https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 06:06:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433399 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 23:24:32 +0000 trekkiegirl 1433399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting topic. While I agree that fit, balance, proportions, inner confidence, etc all matter, I don't think there is any singular attribute that can take an outfit from good to great more than the viewer's internalization - whether the viewer is also the wearer or not - of what they see, and their opinion of it. It's completely subjective. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433382 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:56:39 +0000 Anonymous 1433382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great singers sing songs that are best for their particular voice - vocal style, if you will. For example, some voices are best suited for opera, others for country, etc. I think the same is true with outfits. In addition to all of the aforementioned things, an outfit can only truly be great if it suits the person wearing it. That would include physique, personality and lifestyle. I think this is what Kibbe refers to as "essence." </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433361 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 22:03:51 +0000 Gaylene 1433361@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So whose definition is the definitive one? Angie stresses how one feels in the outfit (If I feel great, then it is great--end of story); Shiny opts for that something extra like texture, pattern, and shine (the oomph factor that transforms "good" into "great"); Approprio's vote is for an intangible sense of stylistic empowerment (I kind of like that--even if it sounds a bit mystical for the act of pulling on a pair of pants); Dimity's answer is cultural relevance with forward momentum ("great" as a game-changer because it shifts our perceptions) and so it goes...</p> <p>And my philosophical relativism is out on display when I say it's my personal bias that determines what is "great"-- for me and me alone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433193 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:55:35 +0000 celia 1433193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All of the above , or maybe none. It seems to be some intangible aesthetic notion that either comes from within or is emotionally recognized by others.<br />Btw,I would also like to have the secret code for always having great outfits </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433182 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:44:31 +0000 Angie 1433182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your own swagger and happiness-factor will tell you whether you're wearing a good or GREAT outfit.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433170 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:34:15 +0000 shiny 1433170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Let's assume that fit &amp; proportion are on target, which is why the outfit is "good" in the first place. What takes it up a notch to great?&nbsp;</p> <p>I'd say this is when attention to&nbsp;pattern, texture, and shine make all the difference.&nbsp;</p> <p>Consider that a lot of essentials/basics are pretty plain and tend to be matte/dull in texture: the white button down. White/black/gray&nbsp;cotton tee.&nbsp;Jeans. Black trousers. Black dress. Black suit jacket.&nbsp;Etc. If you've nailed the fit &amp; proportions the outfit is going to still fall flat and just be okay. But add in details like metallic shoes, jewelry or zippers, leather&nbsp;(shine); soft cashmere or nubbly&nbsp;sweater, tweed jacket, leather accessories, suede accessories,&nbsp;animal hair accessories&nbsp;(texture); animal print accessories, a scarf (pattern) ... and now you have a great outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433089 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 12:26:12 +0000 Jaime 1433089@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene + Approprio. Interplay between the clothes, the wearer and the audience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433083 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 12:09:15 +0000 approprio 1433083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zounds!! You may as well ask what makes great art, or how to achieve enlightenment!</p> <p>Proportion, fit, attitude, grooming, co-ordination, execution,&nbsp;cultural awareness... But there's always a certain extra something that's hard to define. Context in the moment, comfort in one's own skin, a kind of stylistic empowerment that goes beyond a simple combination of garments. </p> <p>Je ne sais quoi?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433080 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 11:48:57 +0000 Astrid 1433080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that it's in the eye of the beholder - but the right proprtions and a good fit help. I used to have too long sleeves, unflattering hem lengths etc. all the time because I never thought of doing simple alterations before YLF. That makes a big difference. For myself I also find texture to be more important than I thought it would be... It's definitely something I've been working on. An outfil feels "flat" to me when there isn't any variation in textures. Not that it necessarily has to look that way, it's just what I'm feeling when I wear it. And I also think it's important that you wear the clothes and they don't wear you. It's not something that necessarily needs to be visible in pictures, but I'm sometimes meeting people IRL who totally fade into the background behind their outfits. Not something I would aspire to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433066 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 11:00:20 +0000 Dimity 1433066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So true, Gaylene. We are like colonists and we&nbsp;take our world view everywhere with us. :)</p> <p>I'm thinking back through history at what were deemed great outfits or clothes that changed fashion forever. What about when Victoria wore a white dress to get married and boom! Our tradition of white wedding dresses started. Or when dresses began to be cut on the bias in the 1920s and suddenly, the layers of petticoats of the Victorians and Edwardians was so yesterday? Or the power suits of the Second World War that women wore because they suddenly had to shoulder full time jobs in the paid workforce in a different way than had happened previously? Christian Dior changed that again by introducing (or refining, depending on your viewpoint) the New Look. The 1960s and bohemian looks, the 1970s and flares and pussy bows for working women. I could go on, but what I'm suggesting is that what makes an outfit great is that it's relevant to its culture while at the same time, it&nbsp;moves the story forward a little. That's what makes great art too; it has a unique viewpoint yet moves the narrative along.<br />So yeah, fit, proportions, all that. But then there is that little bit more than average. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433052 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:02:30 +0000 Gaylene 1433052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deborah, I suppose it depends on whether or not you subscribe to the notion that there is a universal agreement about what is "great"--or "beautiful"--or "good"--or any other judgement we bestow on a person, idea, or object. Personally, I've always been inclined to think that our judgements say more about us than whatever is being discussed. The thing about personal biases and predilections is that they tend to be so buried in our subconscious we are rarely aware of how they influence our thinking, perceptions and evaluations. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433047 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:50:50 +0000 fuzzylogic 1433047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Laura- attitude! And confidence! It's what you bring to the ensemble that takes it from good to great! And I think that happens best when your personality is synergistic with what you wear! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433046 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:47:58 +0000 Style Fan 1433046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with what others have said&nbsp;especially the ideas that Kiwigal&nbsp;and Gaylene said.&nbsp; I can put together an ensemble but when I wear it an outfit (now I know the difference) something doesn't work.&nbsp; The ensemble looks great but on me it falls flat.&nbsp; For example, I am a medium contrast person so I can't carry off black and white checked prints.&nbsp; They look great on high contrast people.</p> <p>Knowing what works for you and your style is part of the mix.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433044 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:45:00 +0000 Deborah 1433044@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, that is a very good point:)&nbsp; Do you think that we can see past our personal bias and appreciate&nbsp;the 'greatness' of an&nbsp;outfit that is not our aesthetic or predilection?&nbsp; For example I don't dress like Angie, or share her style aesthetic but there have been outfits of hers that I consider 'great' to use Shipskitty's word.&nbsp; I do need to review them I guess and see if it's because she has touched on my preferred aesthetic or look... hmmmm </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433041 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:31:31 +0000 Gaylene 1433041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Personal bias. </p> <p>Good outfits follow the principles others have outlined above, but the accolade "great" is a judgement that comes from an internal aesthetic or predilection. My "great" probably isn't your "great". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433033 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 08:26:35 +0000 Sal 1433033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with all the comments on proportion; these have been valuable YLF lessons.</p> <p>I also think you need to wear the outfit - not the outfit wearing you. &nbsp;I guess this is wearing something that suits you, that you feel comfortable in, and that is you.&nbsp;</p> <p>I feel best when my looks are quite bold, even if the colours are neutral or quiet. This might mean wearing a bold ring, or lipstick. &nbsp;It might mean modern shoes...or sparkles or a hat.&nbsp; I will add that my idea of bold could be different to others. &nbsp;Without that something bold I don't feel like me, and if I have several statement/bold pieces, I also feel wrong.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433028 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:32:33 +0000 rachylou 1433028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm thinking. The thing is, what makes me go wow is not the same as what makes me think an outfit is great. For me there is more latitude for a great outfit than for a wow outfit. And outfits I like, as in prefer, are different yet again.</p> <p>One thing tho that I think a great outfit needs is knowledge of when to stop. All pieces must relate, be doing something for each other. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433024 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 06:10:23 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1433024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Attitude? Honestly, I think this is so much in the eye of the beholder. I've had so many times where I feel great in something but others don't like it, or vice versa that I get a lot of positive comments and I think it's just average.</p> <p>Proportions, the right amount of interest - enough but not too much, you've got to give the eye a place to rest - and personal grooming all help, of course. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1433003 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 05:20:52 +0000 Gigi 1433003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh, great thread!</p> <p>I completely concur with the others that proportions can make or break an outfit. I am very mindful of whether to tuck or untuck my shirt, and it often depends on what I'm wearing on the bottom and what shoes I have on. If I will be wearing heels, I often untuck, because the heels make my lower half longer, and the top half needs to be extended somewhat to balance it out. If I'm wearing a maxi skirt, I often untuck, because the maxi extends all the way to the floor and is usually somewhat too high-waisted for tucking. I have found that I like to wear flats with my maxi skirts to avoid an awkward extension of my lower half (I'm already long legged, and maxis just emphasize it).</p> <p>I also have to say that proper fit of the items&nbsp;is crucial. Fluid fits have to be just so, so that they don't look frumpy or ill fitting, and fitted items have to be nicely fitted but not look like you bought a size too small. I continue to be amazed at how good I look when an item fits me perfectly. (It's not you, it's the clothes, as Angie says.)</p> <p>I also think that balance in the silhouette is crucial. If you are wearing volume on top, oftentimes a more fitted bottom works, and vice versa. I do know that sometimes people wear volume on volume, but I assume there is some trick to this that they need to share (I can't do it). :)</p> <p>The last item I would suggest doesn't really have to do with clothes but has to do with personal grooming. Sometimes some extra attention to hair or nails or makeup can really take a regular outfit to stunning. Or if the outfit seems to lack something, a piece of statement jewelry can fill it out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1432987 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 04:50:25 +0000 Deborah 1432987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreed!&nbsp; The third piece can work magic.&nbsp; Even something simple like a scarf, at times, can take an outfit from fab to<b> F A B !!&nbsp; </b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1432984 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 04:45:08 +0000 dashielle (Ann) 1432984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Deborah on the topic of proportions, and boy is this a difficult one, especially in a high-contrast look. I think this is why it's a relief to do a monochromatic look The other thing, and one that has only very recently entered my field of view, is the so-called "third piece". The perfect cardi, jacket, coat or vest brings the look full circle, at least to my current perspective. A brass ring look includes all of the elements (color, pattern, shine, texture AND proportion), but my lord, that's a tall order! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1432978 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 04:33:27 +0000 Deborah 1432978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to think on this but the first thing that comes to mind is <b><i>proportions.&nbsp; </i></b><i><b></b></i><b></b>I think the outfits that really blow me out of the water are ones where the&nbsp;wearer has totally nailed&nbsp;the proportions of the look.&nbsp; I am sure there are many other elements and will come back should I think of any.&nbsp; Following with interest. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1432963 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 03:37:26 +0000 Elizabeth P 1432963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question. Following! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-good-outfit-into-a-great-one#post-1432960 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 03:35:14 +0000 shipskitty 1432960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been looking at lots of WIW's recently and am struck by how many different styles there are amongst YLFers and yet how each in their own way can create a great look.</p> <p>As part of trying to understand what in my own style makes a good outfit into a great one I'd be interested in hearing views on what elements you think can make or break an outfit?</p> <p>For example texture seems more important than I had previously realised especially if the look is a monochrome one. Thoughts? </p>