attitude toward fashion.

Since we unveiled AI Angie in an April Fools post, generative AI has made a lot of advances. ChatGPT is one of the most popular AI chatbots, and it uses natural language processing to mimic the way a human might write text or create images. I recently asked it a few fashion and style questions and the responses were everything from brilliantly insightful to hilariously inaccurate.

I turn 55 in July, so I asked chatGPT what a 55 year old woman should wear to look stylish. ChatGPT’s response started out with this paragraph:

Style at 55 (or any age!) is about confidence, comfort, and personal expression. Modern fashion embraces ageless dressing, meaning you can wear anything that makes you feel empowered. The key is to balance elegance, sophistication, and a touch of trendiness while ensuring comfort and practicality.

This is sound advice. I love the first sentence.

ChatGPT then went on to recommend wardrobe essentials for a stylish look.

Tailored Blazers – A well-fitted blazer instantly elevates an outfit. Opt for classic colors like black, navy, or beige.

Dark-Wash Jeans – A good pair of straight-leg or slim-fit jeans creates a polished yet casual look.

Classic White Shirt – A crisp button-down or soft blouse works for any occasion.

Midi or Wrap Dresses – Flattering and versatile, these dresses work for both day and night.

Elegant Trousers – Wide-leg or tapered trousers in neutral tones create a sophisticated look.

Knitwear & Cardigans – Choose high-quality fabrics like cashmere or merino wool for a luxurious feel.

Statement Accessories – A structured handbag, a beautiful scarf, or bold jewelry can add personality.

Chic Footwear – Comfortable yet stylish shoes like ankle boots, loafers, block heels, or elegant sneakers can complete an outfit.

This part of the answer struck me as overly generalized and impersonal. Definitely not evergreen advice for all, because wardrobe essentials differ greatly between people. Relating these to my own style, the advice about Statement Accessories and Chic Footwear are bang on the money. Knitwear and Cardigans were pretty good suggestions, although it left out cotton. Elegant Trousers was an okay suggestion, although most of my trousers are non-neutral, and some are hectically patterned. I wear dark wash jeans, but white and light washes are well represented. I wear shirts, tailored blazers, and blouses, but they are bright and many in loud and big patterns. I look awful in a wrap dress.

ChatGPT wrapped up its answer by sharing tips on how to look modern and chic.

Prioritize Fit: Well-tailored clothing enhances your silhouette and looks more polished.

Neutral & Classic Colors: Black, white, navy, beige, and earth tones create a timeless and versatile wardrobe.

Mix Classic & Trendy: Pair classic staples with one or two trendy pieces to keep your look fresh.

Layer Smartly: Layering with a stylish jacket, vest, or shawl adds depth and interest to your outfit.

Choose Quality Fabrics: Investing in good fabrics like silk, wool, and cotton gives an elegant finish.

Confidence is Key: The most stylish outfit is the one you feel great wearing!”

I think this is better advice than the list of wardrobe essentials. I agree with all of the points, except the one about “Neutral & Classic Colors”. Personally, I think ALL colours can look modern and chic. Although I love wearing shades of white, blue denim, and navy, most of my wardrobe is non-neutral and colour-rich. This mix is what makes me feel great in what in what I’m wearing, which is to the last point on the list.

This was interesting. ChatGPT is amazing technology, to be sure. It’s advice can provide a helpful starting point, but it will only take you so far. Take from it what is helpful and sensible for your style, and leave the rest. Do your own thing.

No matter the wardrobe size, some items get worn more frequently than others. They are favourites because they have sentimental value or evoke positive emotions. Clothing with fewer positive associations is often worn less frequently. 

Comfort, fit, versatility, occasion suitability, ease of maintenance, ease of access, weather, trends and fashion cycles, quality and durability, and your mood all affect the frequency a wardrobe item is worn. Items in go-to outfits tend to be worn more.

Older items sometimes have a lower wear quotient because we prefer wearing newer items, silhouettes, fits, patterns, colours, fabrics, or vibes. Items with a low wear quotient aren’t necessarily on their way out. Sometimes they come back into favour.

Chartreuse is an interesting colour. Not quite citron, lime, mustard, avocado, or olive, but a mixture of them all. Some versions are more green, and some more yellow. I think of chartreuse as a green-citron. I prefer my chartreuse on the extra bright and yellow side, so that’s what I have hanging in my wardrobe. I enjoy wearing a strong, acidic chartreuse, and find it versatile with the palettes of my wardrobe. It’s great with all shades of white and blue, citron, Dutch orange, shocking pink, blush pink, and toffee.

Here are four more colour combinations.

1. Olive

Chartreuse works well with cool or warm, and brown or green shades of olive. Here, a voluminous and asymmetrical chartreuse tunic is combined with a brown-olive tapered skirt with side ruching. A green-olive necklace makes a bold statement and complements the palette. Chocolate brown knee-high boots work well with the earthy palette. I vote a brown bag to match.

2. Blackberry

Chartreuse is yummy with purple. Here, a pair of blackberry pants is combined with a striped sweater. A long chartreuse cardigan tops the lot. The chartreuse and purple stripe in the sweater match the cardigan and bottoms. The cream stripe matches the cream boots. The dark brown heel of the boots matches the model’s hair. I vote a cream bag to complete the look.

3. Multi-Coloured

A column of black is created by combining a pair of black wide leg trousers with a black sweatshirt. It’s tucked into the pants and belted with a black belt. A plush patterned vest tops the column. The vest has white, brown, blue, and chartreuse components. A sprinkling of chartreuse goes a long way. Effective if you like the colour but prefer to sport it in small doses. Black sneakers and bag are the finishing touch. The white stripe on the sneakers picks up the white in the patterned vest. Silver hoop earrings add shine and glam.

4. Monochromatic

Last, here’s chartreuse as the main course and dessert, rather than a side. A delicious mononchromatic statement of the colour from head-to-toe with a pants suit. White pumps keep the chartreuse crisp and fresh. Statement silver earrings add the glam. Add a bag, watch and eyewear as desired.