https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:51:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323911 Mon, 22 May 2023 12:07:57 +0000 Star (Lise) 2323911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Madeline&nbsp;</b>I too enjoy the Vivienne Files, especially for capsule building ideas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323905 Mon, 22 May 2023 11:47:19 +0000 madeline 2323905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>sabimct For outfit creation, you could look at The Vivienne Files<br /> <a href="https://www.theviviennefiles.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.theviviennefiles.com</a><br /> That blog usually starts with art, jewelry or a scarf, and builds outfits around the colors found there.<br /> All of the fabbers have posted great formulas, as well as Angies, so you have a lot of options! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323903 Mon, 22 May 2023 11:21:26 +0000 Saira Khalid 2323903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love your rosette ring! I usually start with the top and work my way down, but your approach sounds intriguing. Maybe switching it up will indeed bring out new outfit ideas. Can't wait to hear other perspectives!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323762 Sat, 20 May 2023 16:00:23 +0000 Star (Lise) 2323762@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you everyone for your input.&nbsp; So interesting.&nbsp; I am definitely going to change things up this season.&nbsp; Although I probably will never start with a piece of jewellery I will definitely start thinking about items I really want to wear and go from there.&nbsp; I know this seems so obvious but for some reason some favourite pieces go unworn at the end of a season.&nbsp; Time to change this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323730 Sat, 20 May 2023 11:21:06 +0000 jussie 2323730@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question.<br /> Step 1: weather. This dominates the process.<br /> Step 2: what will I be doing? This usually dictates the formality level… which is important.<br /> Step 3: what item have I been hankering to wear that fits the above criteria? Usually it’s the statement piece of the outfit…. And I build it from there. Often I do the shoes and accessories last, but sometimes I go the opposite way around and base the outfit on a particular shoe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323711 Sat, 20 May 2023 09:38:41 +0000 Carla 2323711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My approach is similar to&nbsp;<b>Dee’s. &nbsp;</b>I&nbsp;<i>do&nbsp;</i>have ideas rattling around in my head, inspired by outfits I’ve seen in the wild, posted on this forum, from Pinterest or other media site. &nbsp;However, I&nbsp;<i>always&nbsp;</i>start the day by checking the weather forecast and sticking my head out the door to see what it’s like beyond my four walls! &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I’m not a jewellery person, so the only accessories that inspire outfit creation for me are scarves.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323705 Sat, 20 May 2023 06:42:19 +0000 Sal 2323705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I either decide the night before or in the shower immediately before getting dressed.</p> <p>It’s normally something I want to wear or something that feels neglected. It’s rarely an accessory that dictates- more often a top dress bottom or footwear choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323691 Sat, 20 May 2023 02:20:49 +0000 Sloper 2323691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I start with the piece I want to wear that day. &nbsp;Could be the bottom or top. &nbsp;Last few years I’ve added some dresses - which makes outfit creation easier!!<div><br /></div><div>Don’t think I’ve created an outfit around a piece of jewelry - but that might be a fun exercise!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323547 Fri, 19 May 2023 11:38:27 +0000 Anonymous 2323547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bottoms first, because they're the most weather dependent! Over 70 degrees means skirt/dress, under 70 generally pants (or warm maxi skirt if 60s). Sometimes I start with a statement piece too- but most of them are skirts </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323525 Fri, 19 May 2023 08:34:30 +0000 Bijou 2323525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am totally haphazard. Generally, it starts with the clothing I want to wear, but it could be on that particular day I want to wear a specific accessory, bag or shoe, and that gets the process started. I have a Statement heavy wardrobe, so it starts with the Statement piece and the rest falls into place around that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323522 Fri, 19 May 2023 07:39:57 +0000 Star (Lise) 2323522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Irina&nbsp;</b>I really liked that lighter outfit with your red shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences/page/2#post-2323508 Fri, 19 May 2023 02:54:37 +0000 Jaime 2323508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do often start with a piece I want to wear, could be anything from shoes to earrings, and work from there. The weather is a big influence as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323473 Thu, 18 May 2023 23:58:23 +0000 Kari 2323473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I change things up so much. Mostly, I’m an emotional dresser who likes to plan inspiration/ideas but choose what I want to wear the day of.</p> <p>Rough mental sequence might look like:<br /> • Review what I’m doing that day and what the weather is like. Consider any special needs like footwear or if my hair is so freshly dyed that I need to avoid wearing light colors for the first couple of washes.<br /> • Mentally review (or if I’m in a jam/stuck, look at my photo roll or Instagram) tried and true formulas. Would something work?<br /> • Mentally review things I’ve been wanting to wear (specific pieces together, something that’s new or hasn’t been worn for a while, or an outfit inspired by something I’ve seen. Anything come to mind?<br /> • Select out of the top couple possibilities, choose accessories (it’s VERY rare that an accessory would be the inspiration for a whole outfit, but it occasionally happens in the prior step.)<br /> • Fit and comfort check. Does it feel good? Do I feel fussy or uncomfortable? Is it staying put?<br /> (This can vary a lot, as fit and comfort needs can change throughout the month or year.)<br /> • If needed, tweak or make adjustments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323448 Thu, 18 May 2023 19:17:03 +0000 Barbara Diane 2323448@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always check the weather and my activities for the day. Next I decide the weight of what I want to wear, and whether I will need to remove or change a layer as the weather changes. So yesterday I wore cropped pants but with socks for inside the house, a lighter weight top, and when I got colder I added a warmer layer. I knew I would rather change my socks/footwear and top than my pants. </p> <p>However, when I am looking to create new outfits , either for a special occasion or to expand my choices, I may start with a necklace. And I am planning to do that with my scarves. This is not day of planning, but pre-planning. I also will do this with any item I want to wear more often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323441 Thu, 18 May 2023 18:53:38 +0000 Irina 2323441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Star</b>, no your approach is not different at all. I don’t have many bright pieces but when I wear them, I prefer not to match it. What I meant is I don’t like certain colors worn with brights. My other posted outfits were similar- dark red shoes with white and blue, light blue denim with tangerine shoes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323432 Thu, 18 May 2023 17:55:12 +0000 CarolS 2323432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question. I suppose I often start with shoes - especially if I have to walk or stand a lot during the day. I have to dress for a work function next week, and will have to walk from our office to the venue. This will dictate a reasonably comfortable shoe that is going to also pass as "dressy enough". The rest if the outfit will follow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323413 Thu, 18 May 2023 16:37:22 +0000 Star (Lise) 2323413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Yes&nbsp;<b>Rachylou&nbsp;</b>that sounds like me.&nbsp; Bottoms first, socks - the weight is important depending on the weather and the shoes, then top.&nbsp; Occasions for me are also different and I very often choose a blazer for that same reason.&nbsp; High Five!</p> <p><b>Irina&nbsp;</b>that bag is so fab.&nbsp; I would probably wear it as an outlier IFYKWIM.&nbsp; Not try and match it or even care if it goes.&nbsp; I recently purchased yellow sandals and am planning on treating them like that.&nbsp; If I had to match them I would never wear them.&nbsp; I realize my approach is probably very different to yours in this regard. :)<br /><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323410 Thu, 18 May 2023 16:22:57 +0000 rachylou 2323410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I start with weather and activity too, then pick a bottom; top and shoes (and socks) are chosen against the bottom. Occasions are a little different. I’ll pick something at random that I don’t get a lot of chance to wear. Like a blazer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323409 Thu, 18 May 2023 16:14:21 +0000 Irina 2323409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Star,&nbsp;</b>yes, that’s the new bag. It’s too bright for most of my spring jackets but works with navy, imo.&nbsp;<br /><div>When I worked full time from the office, I planned my outfits starting with bottoms. I have more freedom now and take less structured approach.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323401 Thu, 18 May 2023 14:48:54 +0000 Suz 2323401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such a great question and really brought me up short for a second -- I think because my process is intuitive, in part -- but also mainly because I follow the very practical weather+activities starting point that <b>Janet</b> and <b>Angie</b> mentioned. It's <b>always</b> that, to begin. And that means the starting point for the outfit will differ depending on the circumstances. Top with interest (but not too much pattern) for Zoom events, weatherproof shoes for walking outdoors in fall/ winter, shorts or full skirts or pants for biking (no pencil skirts), etc.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've never started with the jewellery but it would be fun to try with a piece like your ring!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Sabimet,</b> as <b>kkards</b> mentioned, <b>Angie's </b>outfit posts are a great place to start in the archives.&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/category/outfits/">https://youlookfab.com/category/outfits/</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>There is also a section of the blog on "outfit creation":&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/category/advice/outfit-creation/">https://youlookfab.com/categor.....-creation/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323400 Thu, 18 May 2023 14:47:40 +0000 Roberta 2323400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I was working, it was always "shoes first". I'd check the forecast and my calendar and go from there. I walked to work, and disliked carrying an extra pair of shoes or leaving a stockpile in my office. So, shoes, then whatever caught my fancy.&nbsp;</p> <p>These days, the shoes tend to be variations of the same thing: comfy, cute, flat. I know whatever I choose up top will have shoes to go with it. I still check the weather, Chicago has such wild temperature swings.</p> <p>I pick the one thing I'm eager to wear first. That might be something new, an old favorite if I feel like I need to be comforted, and practical for the day (hiking? shopping? lunch at a messy restaurant?). Then I follow the<b> color, texture, pattern, shine </b>rule.</p> <p>Like Angie does, I pet my clothes and smile at my accessories. And feel very lucky!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323399 Thu, 18 May 2023 14:46:39 +0000 RobinF 2323399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting that you would ask this as I have been thinking about it lately!</p> <p>For work days I start with the bottoms - because I don't want to wear the same ones too closely together and it determines my color scheme for the day. Then the top and topper kind of together, then the shoes. I wear the same jewelry every day.&nbsp;</p> <p>For weekends, it is a little looser. I usually start with whatever top I want to wear and then bottoms and shoes. But if there are particular bottoms I want to wear then I start there.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323391 Thu, 18 May 2023 14:29:14 +0000 Star (Lise) 2323391@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Irina&nbsp;</b>is that the beautiful JW Anderson bag I commented on?<br /><b>Angie&nbsp;</b>your passion for style is palpable and contagious!</p> <p>I think in these warm months ahead I am going to take inspiration from those of you who sometimes start with one piece you really want to wear instead of my usual sequence.</p> <p><b>Staysfit&nbsp;</b>your method is very different and interesting.&nbsp; Going to mull on that a bit more. </p> <p>Actually going to re-read all of these comments again later because such interesting input and very inspirational.&nbsp; <b>Thanks</b> <b>Fabbers</b>!</p> <p>Looking forward to hearing from other Fabbers still too.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323387 Thu, 18 May 2023 13:58:08 +0000 Irina 2323387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my thought process is similar to LJP and starts with a specific item I want to wear. It could be a top, pants or even a bag. A few days ago I posted some of my WIW. One one them was with my new bag. I put together an outfit that works with my new bag, although I bought this bag for summer. Yesterday I wanted to wear a summer weight cashmere sweater and built my outfit around it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323385 Thu, 18 May 2023 13:41:11 +0000 Angie 2323385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting!</p> <p>I'm nodding along with <b>Dee</b> and <b>Janet. </b>It varies greatly day to day. I am a HUGE mood dresser, but a practical one. Weather and the activities of the day are important considerations. Feet must be happy.</p> <p>I wear the same jewellery daily so that part barely changes.&nbsp;</p> <p>My style is more variable in the late Spring and throughout Summer because of the addition of dresses and skirts.</p> <p>I LOVE the decision making process of what I'm going to wear in the morning. It's always exciting and fun, a special part of the day, and I feel very spoiled for choice. I hug my wardrobe every morning! Prance around a bit. One of my happy places :)&nbsp;</p> <p><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323383 Thu, 18 May 2023 13:22:26 +0000 LJP 2323383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For regular work days, I decide which pair of pants I want to wear, and that dictates the top, and then this all dictates the footwear. &nbsp;For days NOT at work, I can start anywhere : often an urge I have to wear a specific piece, and then the outfit gets built out from there. The shoes are the final piece of the puzzles (with jewellery just ahead of that). &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323379 Thu, 18 May 2023 13:05:26 +0000 Star (Lise) 2323379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting Ladies!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I definitely also consider the weather now more than I used to.&nbsp; Living in a 4 season climate for the last 8 years has proved very different for dressing and outfit building compared to when I lived in Johannesburg where the weather is consistently pleasant most of time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><b>JenniNz&nbsp;</b>I was wondering what a skivvy was, you mentioned them recently.&nbsp; I wear them (I call them tissue turtlenecks) everyday for many months of the year.&nbsp; In fact your winter formula sounds very similar to mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323377 Thu, 18 May 2023 12:27:03 +0000 Olive Green 2323377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Never thought of this but I do have an everyday sequence.&nbsp;<br />Check the temperature outside, list what I have to do that day, pick out the appropriate bottom, then the shirt and cami, &nbsp;and then shoes and socks. Or just sandals, nice or sporty.&nbsp;<br />The topper is a light weight shirt, or in cool weather, a pullover of some sort. Coat if needed. Scarf if needed.&nbsp;<br />I don’t do pattern much and so simply have to coordinate colours. It is mix and match.&nbsp;<br />If it is a formal ish occasion, I start with the directional statement piece and work around that. It is often the shoes, sometimes a scarf, sometimes the bag.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323376 Thu, 18 May 2023 12:22:49 +0000 Sisi 2323376@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question! I go from top to bottom. Sweater /tee, than pants/skirt,&nbsp; then shoes. Before quitting the house topper and bag. I switch my jewels once in a while and I never build an outfit around accessories/jewelry.&nbsp;I think the reason for this sequence is that I run cold especially in the upper part of my body,&nbsp; therefore having the right top for the weather is the first and most important thing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/building-outfit-sequences#post-2323375 Thu, 18 May 2023 12:14:28 +0000 Janet 2323375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Dee, I start with a different component, depending on day, weather, occasion, etc. For instance, last night I was giving a webinar online and started with a top that would play well on camera. Then added pants, which were completely secondary since no one would see them, and jewelry to finish. On another day, if it’s rainy or I have a lot of walking planned, I might start with footwear and build up from there. I often start with a top though, since it’s the most visible part of an outfit, being near the face, and also because it’s the type of garment in which I have the most variety of choices! </p>