https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:34:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146661 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 12:42:52 +0000 unfrumped 2146661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Much harder now with pandemic, since not many places to go, events, and now, no work days.<br /> As pandemic goes on and essential errands go on, I have come up out of the mire a bit and am making an effort to wear “ outfits “ for most errands.<br /> Because most of these are not super- rushed, I will put something on and then may spend 15 min or so trying a few variations- different shoes, see if different toppers work.<br /> Sometimes I can’t tell if I should feel happy I can find a lot of variations, or sad that most of them will remain in my imaginary life for now, and then later may not fit or appeal to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146651 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 11:58:23 +0000 Preppy Pear 2146651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, and I love Torontogirl’s idea for an “I tried” piece - I’d like to try that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146650 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 11:54:37 +0000 Preppy Pear 2146650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great ideas in this thread! I giggled a little when I saw the word “strategy,” because I wish I was more strategic, but I’m not - my strategy is about comfort and familiarity.<br /> I’m with Donna F. - I check the weather first thing, and generally choose an outfit I can layer this time of year. And I am a uniform dresser, I tend to be in a hurry and rely on combinations that I know will work - i.e. blazer/topper, button-down shirt, jeans, sneakers - on repeat.<br /> I think if I were more strategic, I’d spend more time playing in my closet and getting wear out of more of my clothes by planning new combinations so there’s no guesswork when I’m actually getting dressed. This thread has inspired me to take a little time to do that again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146629 Thu, 01 Oct 2020 05:59:51 +0000 Gigi 2146629@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I'm going to play in my closet, I like to look around online for inspiration outfits that have a lot of pieces similar to what I already own. Then I use those as a springboard for putting together new outfits. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146574 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 22:33:52 +0000 Vildy 2146574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do exactly what Janet does.&nbsp; Either newest, mood (including weather because I'm moody about weather ) or figuring out the orphan. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146516 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 19:37:46 +0000 Helena 2146516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This thread is a treasure trove!</p> <p>For me, I am a rather basic dresser - jeans and sweater most days - so the only strategy I bring into it is always trying to add an "I tried" piece - meaning some non-essential piece that says I did put a bit of thought into it! This could be a traditional "third piece" (i.e. a topper) but is more often than not some necklaces, a scarf, my snakeprint belt - just a little something to prove I tried! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146446 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:44:08 +0000 Janet 2146446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it’s really simple. When I do this, I usually start with a particular piece — either something I just bought, something I am in the mood to wear, or something orphaned that I want to figure out. Then I find pieces in my wardrobe that I think will go with it, and go from there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146435 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 13:57:37 +0000 cjh 2146435@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Though I don’t count wears and never have used that sort of wardrobe management, relying more on an individual item’s condition, age, fit, and usability with other current pieces to determine keep or remove, I have to agree with Jenni that I’ve been using a small capsule approach more than ever. Picking what feels good for the day from a small group of items is working for me.</p> <p>As summer was an unusually constant combination of weather and activities this year, i. e.&nbsp;hot and staying home, my choices became a predictable cycle of 4-5 pairs of shorts, maybe 8-9 knit sleeveless tops and either sandals or tennis shoes. I might have worn a “dressier” woven sleeveless blouse a time or two. In fact, as I switched out a few things in my closet last week as weather had been changing, my colorful floral blouse and tangerine orange summer&nbsp;cardigan I’d set aside for Easter church still hung unworn. Sad...&nbsp;</p> <p>This strategy of picking what appeals for the moment, from one of 4-5 pairs of jeans, a shirt or long sleeve tee out of perhaps 8-12 favorites, and a coordinating sweater from my 6-7 daily “stock” pile, appears to be the wave of my future. No activities requiring fancier, festive pieces means I’m simply dressing for comfort, warmth, and to bolster my outlook that I am still me, and today I can do my activities - read, sew, cook, walk, household chores, pay bills, text my daughters, talk on the phone to my mother in law. (Running gear worn for runs, 3 x week.)</p> <p>At least half, if not 2/3, of my wardrobe is not being worn at all, so no shopping for replacement or enhancement is required, though I’m planning to find some good, warm and weather proof boots so I’m motivated to keep walking outside this winter. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146390 Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:24:50 +0000 Jenni NZ 2146390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am using my ( handwritten) clothes tracking lists to plan, more than ever this year. Because I have been trying to wear everything #30 wears I tend to start with the less worn pants. Only 3 work days a week since June so the black 2014 dress pants have been a frequent choice, they have just reached 30 with 18 of their wears being this year. Before I was only using them for evening outings which there have been few of. The 4 non-work days have featured my 2015 NYDJ jeans 14 times<br /> ( now at 27, wearing them today) and also 16 wears of the 2019 navy lounge pants. I will wear different pants if those 3 pairs do not suit the tops I want to wear. I am still hankering after silver pants but am waiting until wears are up on these others.<br /> I am also picking from a smaller number of tops- 2 black layering tops, one orange, one olive, one silver, one navy, one peplum, one olive/gold. None of them have 30 wears yet. Again I will wear a more used top if it suits an outfit better.<br /> Plus one dressy top and 2 dresses for the rare dressy event in the past few months.<br /> So I guess I am sort of dressing from a small capsule mostly, of 3 pants and 8 tops, quite often! Surprisingly small. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146369 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 22:24:15 +0000 DonnaF 2146369@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think I have grown more temperature sensitive as I have gotten older. Thus, I check the weather and temperature forecast for the day and for the next few days. Then, I consider my likely activities including walking. Within the context of what I might want and need to wear in the next few days, I choose my OOTD beginning with something I haven’t worn for awhile that I want to wear.</p> <p>Today was supposed to have a high of 80 degrees but we are also supposed to be starting yet another heat wave. I was also scheduled for a haircut which really limited my choices since the disposable drape is close to useless for keeping out the hair. The slippery fabric of my cropped pants worked well, but my shirt was less successful but not as bad as last month’s denim.</p> <p>Oh, and in these COVID days I am also guided by what might or might not be a bit snug. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy/page/2#post-2146368 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 22:17:53 +0000 Cardiff girl 2146368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use style app to create virtual outfits then when I have the time I try one out in real life,if it makes the cut l keep it logged otherwise it’s deleted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146342 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 17:29:03 +0000 slim cat 2146342@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a uniform dresser so I like to repeat formulas/outfits.<br />So far I simplified everything - denim, white, white&amp;black most of the time. Separates, no dresses this summer, metallic footwear, 2 bags in use total.&nbsp;<br />Some new things do bring excitement and the outfit creativity but I need "me" time to play with my wardrobe ( rarely happens now ).</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146334 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 16:42:56 +0000 Roberta 2146334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I often start with something (clothes, accessories) that I haven't worn in a while, but want to. Then I hang outfits on hooks (I have lots in my bedroom) until I like the results. I rarely try anything on these days as I am confident everything in my closet fits me.&nbsp;</p> <p>The exception to the outfit-on-a-hook practice is with something brand new. Then I am looking at proportion, hemlines, etc., and I have to see it on my body. And I have a built-in rule that the new item must create at least three outfits or I'm not keeping it. Sometimes a new item fits great but doesn't align with my wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>The third practice is seeing something on one of you and trying to re-create it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146332 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 16:15:22 +0000 anchie 2146332@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I bring new item home I like playing with it, to see how it fits with the rest of my wardrobe. And then I know which combination I like and would wear. On day to day basis, I usually start with one item - maybe something I haven’t worn in a while, and then plan the rest of the outfit around it, taking into account weather and activities. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146306 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 13:52:31 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2146306@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Whenever I actually have someplace to go, I might start being more creative with what I’m wearing. Lately I’ve had several themes pop into my head and then come up with outfits that fit the description. I’ve never been much into outfit creativity, so if I actually start wearing them, it could be fun. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146298 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 13:04:58 +0000 lyn67 2146298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ditto Shevia <i>starting with shoes....and going rather&nbsp;&nbsp;for try ons and&nbsp; not flat lays because fit is key to my outfit satisfaction</i>. Then, I just started to use Stylebook this Spring as well- love to play around with it- but it takes patience and time to load up a big wardrobe (mine is&nbsp;still under construction)&nbsp; but&nbsp; never had an ideea about my wardrobe's true stats before- this app can be really helpful on the long run for planning ahead as well as repeating outfits.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146291 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 12:00:17 +0000 Anonymous 2146291@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Right now it's FFBOs, because I haven't had to go out in public that much. I used to set up outfits for the week though to make my workweeeks easier. Each Sunday I'd play in my closet to come up with new combos. Since I keep a tight color scheme I have many options.<br /> But these days I'd rather spend the time doing other things so FFBOs it is! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146273 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:43:28 +0000 Brooklyn 2146273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In terms of planning ahead, I often do an outfit creation session based on one thing - it could be a new item or it could be an older item that I don’t feel like I’m wearing enough. Then I try to build some outfits around it. I start with the obvious - looking for compatible colour mixes. Alternatively, sometimes I have an idea that I’ve seen elsewhere that I want to try out. So I start with that idea in mind and see where my imagination takes me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146272 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:42:31 +0000 Staysfit 2146272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dress for my mood, for comfort, the weather, and for the challenges of the day, I rarely plan an outfit in advance. &nbsp;I pick whatever sparks joy in the moment. &nbsp; Most often I start with a color theme and a statement piece....a topper, patterned top or maybe an accessory and then I build my outfit around that using my essentials and some basics. &nbsp;My closet is organized by color and then by item. My palette mixes and matches well, so it’s easy to make new outfits.....(I like variety). &nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>I have favorite silhouettes that I know work. &nbsp;It’s rare that I have to try multiple items before I find something that feels right. &nbsp;I rarely do outfit creation sessions. &nbsp;They take too much time, and I rarely feel like wearing what I have created at a later date.</div><div><br /></div><div>One exception: &nbsp;I have some earrings that my co-workers affectionately call “the balls”. &nbsp;If we know in advance that there is something stressful on our schedule, they ask me to wear them. &nbsp;I typically pair them with a look that carries more authority/power....such as a tailored blazer and trousers. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I always wear something that has some sentiment. &nbsp;Most often some jewelry given to me by my maternal aunt, mother, husband or other member of my family. &nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146270 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:38:21 +0000 Style Fan 2146270@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My strategy is instinctual.&nbsp; I don't think about it very much.&nbsp; I put on bottoms, then a top, and if it is necessary, then a topper.&nbsp; Accessories come next.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />I do look at Angie's post to get ideas and make notes.&nbsp; I try a few versions of her post, and if I like something, I repeat it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146268 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 10:10:37 +0000 Jane 2146268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How I feel. I can't be feeling that the outfit is bossing me around and I need to feel comfortable and that I am going to fit in. I like the thrill of wearing new stuff, but really I prefer the older items that feel like they are an extension of me. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146259 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 08:06:06 +0000 Minaminu 2146259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I use the Same app as HJ, it has a shuffle feature which creates different outfits! it can be a good starting point to create a new look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146256 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:49:12 +0000 SarahD8 2146256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yah, I am with Anna. I feel embarrassed playing in my closet if other family members are around, and I haven’t been alone in the house (well Ok, maybe once or twice for 10-15 minutes) in over six months. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146254 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:07:00 +0000 annagybe 2146254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*Grumble, grumble, COVID*<br />(wine and snacks)<br />:( </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146247 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 03:25:11 +0000 Jaime 2146247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>On a day to day basis it starts with an item - maybe shoes that are comfortable for the weather and the length of my walk, maybe another item that I just noticed or thought about. It builds from there. If you manage to find some dedicated play time, I would go for try on not flat lays because fit is key to my outfit satisfaction. This may be less relevant to people with smaller wardrobes and a more predictable fit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146244 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 03:04:17 +0000 Barbara Diane 2146244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sometimes I take a new item and try things on with it that day.<br /> As concerns daily outfits, the weather is a big factor, Outside and inside my home.<br /> I don’t usually plan my outfit ahead. Today I wanted to wear my one white top. I surprised myself and picked a different skirt than the one I’d been considering. I hadn’t worn this combination before; I really liked it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146236 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 01:41:56 +0000 Sal 2146236@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I actually did this on Sunday.&nbsp; I had some new shoes and pants I wanted to play around with.&nbsp; I tried a few colours on the bed and then tried them on.....</p> <p>I like to try shoes and accessories as well.&nbsp; If I don't have shoes that work I will not wear the outfit - I compromise more on the bags and outerwear as I don't always have the perfect piece. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146235 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 01:19:08 +0000 rachylou 2146235@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh gosh. What a question! Strategy? What’s that? Lol. Truth is, I’m a formula dresser for everyday wear. I just wear it and wear it. When I worked in an office, it was different. I never wore the same outfit twice. Everyday I’d pick one item I’d want to wear and then look the rest of the closet over. As long as it wasn’t egregious, being RATE, I’d run with it and snap a pic of it, if it was particularly good. I do a lot of imagining and mental planning... I don’t use a heuristic method that often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146233 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:19:10 +0000 cindysmith 2146233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm one of those people who throws spaghetti noodles at the wall to see what sticks. I grab what I think I want to wear and put it on. If it doesn't feel right, I grab something else, until I hit on the right combination. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/whats-your-outfit-creation-strategy#post-2146230 Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:05:54 +0000 HJ 2146230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like to plan my outfits on the weekend using Stylebook and the weather forecast. Then I pull everything out of the closet and hang it up on a garment rack in my bedroom. If everything looks good hanging together then I steam whatever needs freshened up. Each morning I just put on the next outfit. Sometimes I’ll have outfits trade days if the weather changes, or if I’m not “feeling” my planned outfit that morning. </p> <p>I tend to save things for “best”, so right now I’m trying to make sure I’m not saving anything and that I’m wearing newly purchased items. </p>