https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:59:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1574063 Tue, 20 Oct 2015 12:50:55 +0000 Windchime 1574063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I put together seasonal capsules several times s year but usually plan my outfits the night prior, in case I ned to launder or iron anything to be ready. I used to plan in the a.m. until years ago, when I spent time at my mother-in-law's home. She is wonderfully organized, and each night she hung the next day's outfit on the back of the bathroom door. I thought that was a great idea and have done the same ever since.</p> <p>Occasionally I change my mind in the a.m; because of weather, mood, or energy level. But generally I'm glad to have the outfit decision already taken care of when I wake up. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1574051 Tue, 20 Oct 2015 12:09:14 +0000 molly221 1574051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use the notes section of my phone and jot down 3-4 outfits/pieces that I want to wear.<br /> Either because I want one last wear before the weather changes.<br /> It's new<br /> I love it<br /> It fits my day<br /> It hasn't gotten any love</p> <p>I always look at the weather and decide what level of shoe comfort I need for the day's plan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1573579 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 09:11:31 +0000 Lucy 1573579@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, how interesting it is that we are all so different!&nbsp;<br />I go onto campus four days out of five, and I plan for these sometime over the weekend. I got into this habit in my last job, when I left for work ridiculously early one day, and stayed away for one night, so I always had to have those two outfits planned and packed. &nbsp;<br />Now, I have no need to do so, but I like to keep a list in my phone. Weather here is pretty consistent, so I rarely need to change it up. I'm really not a morning person and I have found this makes it far easier to get out the door - I used to lie in bed thinking about it before my shower, or sometimes even get back into bed after my shower! Now I'm a bit more auto-pilot in the AM, which is a good thing for me...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1573565 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 08:03:38 +0000 anne 1573565@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been seeing&nbsp;the title of this&nbsp;post for days and keep thinking this is about how far ahead we think about what we will purchase - in my case around a year ahead.</p> <p>But it is actually about what we wear each day and I'm, by and large in the decide each day camp (with the exceptions of special occasions, occasionally - though I often wing them too, and&nbsp; early morning starts)</p> <p>But since the number of clothes I have in each capsule isn't large, and maybe be further reduced on any given day by being dirty, not suiting a bloaty day,&nbsp; weigh tis up, already worn that week - I'm choosing from a fairly small number! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1573272 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 08:56:44 +0000 Astrid 1573272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually have no idea what I'm going to wear when I get up in the morning. I decide after checking the weather forecast, keeping in mind what's clean and available and my mood that day. I could never plan a whole week ahead, or even two or three days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1573254 Sun, 18 Oct 2015 04:19:09 +0000 Karie 1573254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I plan the entire week of outfits the weekend before, with one backup in case there is some type of wardrobe malfunction while I'm getting dressed one morning. If I have time while planning I try on the outfits I'm not sure about. This saves a lot of time in the morning since I am up and out of the house very early. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1573119 Sat, 17 Oct 2015 21:01:42 +0000 kkards 1573119@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting to read thru everyone's responses. I'm a planner by nature and professionally, but I confess, I'm usually an on the fly dresser. I Do plan what I going to wear ahead of time for big meeting's or for days that I know are going to be super stressful, but otherwise I'm very influenced by weather, mood (both mine and the general collective mood at work) and what's on the agenda for the day. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1573109 Sat, 17 Oct 2015 20:42:23 +0000 Staysfit 1573109@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently started planning ahead to help save time in my mornings and I'm very happy with the results. I plan one week of outfits at a time, plus I usually include two extra options just in case my mood changes and I want to switch things up. I consult the weather forecast first and my schedule for a given day and then I pick an entire outfit including accessories, try it on to make sure it works, and write it in a calendar in pencil. The two extras go on the weekend days and if I wear one of them during the week it's easy enough to note that. </p> <p>I'm saving at least 15-20 minutes every morning that I used to spend trying various permutations until I managed to find an outfit that I liked.</p> <p>I also have a record of everything I am wearing during the week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1573058 Sat, 17 Oct 2015 18:47:16 +0000 Vix 1573058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a planner by nature. &nbsp;But like Unfrumped, I've attempted to turn myself into one when it comes to outfits since I need to get up and out the door in the mornings and I'm NOT a morning person. My efforts have def &nbsp;been stop and go over the last several years.&nbsp;</p> <p>Ironically I do better planning a week at a time (with putting out 7-8 options for a 5-day work week so I can be a mood dresser to some extent) than a night ahead. </p> <p>When I do it I aim to hang EVERYTHING needed -- from what goes under to shoes to jewelry to tights to shoes etc. It's needed as&nbsp;tend to be That Person who oops, forgot the laundry never made it into the dryer, or can't find the sweater I was planning to wear even though I just saw it somewhere, or [fill in the blank] -- and I go from running early/on time to running, period.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I don't plan I generally have a get up, decide on spur of moment, take 2 minutes to pick out stuff that I know works together (due to prior try-ons/wears) system. But somehow there always seems to be that one missing element that adds time....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1572959 Sat, 17 Oct 2015 14:28:35 +0000 Dee 1572959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in awe that people can plan weeks or months of outfits at a time! I definitely dress according to weather, mood, and whether I have anything of note in my schedule (Big meeting? Wear something nice. Twelve hour day? Only certain shoes are gonna cut it.). I might think about what I'll wear the night before but by the time I'm getting dressed, anything goes as long as it meets my needs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1572884 Sat, 17 Oct 2015 06:31:24 +0000 Aziraphale 1572884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol I'm doing well if I remember to put out my clothes the night before. Plan for the week? Never. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1572874 Sat, 17 Oct 2015 05:01:33 +0000 mountainwave 1572874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Does thinking as I fall asleep that I'd like to wear a particular item the next day count as planning? :)</p> <p>I sometimes think I've neglected something, or in transitioning seasons get all excited about cool weather/warmer weather and jump into the next season for a day.</p> <p>But more likely, I'll be thinking, "hey, I want to wear the purple boho skirt tomorrow."<br /> Planning, I suspect, might include the phrase: "with X shirt" at least. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1572480 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 08:32:49 +0000 lyn67 1572480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a good &nbsp;planner for the everyday outfits, here-only for a special occasions, if I know them in time, but I do blog my outfits daily (so I can look and search them back) and plan &nbsp;some new looks ahead, when curate my wardrobe or the season changes:-).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan/page/2#post-1572478 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 08:28:09 +0000 rachylou 1572478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I'm way too moody for planning. I lie in bed for a minute when I wake and think about what I'll put on. I have a look at the sky out the window too to confirm the weather. </p> <p>But I do do this thing where I get out clothes for the season and hang them up outside my closet and play around with just that subset. I have themes and schemes every quarter... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572430 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 04:11:40 +0000 Carole 1572430@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I sometimes think about what I will wear tomorrow if it's just an ordinary day....but honestly, because of the weather variables, it makes me wait...seems what's predicted a few days ahead changes..and that changes everything. If it's a special event, I'll have a few options to cover the weather variables! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572396 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 02:29:45 +0000 Maneera 1572396@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a planner by nature. When I buy something new, I do an elaborate try-on session and see how the piece works with rest of my wardrobe. I try it with different silhouettes and colours and get a better hang of the piece. </p> <p>But once that is done, I don't plan outfits everyday. I am a mood &amp; weather dresser on a day to day basis. I don't decide what I'll wear until it's time to go shower! But then, I lead a pretty casual life and work from home, so I don't feel the need to stress over it. </p> <p>Occasionally, I will plan in advance. This happens when I want to consciously incorporate a piece I've neglected for too long into an outfit. Or if I particularly want to wear something I 'like' all day long at home to see if it's even comfortable as day-long wear or better used only when I go out for a few hours. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572389 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 02:16:23 +0000 Anonymous 1572389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think I plan. What I do is tell myself, "I must wear xyz thing once a week this month" in order to make sure I'm making good use of it. So, I guess I'm a very loose planner. And I only started doing this quota thing recently, and I think it's because I'm buying costlier pieces. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572378 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:34:02 +0000 Anonymous 1572378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I plan my outfits the night before--unless it's a special event, in which case I plan more in advance. I keep up with the laundry to make it easier to wear what suits my fancy, but I do try to wear different things so nothing's just hanging in my closet not being used. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572349 Fri, 16 Oct 2015 00:32:56 +0000 JAileen 1572349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I have something special coming up I may save a favorite garment for it. Most of my events are super casual, so I might be saving a favorite striped tee for lunch with friends. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572261 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:09:19 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1572261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm like Susie, I tend to pull together a bunch of outfits - a couple of weeks worth - and hang them as options, and then I have them there to grab in the morning if one of them interests me. Usually it's trying to wear things I haven't worn in a while or that are new, or that I want to remix in outfits. </p> <p>I used to plan a week ahead based on what I had going on at work and after, and that was helpful when I had early mornings and didn't get home to change for evening activities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572260 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:09:14 +0000 catgirl 1572260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Er, plan?&nbsp; </p> <p>I&nbsp;always&nbsp;plan&nbsp;to plan ahead, but even on weeks like this when I have to be at work at 6 a.m. I seem to prefer stumbling around in the dark, only realizing later that my black tights are actually purple.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572258 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 22:06:54 +0000 Aida 1572258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Weather and mood dresser here. I almost never plan. Will often come up with something the night before, something else in the shower... and change my mind again by the time I'm done brushing teeth. Actually my best outfits come to mind while I'm brushing my teeth -- something to do with the sonicare vibrating my brain maybe? ;)</p> <p>I will plan ahead for some (but not all) events, or anything that requires special clothing, but always leave the option open to change my mind once the day arrives. So usually in those cases I will come up with more than one option so that I don't have to start from scratch if I'm not feeling up to it. Travel also is usually planned, but in more of a capsule as opposed to hard-and-fast outfits.</p> <p>All that said, I do jot down interesting outfit ideas as they come to me and visit those on any day where I'm not feeling inspired. A sort of experimental FFBO list, since they're usually "untested" looks. Sometimes they work out and sometimes they don't (had one of those this week, boo). And of course it's nice having photos of past outfits so that if I Really Just Need A Great Outfit Right Now, I can refer to those and wear something I know is fab.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572246 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:54:27 +0000 retailgirl 1572246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I plan about a week ahead, with considerations for the weather. I keep on top of my laundry. If I have an event planned weeks or a month ahead, I think about what I want to wear then. I always have my fast fall back outfits all set. I keep a spreadsheet with outfits that work and I can usually put something together easily. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572234 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:30:21 +0000 David Owen 1572234@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Depends a lot on the wheather my wife says... I agree. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572229 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:22:48 +0000 Susie 1572229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rebel more at the idea of having 1 outfit planned (like planning the night before for the next day) and then feeling like I HAVE to wear that one. And I really don't like the way I used to get dressed in the morning, flitting from one idea to another, trying something and not liking it, and wasting enough time that I ended up throwing something on and feeling crappy all day. </p> <p>Instead, I pre-plan a number of outfits (anywhere from 5-20) and then choose one of them, based on what I feel like wearing that day, the weather, and considering what's going on that day (ie I dress up a bit more when I am interviewing people, Fridays are more casual, etc). And I only pre-select the clothing...choosing what shoes, bag and accessories to wear when I actually get dressed leaves just enough flexibility/creativity for me. </p> <p>Oh and all of that is for dressing for the office Monday-Friday. I don't pre-plan casual, weekend outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572223 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:04:38 +0000 Ginger 1572223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, I never would have guessed that! You always seem to put so much thought into your WIW's, they really don't look like last-minute decisions. You're sure doing it right!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572221 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:03:26 +0000 Ginger 1572221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Cerinda</b>, that sounds like a really good solution. It's a nice balance of structure and improvisation. For you, the discipline of taking WIW's is totally worth it because of the resource it gives you for planning.</p> <p><b>approprio</b>, I like that approach! Trawling images is also a great way for me to immerse myself in a concept; when I'm "in that zone," so to speak, it's a lot easier to put things together. And yes, I definitely have days where nothing works.</p> <p><b>Janet</b>, I know that having set requirements really calls for some discipline.&nbsp; And I always want to wear new purchases as soon as I get them! It's killing me to wait on my new fall stuff! ;)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572218 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:00:04 +0000 Suz 1572218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I almost never plan ahead except for travel capsules, or if I need to dress for a special and specific event. Even if I'm doing an appearance I usually wait until the "day of" to decide. Like I'm doing right now (I have to give a reading in a couple of hours and haven't yet decided what I will wear).&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm a weather-based dresser, since I walk almost everywhere. I also go by mood. So planning too far ahead won't work for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572213 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:50:57 +0000 Janet 1572213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I rarely plan an outfit before getting dressed unless there is something special I'm dressing for or I know I'll be pressed for time in the morning. But this is also a product of being self-employed and having days that vary widely in activities. Sometimes if I'm really excited to wear a new purchase, I'll plan an outfit around it in my head before I go to sleep. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-far-ahead-do-you-plan#post-1572208 Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:44:46 +0000 Ginger 1572208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! I'm honestly amazed at how many non/minimal planners there are! And we're ALL making our routine work, for the most part. :D</p> <p><b>Xtabay </b>and <b>abc</b>, keeping up with laundry is definitely important. I've got a fairly large wardrobe so that's not usually an issue, unless I get a basic really dirty ten days before I'm due to wash again...</p> <p><b>Diane </b><b>G</b>, that's awesome! There definitely has been some good advice so far.</p> <p><b>plonkee</b>, "flexible organizer" is a pretty smart way to handle it. It sounds like you can and do plan ahead to a helpful extent, but you can be responsive to weather, needs, mood, etc. without feeling like a brat. ;)</p> <p><b>Alassë</b>, I'm not horrified - I'm in awe! I can scarcely fathom that amount of organization, at least at this point in my style journey.&nbsp; I can see how it would work if I'd have a well-organized set of capsules, though, and a wide array of outfit formulas to fall back on. A couple of years ago I <i>did </i>have to stand in front of the closet every morning, trying to figure out what to do. The night-before routine took some discipline, but it's working now, and very rarely is a thought-of outfit rejected when it's actually put together. So maybe I'll get to the point where you are! Maybe. (I'll probably always be a brat!)</p> <p><b>Sara L.</b>, that sounds exactly like what I do! I <i>consider </i>the week ahead and sketch out some guidelines as necessary. Like if I've got meetings at a distance - one of the buildings where I work is literally a mile long - footwear is a consideration. Or if rain is forecast, I'll plan something that works with waterproof boots or Saltwater sandals. I also have a real aversion to wearing the same shoes too often!</p> <p><b>unfrumped</b>, it's a really good idea to consider <i>why </i>you're feeling rebellious about a planned outfit. When I was planning more, ironically I also had less of an understanding of my clothing and what I liked. So I might be able to plan better now. I know that variety and mood are still really big for me.</p> <p><b>Diana</b>, you're even more of a free spirit! I love it! I agree, try-ons really are a lot of work. Even the false starts can be worth it, in place of formal try-ons.</p> <p><b>Jenn</b>, I find that time restrictions definitely affect me. I often don't worry about a night-before decision unless I have an early morning. I rarely repeat something exactly, either, unless it's a super-basic summer outfit.</p> <p><b>Liz A.</b>, that's essentially the same as what I do! I've had a lot fewer morning failures over time, though seasonal changes always get me. It's like I forget how to dress myself. ;)</p> <p><b>Sterling</b>, that's actually pretty close to what I do. I don't plan the actual outfits, but I do tend to consider the week as a whole, including activities and weather, and more outline some ideas. Like "deal with the heat and wear summer stuff for 3 days, then break out some boots with the cold front on the 4th day." </p>