Do you have trouble "collecting" an outfit over time?

While I try to purchase items that go with other things, or in the rarest of circumstances I find several items in one department or store at one time that make a particular outfit and then boy, I get those. But sometimes I want to create a special outfit in which it would be okay if it was not all multi-purpose, as long as I had one great outfit .

Typical example would be a more special-occasion or party look.. So then I have an outfit I envision, but don't know if and when I'll get all the "parts". So if I buy one part, it might not necessarily be usable unless and until I complete the outfit. That item might become a wardrobe orphan, or might be just waiting for its partners. Well not a complete orphan, but an item I really don't need just as a wardrobe addition by itself.

That strategy used to work pretty well, as things would eventually turn up. But lately I'm more worried that the parts might not come together before one part truly goes out of style, or that it will no longer fit my style direction!

Apropos the post on party outfit mixing and matching, I've been trying to create a "festive attire" outfit for department Christmas party. It's a long story for now on what I would like to wear and why (no jeans, in this situation) , but suffice it to say, I closet-shopped and just basically hate everything I've got I could possibly wear, including things I wore last year and the year before that.

So I shopped a fair amount and you'd think that would be easy, but gosh, I am not finding things I like that fit and that go together and create one of the possible "looks" I'm aiming for. (When I was shopping for "gala attire" I saw lots of less formal things and thought it would be a breeze to go back later and find some things. But so many things just haven't looked right on me.)

But so far what I've done is bought: a not expensive gold/bronze lace over black pencil skirt that just happens to fit really well and would look go with the perfect top, which I don't yet have; a bronzy cowl neck top that would look great with a certain type of pants that are in my mind but that I have not been finding; a sparkly short jacket that would look good with the right dress or pants/top that I don't have.

Tags are still on but I'm depressed! I went ahead and bought them because of my mental image of these possible outfits and the idea that I usually never find things in the same line or brand, but that when I find the other part I'll wish I had the first part.

I do think that these items may turn out to work if I harness the power of the Internet and now look very specifically for the items that my "vision" tells me have a chance of being an outfit-completer.

Does this make any sense, and does this happen to you?

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, you KNOW it happens to me, if you saw my What to Wear thread.

You'll get nothin' but empathy from this quarter.

I agree that it can be much more difficult than we anticipate to find special occasion wear when the occasion arises. Even Angie confessed that she had trouble finding just the "right" jeans for her festive outfit. Lots of metallics out there, but none were right.

That is why Angie and other smart people start shopping way in advance, I guess. And planning.

I just never realized how FAR in advance one would have to do this.

Carole

It's really tough this time of year to complete an outfit. Things get picked over and most stores don't carry loads of party attire so it's a scavenger hunt, at least for me. I gave up and just bought some jewelry to sparkle up stuff I already could assemble. Nothing crazy great, but the parties are just neighborhood casual affairs so I think I'll be fine.

unfrumped

You're so right, Suz. And not only far ahead, but have to re-examine said "outfit" (or items) at regular intervals and maybe have the next thing already in mind. Again, I've not been as happy with what I thought were "classic" items that now look dated to me or that the fit is not up to date.

I actually believe I have to identify a certain budget amount, or something, for items I really love at the moment but can't yet wear (e.g. the event may be 6 months away) and then risk changing my mind or style. That would be okay if limited to some of these special events. Or, with help from YLF, I might figure out how to wear them on occasions I'd never thought of before!

Sveta

Actually I think if you have a very festive item you can pair it with something you wear everyday and it should work fine. For example gold lace pencil skirt - do you have ANY simple top - cream, black, brown, taupe - a simple top paired with a skirt like this should look wonderful! If you have a leather jacket it would also look great with this skirt.
What I would do in this case - pull out EVERYTHING from my wardrobe and start experimenting - and universe usually provides!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

What Sveta said.

I believe you need to get occasion outfits early (as Suz suggests) - and skirts are NOTORIOUS trouble makers. So often orphaned.

ManidipaM

No advice to offer, just (virtual) tea and sympathy I know this feeling all too well.

I STILL have things I got during an earlier style 'renewal' that are waiting for their partners---and meanwhile, my body (if not my style) has changed and I'm not sure these garments will still be in style by the time I figure out a plan B that works!

susan chuang

Active Member

Yes, I have the same problem. Collecting clothes over time is a hard thing.

Kim

And remember the fast fall back outfit...The Little Black Dress...There will be plenty of them out there right now and there's a good reason why they are classic...

So if you can't find anything else I'd be getting me a little black dress that I loved!

anne

I had this problem recently when shopping for my brother's wedding. Managed the dress in 2 days - getting the topper and shoes sorted took LOTS longer! I feel your pain!

Mander

I have this problem all the time -- I'll have a certain kind of garment in mind and just cannot find it anywhere, at any price. This is partly why I have started teaching myself to sew. It would be so much easier to just make something than look all over and still never find it.

Anonymous

Yes, this happens to me every year and I wonder if it's part of the reason I dread the holiday season! It's never fun to go out feeling like you look less than fab. I'll be waiting anxiously to see what you turn up.

texstyle

I think many of us probably do the "collecting" thing somewhat. I am trying not to get too hung up on any "ideals" myself since I'm still learning what is flattering on me.

I'd look for a v-neck silk or cashmere sweater (or look alike) to go with that pencil skirt, add some jewelry and black heels and go! Sounds like a perfect outfit to me. Add a pair of brocade or patterned pants that also go with the sweater and you have 2 outfits.

missvee

Yes I do the same thing - it's so hard to put festive separates together into a decent outfit. Your skirt sounds fab, and I like the suggestions so far. If you can, wear it to the stores and try on every top in sight so that you have a good idea of proportion as well as fit. Don't give up - you're halfway there !

sveta and Angie, thank you--though you have more confidence in my closet than I do! But I'll try again. I hear you on the skirt orphan--for me it would be because of shoes and that it's more dressy and exposed and pants are easier and more comfort-dressing--is that the deal or is there some other aspect?

Pouring tea with ManidipaM and Susan...

I do like the outfit suggestions. It's the execution, getting the parts that fit to make the outfit, that's the drag.

I need pants that are some kind of updated slimmer style but still work for my curvy-pear and Team Rear View issues and that don't require high heels or uncomfortable shoes. In my mind are the some kind of perfect tuxedo pant (not the casual type) or velvet straight-leg or brocade but brick-and-mortar isn't yielding. Will window shop on line.

Freckles

I agree with pulling tops from closet for that skirt or getting silk or cashmere sweater depending which worked better for your climate.

I know I've seen lbd and new necklaces in your posts too.

I'm assuming this bronze top is totally wrong...

Is this work function a sit down gala/ball or luncheon/afternoon party

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