Are you true to your preferred method of dressing? - YouLookFab Forum

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Are you true to your preferred method of dressing?

Astrid

Veteran

I've read this post on method dressing recently after LBD linked to another post on this blog. I hadn't know the blog before, but I really like a lot of her posts.

http://into-mind.com/2013/04/22/method-dressing/

In this posts she discusses different methods of dressing. I think at the moment I'm dressing mostly with the neutrals and key pieces approach. My dream wardrobe would definitely allow more of a modular approach. The idea of just grabbing pieces together in the morning and then they work - it's bliss. I guess that's my tomboy coming through. Jeans always go with tees and sneakers. I wouldn't say that my closet organisation reflects this in any way.

How about you? Do you have a specific approach to dressing (maybe even one not mentioned here)? Do you wish it were different?

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

jenanded

Veteran

I kind of like her approach and its insights. But would like to think I could be less faithful... and therefore more exciting. but think its mainly pant knit top blazer/jeans and tea/ and more recently dress and shorter jacket... all with flats

Molly L-R

Mine would probably be a combination of the modular and set outfits. My wardrobe is modular because I stick within an Autumn colour palette and I'm trying to refine my style, but I also have certain items that I always wear with each other. But then I suppose I incorporate uniforms, because I prefer the outfit formulas v-neck cardigan + short sleeved blouse + A-line skirt and t-shirt + A-line skirt.

Astrid

Veteran

Jenanded, I think her approach fits well into the minimalism idea, which is one of the main subjects on her blog. Although deviating from it might be more exciting.

Thanks Molly. I do think almost everybody mixes approaches, but it is interesting to see where the emphasis is.

Hil

(website)

Veteran

That is so interesting! I guess I fall into the mostly neutral and key pieces category... with the occasional modular, set outfit and uniform approach thrown in. A modular approach sounds great but I worry about being bored!!!

rute

Veteran

this is so interesting!

I was already suspicious I had the set outfits approach: A set of items that I always wear together and rarely mix with other pieces.

For me when a set is great I always wear it again and again!

I was already thinking that I should organising my closet by sets together!

Mona

Veteran

intereting process! i think i am more of a neutral and key pieces type of dresser.

Astrid

Veteran

Hil, what do you think would bore you with a modular approach? Of course it's difficult if you get bored of wearing only certain colors that go together, but I think the pieces on their own don't have to be boring.

Rute, reorganising your closet might be a nice experiment, maybe it will save you time in the morning?

Mona, would you say you are one by choice?

Archer

Veteran

Thanks for posting this. I got a lot out of it and I am going to read over and over.
I do the modular mostly and it is jeans and jackets for casual day.

Uniform for work: mix and match jackets and skirts/dresses but in a much reduced range of colours.

Oh and, and - all of them in some contexts but the really good thing for me is that the description she gives is so clearly articulated that I've finally got it.

Anonymous

I used to have mostly the outfits approach and bought outfits together, then didn't mix much.
Now I'd say I'm neutrals with key pieces.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I aspire to be more minimal and organized. Like the Vivienne Files approach(es)... modularity, like you so. But actual shopping is so often unsuccessful that way. Plus I like more quirk and colour but haven't figured out the line that allows a statement to play well with other dramatic pieces.

Astrid

Veteran

Archer, I found her explanations very good too.

Joy, I think the outfit approach might be easiest. My mum does this too, she's not very interested in fashion and doesn't like to shop but has to look pulled together for work. When she buys work clothes she always buys sets in a boutique and then repeats those.

Manidipa, I agree. For me it's been the same, finding just the right pieces for modular dressing has proven to be difficult. I would say it's getting slowly better though. It's still my goal to one day get there! I have started to dress more neutral and with lower contrast lately, so that should help.

Diana

Veteran

I think these are all too organized and regimented for me! I choose outfits in a much more organic, haphazard way and I let inspiration guide me. Or in other words, I make a big mess. But Angie said in a blog post once, "don't be afraid to make a mess!" so it's all good.

A lot of times I'll decide I want to wear a particular item and then build the outfit organically around that item. Of course like everyone else I have ffbos (formulas or sets) for when I have no time but it's not how I prefer to get dressed. I really enjoy putting together interesting combinations! It's a creative outlet for me.

Astrid

Veteran

Diana, I think 'creative chaos' is also a perfectly vaild method of dressing. I can see how those methods above might be way too regimented for some people and you always look great! I think these approaches mostly make sense when you look at them in combination with minimalist style, which her blog is about. I don't think you can pare down your wardrobe to the minimum and still look stylish without implementing at least some rules.

Susie

Veteran

I really enjoyed that post. I think in the past I have had somewhat of a desire to utilize an outfits approach but the reality was that my wardrobe was more modular.

I find that I have two main preferred silhouettes. The first is slim bottoms with a long or slouchy/drapey top. I would say that this is generally created with a neutral and key piece approach.

The other style I often wear is jean style pants with a layering tee or tank with a jacket or cardigan topper. This style is more modular where the toppers can be worn with different bottoms.

I want to keep both of these silhouettes because they both feel like 'me.' I do however want to continue trying to streamline my wardrobe and whittle it down to only the 'best' of each of the categories. I think limiting the colors I have will help too. I know I need to be more discriminating in my shopping and not add new pieces just because.

Thanks for the link!

Irene

Veteran

I am a bit like Rute in that I have my own little sets and can't be open minded enough to just create new ones out of the same pieces. I also really suffer when incorporating new different items (unless they are dresses or jeans) because I never find what to pair them with.

I wish I could just pair my printed skirt with other tops apart from the navy blue tank, but I just don't have it in me. I'm that narrow-minded lol

T-Rex

Veteran

No, I don't stay true to my preferred method. But for me it's sort of the opposite. I am a last minute kind of person, and always running late. So I tend to wear the first cohesive looking group of items that I can find. What I would *like* to do is choose a different statement piece, or new to me item, or color scheme, or theme, or whatever, and then build the most fun, cool, interesting outfit possible around that starting point. But that takes time, energy, and organization. I have enough of the first, but I'm sorely lacking in the other two ingredients. I believe that the day that I begin taking full advantage of my wardrobe choices, even on an occasional basis, will be the day that I am finally getting my life under control.

Cindy

I think I do the module approach which seems to be what other bloggers call a capsule wardrobe. I think I was doing it unconsciously for a long time simply by buying the colors that I like and that look good on me.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I want to be a modular person, but I think it will take some time to change over from a uniform approach.

I thought you meant (when I read the title) the way I dressed. Yup. True to that. Tops. Then bottoms. :p

unfrumped

Veteran

I like that post and others on the blog. They are helpful the way Angie’s deconstructions are helpful—breaking down why something is what it is.

I’m finally figuring out that I need more of the uniform dressing approach. Or really, need to refine that approach. The good thing is that I have maybe 3-5 “uniforms” that work well, not just one Alt look. The reason that’s finally coming through my skull is the proportions. With pure mix & match, I end up with funny proportions and feel off. The first refinement is to pay close attention to the things than make an item work for the uniform—length and degree of fittedness--and to be PPP for good quality items. Then by adding some color discipline, that translates into a combo of uniform-modular. Other methods are still available but at least I have a base.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I love playing in my closet and don't feel like I fit any one of these which makes sense to my approach.... Since I see styling outfits as an art form it has to be more fluid. I have looks that are treid on and approved in the front of my closet at all times that are appropriate for different activities in my world and use those when I need something quick.. Otherwise I just see what inspires me... I have that luxury as a stay at home mother...

rachylou

Veteran

Oh I love this stuff. I think I'm pretty true to my approach, which I think is the modular one. But I probably have one too many colours in my palette and will do pretty loud, clashing combos.

Every now and then I do pine a little for some uniform dressing.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks everyone for responding, it was very interesting to read about your methods.

Lyn, I can see now how that could be misunderstood.