Often the best outfit inspirations are simply what someone else is wearing. It might be something you see in a magazine or catalogue, in the blogosphere, on pinterest, or in the flesh on a stranger or friend. On the YLF forum this is referred to as a copycat outfit, and I view it as one of four main starting points for outfit creation. 

Copycat outfit creation is not as simple as you might think. Seldom is the person wearing the outfit an exact match to your complexion, body type, lifestyle, or style persona. Furthermore, you may be drawn to some aspects of the outfit, but not to the look from head to toe. So the challenge lies not only in distilling the essence of the outfit, but also in adapting and substituting to make it work for you. 

In fact, it is this three step process to copycat outfit creation that I use when I’m working with clients, or putting together my own copycat looks. Distill, adapt and substitute. In this post I’m going to use one of my outfits as an example: my version of white shirt, sneakers and blazer, which was inspired by an outfit I pinned to my street style board on Pinterest.

Distill

Identify the essence of the outfit that inspired you to copy it. In this case I was drawn to the concept of wearing a strict suit blazer with high-top Converse sneakers. I loved the monotone and androgynous vibe of the outfit, and its lack of jewellery. I also liked the bright white parts of the shirt which are repeated in the footwear. Grey is not my best colour, but wearing it with bright white makes it work better against my complexion.

Adapt

Aspects of this outfit are not suited to my style persona. First, layering a pullover over a shirt is not a combination I like to sport these days. Too much visible layering for my tastes. I either want to wear a shirt OR pullover under a blazer, but not both. I also don’t wear super tight skinnies unless I’m tucking them into tall boots. Plus my style is Polished and not RATE (Rough Around The Edges), so I needed to add back in the crisp simplicity that makes my outfits feel like me.

Finally, I am not as tall and willowy as the wearer, which means that I need to wear a shorter blazer to keep proportions flattering.

Substitute

Once I figured out what I loved about the outfit, as well as the parts that were less appealing, I could begin putting my look together. By substituting parts of the outfit with other pieces, I was able to create a similar vibe that reflected my style preferences. I also shopped my closet during this process, which meant choosing pieces that are similar instead of exactly the same. 

• I substituted the solid grey blazer with a grey pinstripe. To keep things simple and minimal, I scrunched the sleeves instead of rolling them because I did not want to expose the cream contrast lining of my blazer. That would have added another point of interest to the outfit, making it more maximal. 
• Instead of the basic white button-down shirt, I chose a white tuxedo shirt for extra outfit interest because I was losing the layered effect of the pullover. 
• I substituted super tight skinnies with straight leg black cigarette pants, because I prefer a slightly roomier fit in my bottoms. 
• My Converse high-tops are white, unlike the grey ones in the original outfit. Close enough, and also more crisp and to my taste.
• I love a pop of colour and always carry a handbag, so I added in a sporty neon clutch to complement the sneakers. 
• I finished of the outfit with watch, wedding ring and specs like I do with every outfit. 

The end result is an outfit quite similar to the one I copied, but not a carbon copy.

It’s important to think laterally when taking the copycat approach to outfit creation. The point is not to look exactly like the wearer of the original outfit, but to take inspiration from it. Capture its strengths, and make it even stronger by working within the parameters of your body type, lifestyle and style persona.

There is a greater assortment of longer length dresses with sleeves to choose from this party season, which is a vast improvement on last season. Furthermore, black is not the only option. 

• Tadashi Shoji Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Gown: This dress is genius and looks best on a gal with curves who can fill it out. It has excellent camouflaging integrity around the midsection and hips, if that part of the body makes you feel self-conscious. It also reduces the size of the bust with its low and asymmetrical neckline. You might need to size down a size. 
• Tadashi Shoji Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Dress: A similar design to the gown and truly WOW on a curvy gal. I’ve had many clients in both the long and short version of this dress and they all took my breath away.
• Maggy London Embroidered Lace Overlay Midi Dress: At last. A bit of length on a lace dress. If I didn’t just commit to a lace pencil skirt, this frock would be mine. 
• Adrianna Pleated Jersey Sheath Dress: If you’re after a snug fit that does not cling, try this dress. First, it’s rare to find a V-neck dress, and second, the thick fabrication and tiered design creates a structured look that is flattering and forgiving. 
• Tadashi Shoji Mesh Stripe Fit & Flare Dress: This is one of the best black dresses I’ve seen all year simply because it isn’t straight or all black. My client bought it to wear on a cruise and she looks spectacular. The see-through mesh inlays make the dress. Might need to size down. 
• Adrianna Papell Lace Overlay Fit & Flare Dress: Retro, pretty and romantic. Add a metallic belt, opera gloves and cropped faux fur jacket. 
• Adrianna Papell Lace Overlay Sheath Dress (Plus): A modern classic that’s great for petites. I found it a little short on regular height and tall ladies. 
• J Kara Beaded Dress (Plus): A flirty frock with less arm coverage, but lots of twirling potential. Built-in bling means no jewellery required. Add dressy shoes, clutch and coat and you’re done. 
• Adrianna Papell Beaded Mesh Gown (Plus): Simply stunning. 
• Xscape Embellished Cold Shoulder Blouson Dress (Plus): This dress is great on an apple or inverted triangle body type. It’s forgiving on top, but highlights narrower hips and fabulous legs. 
• Alex Evenings Metallic Ruched Mesh Dress (Plus): Simple, classic and chic. 
• Jean Paul Gaultier Fuzzi Butterfly Print Cold Shoulder Dress: This one is for Team Body Con because it’s tight. Great length and fun cold shoulder detailing. Love it with heeled booties. 

For toppers think wool coats, faux fur coats, trench coats, evening coats, capes or moto jackets. Add hose, dressy shoes, clutch, and jewellery as desired.

We spoke about the big scarf last year, and it’s still going strong. I’m not talking about a regular sized scarf that collapses back onto the body, but a very bulky style that becomes the focal point of an outfit like the photos show below. Big scarves can be dressy or casual, and come in an assortment of fabrications, colours and patterns. 

Take a peek at these outfits that put the big scarf into stylish action:   

• Tartan layered over texture-rich fur and wool with slouchies and booties.
• Black and ink from head to toe with beanie and leather leggings.
• Casual stripes with moto and sneakers.
• Pattern-mixed tartan fabness with crisp white shirt. 
• Fur scarf with utility jacket, skinnies, and hose with sandals. 
• Big scarf and pullover twinset. 
• Daintier big scarf layered over moto with shredded jeans. 
• Oversized grey on top, and skinnies below. 
• Casual cream layers with blue. 
• Fuzzy textures, shades of grey, and maroon checks. 
• Caramel cashmere with mixed media and animal print. 

There is so much to love, and not to love, about this dramatic accessory. On the plus side we have the following:

• It keeps you toasty warm
• It makes a visually attractive statement 
• It adds textural outfit interest
• It creates a maximal outfit effect

And the downside of big scarves are: 

• It can be uncomfortably bulky, overwhelming and claustrophobic
• It gets in the way of long hair
• It shortens the neck and creates visual bulk on the bust
• It is too visually maximal

Some of my clients enjoy the big scarf look very much, especially when outdoors and commuting on foot. They love the drama of the look, it’s textural interest, and high cozy factor. It’s also an easy way for them to take an outfit from drab to fab. These big scarf loving clients represent all body types, from petites with larger busts, to tall, plus size ladies with smaller busts. Others feel exactly the opposite because big scarves are uncomfortable, fussy and overly bulky on the bust. 

Personally, although I love the outfits I’ve pinned, I don’t wear scarves of any size if I can help it because I like my outfits to look un-layered and minimal. I prefer to wear a wool turtleneck in either a fine gauge or chunky knit with a heavy coat to keep my neck warm. That said, I loathe feeling cold and big scarves are excellent insulators. When it’s really cold outside, I won’t think twice about wearing a big scarf for practical reasons, overriding my preference for outfit minimalism. 

Over to you. Do you like the big scarf look? Do you wear big scarves for aesthetic or practical reasons, or both?

Cuddl Duds asked me to put together some outfits using pieces from their collection. My absolute favourite piece is the Fleecewear with Stretch Half Zip Hoodie in grey leopard that I like to wear under jackets, which I used in one of my outfits a couple of weeks ago. In this post I’m going to showcase some of the other pieces that will work well for myself and my clients. 

These ensembles are suitable for casual settings like plane and car travel, working from home, the school run with kids, errands, casual weekend outings and strolls in chilly weather.

Cozy Topper With Jeans and Boots

The Cuddl Duds Second Layer Fleece Hooded Wrap-Up is the type of item that goes down well with my clients. It’s a cross between a cardigan and poncho and is extremely soft and comfortable. It’s also warm, lightweight, non-crease and machine washable. It runs true to size. Although not visible in the photo, the back is as short as the front, which prevents the topper from overwhelming your frame and looking like a blanket. The unstructured fleece hooded wrap is ideal for working at home when it gets drafty at your desk. Or when it’s cold on a long flight, or on a chilly walk. 

I was drawn to the grey leopard print because patterns are punchy. Match it with a lightweight sweater, or long sleeve layering tees like the Comfortwear long sleeve crew or ActiveLayer reversible ballet neck. I found both of these items very formfitting, so size up if you prefer a looser fit. Jeans and ankle boots are an easy option on the bottom. A belt is optional for semi and faux tucking the top, and a large tote is great for travel and errands. Finish off the outfit with jewellery, watch and eyewear as desired. 

Layering with Tees for Warmth and Visual Effect

I was drawn to the Cuddl Duds Climatesmart long sleeve classic crew and Softwear with Stretch long sleeve turtleneck as a way to further insulate my outfits.

Both pieces are super soft, stretchy and snug. Like the wrap, they are warm, lightweight and machine washable. They are best worn as a layering piece under tops and jackets because of the cling factor, but allowing the necklines to peek through from under a partially unbuttoned shirt creates an interesting effect. 

The smart casual ensemble on the left is dressier, but still pretty relaxed. Pair white jeans with a long-sleeved tee and layer over a denim shirt and blazer. Adding a belt and tucking the shirt is optional, but I’ve left the shirt untucked. Add dressy booties and a modern clutch. Finish off the outfit with eyewear, watch, and jewellery as desired. When indoors, feel free to take off the blazer and sport fewer layers. 

Alternatively, layer a thin turtleneck under a plaid shirt leaving it untucked over a pair of Ponte pants. Tuck the pants into mid-calf or knee-high boots, topping off the look with a parka or wool coat. Add a weathered leather tote and finish off the outfit with eyewear, watch head gear and jewelry as desired. 

These are some of my suggestions for incorporating Cuddl Duds items into ensembles, but I’d love to hear your thoughts too. Click here to enter the Cuddl Duds $250 giveaway.

Presented by Cuddl Duds® Live in Layers.