https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:56:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions/page/2#post-2178332 Fri, 12 Mar 2021 03:48:16 +0000 Anonymous 2178332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My new hobby during the pandemic is uploading my whole wardrobe into the Stylebook app and using the outfit generator! I do this in my downtime and save any outfits that have potential. Then when I have the energy for closet try-ons I already have a bunch of ideas prepared. It has seriously improved my wardrobe planning. I’ve even started adding photos of potential items before I purchase them and making up several outfits with them to determine whether they’re likely to work.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions/page/2#post-2178246 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 23:22:02 +0000 Barbara Diane 2178246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I know for sure what something will work I’m good. If I’m unsure I try to make outfits when I get it home.</p> <p>I often have a try on session before an important event </p> <p>Occasionally I keep something that I initially can’t make work. Later the perfect outfit or partner piece materializes. </p> <p>I also do try on sessions when I’m bored with my wardrobe but sense that new combinations are possible. A post here is sometimes the catalyst. </p> <p>I’ve never done this but maybe listening to music would help make the process more enjoyable.</p> <p>I like try on sessions but not the cleanup afterwards. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions/page/2#post-2177973 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:53:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2177973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I buy a solo piece, I’m generally curious to see how it works with whatever I planned it for, so I’ll check that within a few days. I’m chewing on what Cat2 on the time factor—there is no need to rush and wear everything immediately or have matches right away. I don’t think I’ve ever bought something that I didn’t have something to wear it with. I have had a pretty consistent palette for years (yawn) and tend to go with more conservative versions of trends. Some matches are better than others, of course, and I might not have something dynamite every time, but I guess I’m boring that way. </p> <p>I rarely get amped about an outfit. When I do, it’s likely because the outfit contains pieces from different periods of my life that I hadn’t considered wearing together. I grew up shopping by the outfit; our mother encouraged us to wear the whole outfit, so all the pieces would wear evenly. I don’t do that anymore. If one piece wears out first, maybe I wore it more or maybe it was made of less-robust materials. No worries. I’m sure I have other dance partners for the remaining piece, or another will come down the pike. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions/page/2#post-2177933 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 04:36:53 +0000 Zaeobi 2177933@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I usually plan my outfits for the week at the weekend, hanging them up on my bedroom door complete with jewellery/ accessories (my wardrobe is in our corridor, so I can't do much outfit planning there lol) </p> <p>When planning, I take a look at the remainder of the outfits hanging on my door &amp; try to figure out why they're still there (usually weather was different than anticipated, or I'm trying not to throw things in the wash after one wear unless they need to be - e.g. underwear). </p> <p>I then think about how I might incorporate these 'leftover' items for the next week. So I start with the clothes (lay each hanger on the bed) &amp; then add underwear &amp; accessories as needed. Often I'll keep an extra seasonal item hanging by them just in case (like a coat or scarf). I don't have a full length mirror in the bedroom unfortunately, so I either have to leave time to check the outfit in the hallway closet mirror before I leave (I bring a second hanging outfit with me in case I need to change) or factor that time in separately (once I have a whole outfit hanging, it makes it easier to bring that over to my closet &amp; switch out whichever piece isn't working, rather than starting from scratch. </p> <p>This process usually becomes much easier in the middle of a season (the weather is usually more stable by then). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions/page/2#post-2177930 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 04:27:42 +0000 Lynette 2177930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Runcarla- I thought it was you who made flat sets. I think that would be really helpful as a starting point. </p> <p>Shevia- Having the attitude that wardrobe creation sessions are a fun hobby rather than a chore makes all the difference. Kind of like playing dress up! I know Angie has this attitude as well. I need to adopt that rather than letting myself get discouraged. </p> <p>Angie, thank you for all the great suggestions and guidance. You are the best! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions/page/2#post-2177929 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 04:23:12 +0000 Lynette 2177929@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>La ped- three seems to be the magical number. Several people mentioned that a new item needs to go with at least three things from their closet. Good advice!</p> <p>Unfrumped- oooh I like the idea of doing a little outfit creation session when you need to get dressed for an event anyhow. I will try that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions/page/2#post-2177926 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 04:10:16 +0000 Lynette 2177926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cat2- making notes during the try on session is brilliant! I’m also intrigued about the online personal shopper. </p> <p>Jenni- So glad NZ is doing so well. I love your idea of lists. I’m a list person too. </p> <p>Sal- I like your idea of doing 3 or 4 sessions each year. Then it wouldn’t be so overwhelming. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177914 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 03:33:49 +0000 Jaime 2177914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting! I consider wardrobe creation me treat time and fit them in when I have nothing else I need to be doing, and can be undisturbed for a couple of hours. Regarding makeup, I use Bijou's scarf trick, but actually try to not have any makeup on. But I have a very large and very churning wardrobe, love to try experimental pieces I thrift before I move them on, and am doing this for fun and a creative outlet. So probably not the typical situation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177899 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 02:56:18 +0000 Anonymous 2177899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Runcarla said. I do the same thing. If I can’t style it a couple of ways, I don’t buy it. Unless I really love it. If it calls for a topper, I make sure I have something appropriate for the season, even dresses. But that is only something I want, not everyone feels that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177859 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 00:05:12 +0000 Carla 2177859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I get an item, or items home (and I&nbsp;<i>do&nbsp;</i>try them on in the store when shopping B&amp;M) then I do ‘flat sets’ to get an idea how well the item will integrate into my closet. &nbsp;Flat sets don’t take much time at all. &nbsp;When I have more time, I do try-ons based on the flat sets. &nbsp;Usually the flat sets work out great, but sometimes they don’t look as well on as they do laid out flat. &nbsp;Often an item proves more versatile than expected, &nbsp;other times I like it&nbsp;<i>a lot&nbsp;</i>in one or two outfits, and don’t wear it in other combinations - even if it works. &nbsp;Sometimes an item doesn’t work well with what I have, but is so great that I keep it. &nbsp;In that case I will bring it with me when I shop bricks and mortar, or shop online after researching possible combinations via Pinterest of other sources. &nbsp;The garment I have to work harder with might just be the catalyst for a new style direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177856 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:25:50 +0000 cat2 2177856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s interesting; I think of myself as a pretty classic dresser, and I keep pieces in my closet as long as humanly possible so I would have assumed I was less adventurous when shopping. However, I do like a number of different silhouettes, like switching between them on a daily basis, like switching colors up when there is something new, etc. Maybe it’s less of a risk because I know that over time everything will eventually find a place and then be worn to shreds? So it doesn’t need to immediately be perfect, I know it will eventually earn it’s keep. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177854 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:24:26 +0000 Lynette 2177854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Liz- I can certainly relate to buying something that’s just ok because I spent so much time and effort shopping. I need to stop doing that!</p> <p>Bijou-Such a brilliant idea to wear a scarf to protect the clothing from make up! Thanks! </p> <p>Janet- Evaluating the item soon after bringing it home is key. Out of sight out of mind. I love looking at your outfit creation posts. You seem to have it down. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177852 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:11:59 +0000 DonnaF 2177852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I completely agree with Janet. I have to be in the mood for try-on sessions which is why I buy from Nordstrom; their return window is indefinite. But not wanting to do try-ons right away is also a clue that maybe I don't want something all that badly and need to return it. (Most of my purchases are online.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177850 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:02:11 +0000 Janet 2177850@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, it would need to be a really exceptional piece for me to keep it if I can't immediately make outfits from my wardrobe with it. But maybe others feel differently! Even though I have a sizable wardrobe, I want things in it to work together, and frankly my style is unlikely to veer wildly away from what it has been.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177845 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 22:51:00 +0000 Lynette 2177845@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow! So much wisdom here. I need to go back through and make some notes! Thank you for all these great ideas and insights. This is so helpful. There seem to be several camps. Some of you return an item if it does not immediately work with things you already have. Some are willing to shop for completed pieces. And for wardrobe creation sessions some of you love them and some loathe them! As Angie would say, “Horses for courses!” I will need to mull this over. I’ll be back to respond more this evening. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177841 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 22:36:57 +0000 Angie 2177841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lynette</b>, you might find this post helpful too:</p> <p><b><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2012/08/07/the-item-outfit-capsule-test-for-new-purchases/">https://youlookfab.com/2012/08.....purchases/</a></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177806 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:36:17 +0000 Sal 2177806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do them about three to four times a year.&nbsp; This weekend I will pull out my boots and some winter pieces (maybe not all of them as it is early autumn) and if there are things I put away last winter with doubts about, I will try them on again, style them a bit, maybe come to the forum, and decide whether to keep or hand on.</p> <p>New pieces that I am uncertain about I do immediately - I am fairly intuitive and usually have a combination in mind when adding something.</p> <p>I also usually do a try on prior to a significant event to make sure the outfit works.</p> <p>On occasions if I am tiring of a piece, or wondering if it still works, I will experiment by wearing it a few different ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think comparing proportions and colours and especially checking footwear is worth it.&nbsp; I loved the idea of a navy linen shirt for me, and purchased one, but in reality with my rust wide crops, or with white jeans, I actually didn't like it on me at all.&nbsp; Back it went. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177801 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:09:10 +0000 Jenni NZ 2177801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t do them very often. I think I put the work in before that stage. Knowing my wardrobe so intimately from my lists (others use Stylebook or YLF Finds) means I have an idea already if I see something, either in-store or online, whether it will “go” with items I have. And I definitely use a cooling-off period.<br /> Aka a “power pause”. ( Remember that here in NZ we have done well with the pandemic so wandering in and out of stores “just looking” is more of a thing. Though I do also look and occasionally buy online, but as I detest doing returns I prefer B&amp;M shopping and am SO happy I can still do it.)<br /> An example is my new “brown zebra” top. I saw that by chance wandering into the store and checking the sale rack. I went home and thought about it with my lists while also looking it up online and probably taking some pants into the office as well to hold them up to the computer screen to check the colour match, because I am fussy like that! Then I went back to the mall another day with items I thought would go with it. It fit well and I bought it, the sale price being a bonus.<br /> A downside of this approach is that one has to go to the store twice, and the item may sell to someone else in the meantime. I have become philosophical about this. I remember a Lisap comment that “there will always be more clothes” and just feel if that happens that the universe didn’t mean it for me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177796 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:00:03 +0000 LaPed 2177796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I look at something, whether online or in store, I ask myself what three things from my closet I could imagine wearing it with. If I can’t think of at least three, I generally won’t pursue it any further. If I can, then the first thing I do at home, assuming the item fits, is try it out with those three things. If they don’t work, then I’d reassess, make a few more outfits with other pieces, and decide whether the new piece is with the extra work (often, for me, it isn’t).</p> <p>I have a smallish wardrobe but don’t expect everything to work with everything. I rarely do try on sessions for existing pieces; any new combos of older items are happy accidents. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177791 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:48:49 +0000 cat2 2177791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, I am really intrigued by the range of approaches here. I have a favorite linen skirt with a unique pattern in cocoa brown, taupe and cream. When I bought it I didn’t have a thing to wear with it because light ivory was trending. A year later I found a cream knit welted top at retail and started wearing the skirt. A year after that I found the perfect brown welted top and wore that with the skirt a couple of years until it wore out. Now I have the linen skirt paired with a taupe silk top that I bought for my work wardrobe and crossed over to the casual side of my closet when it wasn’t quite dressy enough for work. If I had gone with your approaches I would never have bought something I love. Most of my wardrobe I accumulate the same way. I don’t think telling everyone they need to have the same approach you do makes sense, we all have different ways of getting to our goals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177783 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 19:23:21 +0000 Jules 2177783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>At this point I have a general sense of what general formulas work for me and what not to buy (skirts, ahem), so I am rarely trying to work something totally new in. I write down ideas as they occur to me (in my phone Notes app), maybe even group the items together in my closet, then typically try it out when I am getting ready for something (work, social event etc), but do have some extra time and energy (not in a rush, or stressed). I try to flesh out the ideas beforehand so that it's not just a top and bottom but also a topper, footwear, maybe even the jewelry I feel might help pull it together. I also try not be overly invested - it's just an idea, so if it doesn't work that's ok, and I have fallback options ready.</p> <p>Half an hour is plenty of time if that's your attention span for it! Perhaps just start with a small capsule of items that seem like they might work together, rather than your whole closet.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177751 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 18:34:11 +0000 Angie 2177751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in<b> Liz's</b> and <b>Janet's</b> camp. This is my approach:&nbsp;</p> <p>Apart from when I buy wardrobe items on my travels, a wardrobe item is scrutinized in my dressing room at home almost as soon as I get it, or shortly thereafter.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>1.</b> I really have to like it, and it has to pass the fit, colour and quality test first. Alterations are taken into consideration to create perfect fit.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>2.</b> If that goes well, I create at least two COMPLETE outfits with the item that I feel fabulous in. If I can't, it's destined to be returned. (Only exception is formal wear and swimwear which can take a while to pull together).&nbsp;</p> <p><b>3.</b> If I am a little unsure of the item, I ask hubs Greg what he thinks.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't have an outfit creation challenge because I have a versatile wardrobe with the right essentials in place. I have put a lot of work into it over many years, so I know my wardrobe like the back of my hand. New to me items, colours and silhouettes aren't problematic to create outfits with because of the upfront work. Creating outfits is the most fun part for me! An item is returned after <b>Step 1</b>, 99.9% of the time.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Lynette</b>, it's always best to try try the outfit on to make sure you like it. If you are accumulating wardrobe orphans, you have to bite the bullet and do the upfront work for a while. 30 minutes is great! Just a few outfits. The good news is that after a while, things become more intuitive and easier. I promise! You will get a better sense of what works with what the more you practice.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177689 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:10:39 +0000 Ledonna N. 2177689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm turning into a more uniform dresser as well.&nbsp; same style different patterns or colors.&nbsp; It works for me </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177684 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:03:32 +0000 unfrumped 2177684@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agree with Toban--comment is more to your point of trying to reduce new orphans, vs see if items in existing wardrobe can have life/new life.</p> <p>I also do try-ons when starting new season using clothes that were in storage (wool sweaters) or off-season closet. My goal is to not only try on an individual item for fit, etc, but to see, does it make outfits and deserve to stay. I have to be a bit careful because sometimes something goes with something(s) that are not pulled out yet and I forget! This is why I will use Holding Zone for items that I love but don't know or don't remember how to wear. Obviously if that's so hard, it may be a problem.<br />But an example is, I have a couple of cashmere sweaters that are shorter, and don't work with regular pants, but gp./match a couple of midi skirts for festive or semi-dressy wear in Winter--so, NOT going on in pandemic. Also go with high-waist pants, which I did not have much as casual at-home winter items. Also classic dressy items. Sometimes I will pin a note or tag a hanger "Save for,,,,!"&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177679 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:59:07 +0000 Anonymous 2177679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to think I'm fairly intuitive with this , and try to eliminate the "what will it work with?" step at the point of purchase. &nbsp;If there is one thing I can't stand though , it's trying on clothes. &nbsp;Hate it. &nbsp;I get hot, irritated and can easily slip down the slope into self -loathing if I'm in the wrong head space. &nbsp;I can't say I've ever done an outfit creation session at home. &nbsp;I occasionally wing it with an outfit, sometimes posting them here on the forum if I'm in doubt, and learn from there. &nbsp;But spending time in my bedroom with a pile of clothes? Shoot me right now.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177670 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:40:52 +0000 Toban 2177670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do outfit creation and try-on sessions with every new addition to my wardrobe before I take tags off. This way I confirm that a pieces mixes well with what I have and that I like the piece in outfits. I’ll generally stop after I find at least 3 outfits that I LOVE the piece in, including shoes. If that doesn’t happen, it gets returned. Unless a special occasion piece, then one awesome outfit is sufficient. I don’t preplan my outfits, but I know from the try-ons that I’ve got options that I’m happy with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177669 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 16:38:46 +0000 slim cat 2177669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm uniform dresser and often go with a safe choice - sorta repeat the same formula with some small changes. <br />When I get something that new to me&nbsp;( like midi skirt last summer in ombre color ) I try to see what outfits are already exist out there with the similar item. I may try new formula with cheeper add-ons - like buying cropped tee from Marshalls or doing easy fixes ( tying the thin tee into the knot to get the cropped look ).<br />It takes me some time to adapt the new things. And I'm not very adventures in my own styling/dressing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177651 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:51:02 +0000 cat2 2177651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, the comments about not buying new pieces that are orphans are interesting to me. Usually for me something is an orphan because it’s in either a new color that is trending, a new color to me, or a new shape I have not tried before. So in no way does buying it represent failure to me! It means I am stretching my boundaries a bit. I will try an inexpensive version of something new to see if I like it, and then build from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177644 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:38:34 +0000 cat2 2177644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do them when I swap seasons. At home we have basically two seasons, Summer and Not Summer. I take the swap as an occasion to toss everything on the bed and try new outfits. I have my shoes for that season in the room so I can spot shoe gaps. I wear light shape wear so it’s easy to toss everything on and off, and no makeup or deodorant, and my hair up, so I don’t stain anything. I keep a notebook by my side to list what I need to fill in to roll through the season. I then hang everything in their outfits except the pieces needing alterations, they get hung together to take to the tailor. Any outfit orphans get hung together so they are easy to access when the new pieces I have ordered arrive. I do almost all online shopping because I have a busy job, and like having 14-30 days to decide what to keep. I also found that with a hard to fit shape I can find more options on my own than by going to our mall. Just to be clear, our mall looks like Rodeo Drive, and also has Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, etc. but it can still be hard to shop if you have limited time in the evening when you are tired and the sizes you want to try don’t happen to be on the rack. I do have three online personal shoppers if I need suggestions, and use them if I get stuck and need to pay full price for some elusive items; otherwise I use them mostly for hunting down gifts and unsnarling customer service issues. One absolutely rescued me when I made it to Chicago for a speech and my luggage didn’t, and another is really helpful if I get tossed onto a plane last minute to a new destination and I don’t have the right things with me, or a business trip gets extended by a couple of weeks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/thoughts-on-outfit-creation-sessions#post-2177623 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 14:00:05 +0000 unfrumped 2177623@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don’t lay things out flat- I can’t get much help from that. Plus the light in my bathroom where full length mirror is is the brightest.<br /> I will pick out one or maybe 2 things I feel I need to know what really goes well with it. So, a pair of pants. Then will pull several tops that “ ought” to go, start putting things on, maybe find a good combo or maybe have small lightbulb moments re: tops styles and pull out some more.<br /> It’s easy to get carried away- oh what jacket goes with this? Plus shoes. Then there’s a lot of stuff out, and the main problem is, I hate putting things away.<br /> But I find it useful.<br /> Ther are 2 good times for me— completely random but when I’ve got no other plans/demands, or before going out somewhere, ( but not a “ big event “) when I’ve got an hour or so before having to leave. Pre- pandemic this might have been the weekend for longer sessions, or before church, low- key date night, smart- casual theater, shopping for short sessions where I could then test- drive a creation but not worry if wasn’t perfect. </p>