https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 18:55:47 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470413 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:57:26 +0000 catgirl 470413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, that's how I am. I have nothing against a basic outfit, but I do like to change it up a little... like my UWP sweater and some skinnies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470406 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:52:56 +0000 rae 470406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, looks like I must fall somewhere between the two extremes. I don't need to create a new outfit permutation every day, but it's not like Top A only ever is worn with Skirt B and Shoes C. However, I will wear an exact ABC or XBQ or NBT combination repeatedly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470386 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:32:56 +0000 mrseccentric 470386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1st - Bella, excellent description of the philosophy and history of remixing!</p> <p>it's weird. i've always mixed it up, i can remember buying *one* outfit in my life (for a junior high school dance). I haven't repeated an outfit since i was in my early twenties. i've no idea how this got to be the way i approached clothes, maybe because i always had so few? the strange part is i have NOTHING against repeating great looks and one of the reasons i have a smaller wardrobe is so that i feel everything i have is great and looks fab on me.</p> <p>when i started blogging i was non-plussed by all the remixing hooha. now i'm in the odd position of being a style blogger who wants to commit the heresy of becoming more of an 'outfit repeater'. in fact, that was one of my motivations for taking OOTD pix - so i could reproduce great outfits!</p> <p>it's fun there's all these different strategies out there! the trick is finding what makes you happy. steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470365 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:19:08 +0000 Suz 470365@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh - this is such a great discussion! Aida, I can't wait to see your changes! </p> <p>And Ornella, I LOVE your remixes; you are an inspiration. I've tried to do similar things with my black sheath dress, too, and I really enjoy that kind of play. (Wish my black sheath was grey like yours but that is another story!) </p> <p>I have ZERO problem with repetition of an outfit if I love it. ZERO. But at the same time, I like to try things in new combos. My goal is a lean, mean, but totally ME wardrobe of highly remixable items, with, probably, a few "outfits" that will work more for special occasions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470344 Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:07:50 +0000 Aida 470344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>O, I fully accept this blame because I love your themed weeks And you know, initially I was like "oh my medium size wardrobe is great!" because it was easy easy not to repeat, nor did I find it overwhelming (still don't). But these days I'm actually leaning towards culling the size down (shocker) and get a bit more focused on my true style core, with just a few fringe pieces instead of mostly fringe pieces. I have more thinking to do on the subject, but there's changes afoot! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470290 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 23:32:51 +0000 Ornella 470290@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aida, it was you I have to blame for extending my themes approach with not repeating the outfits. You've mentioned it around the time I started posted outfits and decided to incorporate that idea too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470250 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:41:47 +0000 Anonymous 470250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had this conversation with my husband about a year ago - I thought it was a strange term because I grew up with very few clothes and I thought that everyone "re-mixed". </p> <p>Once in a while I find some pieces that I like to paired together so well that it's all I do- one reason is that I don't want one article to wear out sooner then the other, other wise I just mix it all up all the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470240 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:24:23 +0000 Aida 470240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a fantastic discussion! I can understand and appreciate both sides, but I am definitely a remixer at heart.</p> <p>(Kim, not to sound like one of those snobby bloggers but.. I haven't repeated a full outfit in ummm 1.8 years or so (meaning clothing+shoes, accessories/toppers always change). But I set this as a challenge to myself, to force myself to be creative, to force myself to understand WHICH items in my closet are the ones that define my style. It's very enlightening actually EDIT: At some point I'll go back to repeating, but for now it's still something I can learn a lot from.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470165 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:21:48 +0000 Lisa 470165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny until I started reading fashion blogs, I rarely remixed outfits. Especially skirts or dresses. When I found a top or cardigan that worked, they stayed together. Now I try to remix more often to curb spending, to wear out my clothes, and overall get more bang for my buck. But I still limit my remixing to 2 or 3 combinations. I'm neither patient nor creative enough to mix my clothes in endless combinations. At least not yet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470149 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:12:13 +0000 bj1111 470149@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i feel sooo much pressure to remix. as an exercise of either thrift or creativity. i'm all for outfits with selective items that are true neutrals remixed. i'm not sure i even consider wearing jeans and a t with different shoes/accessories as remixing! i just consider it a blank canvas for the focal/impact layer (jacket, necklace, bootie always worn together). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470145 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:06:52 +0000 Ornella 470145@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always been a remixer, but didn't know it was called that way. This was not a contentious decision though, but pure necessity as I was happy to snatch *anything* in my size/length and would take things from there.<br />  <br /> Now that I know there are remixers and one-outfiters, I have no doubts I'll stay on the first team for some time to come. For me, remixing is about the change, but for the sake of creativity and practicality, not because I ever worried about wearing the same thing over and over again. I AM happy if I come across something that asks to be worn all the time.<br />  <br /> When I joined YLF I came across 30 for 30 and love the concept, but found it limiting as I think that can be done properly only if when you have wardrobe with no obvious gaps and mine was full of them. Right now I am probably at a place where I could do the challenge pretty easily. But, I prefer to stay on my own take on remixing by picking a specific item or aspect of wardrobe I'll focus on them for a limited period of time.<br />  <br /> Below are some visuals of what I see as remixing my grey sheath dress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually/page/2#post-470141 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:03:43 +0000 Vicki 470141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a bit like Rae in this regard and have photos saved when I really like what i've created. Heather's idea to remix it three ways is useful and I like Michelle's strategy, too. Michelle, what is a "pleione blouse"? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-470138 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:58:05 +0000 Anonymous 470138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a huge 'remixer' as I often buy single pieces and when I first set out on my own, it stretched my wardrobe.</p> <p>Saying that, there are some things I don't remix, like suits. But I do snicker sometimes at some websites that declare a sweater or blouse 'remixed', those are not special items they are basics, </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-470118 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:42:13 +0000 Angie 470118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rae, I'm glad that you don't feel bad. I am not partial to mega remixing myself. I like to keep some items for said outfit - and other items I remix until the cows come home (like button downs and turtle necks). So high five to you and Michelle!</p> <p>I have very stylish clients who hang their complete outfits together in their closet. No remixing. It really works for them. More importantly, it makes a stressful style situation a fun process. At the end of the day - that's what it is all about. </p> <p>And if remixing makes fashion more fun for YOU - go for it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-470067 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:43:24 +0000 rachylou 470067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fascinating! I've bought outfits, but it never occurred to me to do the whole kit and kaboodle all the time. On a regular basis. I'm not sure I'd know how to do that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-470023 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:47:42 +0000 Michelle 470023@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm one of those odd birds who seems to wear remixed and set outfits in equal measure. The black belted sweater I'm wearing now, for instance, has never been paired with anything other than my grey jeans, and my sweater dress met with such success when paired with my purple and green scarf, boots and moto jacket that I've nevermessed with teh combo since. Most of the time, though, I try to think of no less than two combos in which to wear an item when I purchase it. I have a red and black top that's been incredible in this way. I've belted it over a pencil skirt with piles of pearls, through it on over black skinnies and wore it super casually with boot cuts. My black sheath dress and polka dotted pleione blouse have been similarly versatile, even working well together. I think omy overall preference is to remix, but I'm more than happy to leave an outfit as is if it's working particularly well. A good balance suits me perfectly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469979 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:41:09 +0000 rae 469979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, that is a relief! I initially started keeping all my outfit pics in a file so that I could go back and repeat the exact outfit when I didn't want to stress in the am. Then I started to feel somehow deficient because I wasn't remixing enough - it makes me happy that it isn't something to be ashamed of! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469976 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:39:20 +0000 Suz 469976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think...and I may be wrong...my mother's fondness for remixing arose from her Depression era childhood. Truth be told, back then, she probably didn't have enough clothes to remix anything. She'd be lucky to have 3 outfits in total! But in her young adulthood, she was also struggling to buy clothing, and clothes that could be remixed were more affordable than seven separate outfits — which back then would have meant separate (matching) shoes, bag, gloves, likely a hat...no WONDER coats were supposed to be longer than your skirt. No one in her position could have afforded to "match" her coat to all those outfits. </p> <p>Some of this has transferred itself to me. I've never been in a financial position, really, to buy an entire "outfit" of clothes at one time. Or at least that is how it has felt; in fact, buying piece by piece is often false economy if one doesn't do it wisely and well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469931 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:41:59 +0000 Angie 469931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This might surprise you. </p> <p>I have clients who do NOT remix. They wear the same head to toe outfits over and over and over again. No closet orphans and no stress about what to wear each morning. They also don't get bored of their clothes and outfit combinations. It's very interesting! If this approach makes them happy - I am all for it. </p> <p>Remixing is fab if it's your thing - and it's certainly Bella's thing :). But if an outfit feels fabulous as it, why feel pressured to wear the items in other ways? People have different style needs for sure. Some like to remix, others don't. I can absolutely see the advantages of both sides of the strategy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469923 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:33:30 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 469923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy - No, "overdying" is not redundant if it is the correct term. Over-dying is when something is already dyed. There are many organic cotton items (tees, dresses, etc) that are not already dyed. In that case, you would be simply dying it, not over-dying.</p> <p>Hope that's clear, I probably shouldn't be posting until my migraine medicine has kicked in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469916 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:28:47 +0000 MsMary 469916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jonesy, I'm with you. It never really occurred to me that there was any way to wear clothes BUT wear the same stuff over and over in different combinations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469880 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:36:17 +0000 Jonesy 469880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, I share your perspective on this: I have always worn things in different combinations or mixes, so I never got what the big deal was. I would just think of it as "wearing clothes." Bella, your thoughts were useful :). </p> <p>One other term from the fashion blogosphere that I scratch my head over: "over-dyeing." Isn't this redundant, since any time you dye something at home you are dyeing over something else? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469813 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:39:05 +0000 Suz 469813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Bella, that was so interesting; thank you for sharing! </p> <p>And Elly, although I do "remix" simply because it's the way I've always thought and bought, I'm much like you in that I don't easily get bored of my clothes and would rather look fantastic in the same outfit than so-so in a new combination of items. So I tend to wear the same combinations again and again. </p> <p>I think I like the YLF challenges because they force me not to do that. I may not wear the combinations I come up with in a challenge ever again, but it does knock me out of my fallback mixes, if you know what I mean, and that's a good thing. </p> <p>But Sona, I also agree with what you are saying...it can be really comforting to have a few "outfits" figured out, so you just KNOW what to wear for a specific occasion. It takes the stress out of it all. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469807 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:30:47 +0000 Mamapicklejuice 469807@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To me, "remixing" goes beyond just mixing up tops and bottoms...it often means breaking conventional rules about how an item is generally worn, and thus making it almost unrecognizable at first glance.</p> <p>Examples:<br /> * necklace worn as bracelet or belt<br /> * blouse worn under dress (Angie did a blog about this)<br /> * pullover worn over dress, making it look like a top and a skirt<br /> * anything worn backwards </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469787 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:48:06 +0000 Sona 469787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>great discussion. I've never actually bought an 'outfit' so by default am a remixer? It actually makes me want to go in the other direction a little bit too- having one or two 'outfits' ready in my closet that don't require the several item change that often occurs on fly by my pant mornings! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469752 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:24:06 +0000 lyn67 469752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not that I haven't ever purchased a complete outfit in my life, but I am with you Una, here-and I think I masterred remix this year, both seasons:-) I like to be creative! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469716 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:17:46 +0000 CocoLion 469716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so in awe of anyone who does 30 in 30! I want to try it myself.</p> <p>I have always been a remixer, with lots of orphans unfortunately. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469694 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:16:13 +0000 catgirl 469694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bella, that's a perfect explanation. I have a friend like your mom - she wears the same combinations over and over. I think it makes dressing easier for her, same as wearing jewelry in sets. </p> <p>I never shopped like that, so there were never outfits to break up.</p> <p>Your novels are always enlightening! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469690 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:11:15 +0000 bella 469690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel like I have to chime in since I call my blog "Bella Remixes."<br /> As QM explained, some people buy outfits and don't necessarily think of pairing each of these outfits with something else. My mum is one of those people. She has great taste and dresses well, puts great outfits together and never has wardrobe orphans since she purchases coordinating pieces. But she doesn't "remix" these items with other things in her closet. She even purchases fashion jewelry to go with certain outfits and always wears them together. My mom wears these outfits often, she doesn't get bored with them easily. She rethinks her pairings every season and adds/substracts new outfits as necessary.<br /> Now, I think this is the difference. Some of these fashion bloggers self-admitted that they started blogging precisely because of this ( I am thinking of Kendi and her 30 for 30 for example): Their wardrobes were full of "outfits" but they were bored with wearing the same things over and over. So they would go out and purchase new clothes for the thrill of having "new things" but then the novelty would soon fade and they would be out spending more money. Remixing, therefore, was a way to curb fashion spending, making the most of your purchases. I think it caught on because a lot of people identified with this shopping behavior.<br /> If you've always been the kind of person who would remix things in their closet with ease, I think it is wonderful. Yet, for some people it is a new and interesting idea.<br /> As for me, I named my blog Bella Remixes, because I started writing it when I embarked on an installment of 30 for 30, which required me to wear these 30 items in different ways. In general, my journey has been a long one from outfits to remixes. When I was living at home and going out shopping with my mum, she would always make me buy outfits. I pretty much never had an orphan skirt for example because there would always be a matching top that she made me purchase to go with it. As I started to shop on my own, I moved away from this and along the way made some bad purchases which ended up being orphans. At this point, I feel like I am at a place where I can mix the clothes in my closet easily and efficiently and make sure that new items will fit in before I make a purchase. But I absolutely no qualms about wearing a particular outfit over and over if I feel like it's a killer combo.<br /> Sorry for the novel, I hope it helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-is-remixing-actually#post-469670 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:37:25 +0000 catgirl 469670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm, seems like I've always been a remixer! It's a function of being a random and undisciplined shopper. Never did I buy outfits as a whole. Now I try to apply Heather's wise rule of finding at least three ways to wear something, on top of it meeting all of my "Aida's list" requirements. </p> <p>Interesting responses - thanks! </p>