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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

My outfit project

Susie

Veteran

There has been a lot of interest in and discussion about our desire to "right size" our wardrobes. Last night I had an idea that I am going to try. I had re-read a post of Angie's where she talked about clients who have approximately 10 work outfits that they always wear the same way- ie this top is always worn with this bottom. These clients shop approximately every 3 years to refresh their wardrobes.

Two things with this don't work for me- 10 outfits would be too frequent repetition for me and I want to refresh my wardrobe with several new items each season. There is no way I could not shop for 3 years and I can't imagine loving any item enough to wear it that often for that long!

BUT, I do like the idea of determining the one or two BEST ways to wear an item. I don't think I mind outfit repetition if I feel fab in the outfit. Nor do I have a desire to have a wardrobe where every top goes with every bottom- in some ways, that would feel like even more repetition to me.

So I am going to create 20 work outfits and 6-8 casual outfits (some pieces will work in both.) I will start with about 6-8 tops and 6-8 bottoms that are my current favorites- meaning they fit well, they are comfortable and I feel good wearing them. Some of those will work together to make an outfit- a favorite top will pair with a favorite bottom. For other things, I will pull additional items that I need to create an outfit with a preferred piece. I won't set any 'rules' as to whether or not an item gets used more than once or not; I just want 20 outfits.

While planning, I might choose the shoes and bag for that outfit or just leave that go until the time I wear the outfit- that part of getting dressed is usually fairly easy!

I didn't have time last night to work on creating my outfits but I do have a mental list of some of the tops and some of the bottoms that I want to use. For today, I wore a dress that I am counting as one of my 20 outfits. I want to try to include those items that are primarily for summer wear but again no rule, I just need to create 20 outfits that I want to wear for the next 4 weeks.

At the end of 4 weeks, I will determine if I am happy to start another cycle of wearing those same 20 outfits or if I feel a need to swap out a few pieces or entire outfits. I am hoping that it will be one more way to determine how much I really need. I think it will also show me if I have too many items in a particular category.

I know some of you hate repeating entire outfits and some do want a wardrobe that is totally mix and match. But I think this could work for me...what do you think?

Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from E

Anonymous

Very interesting idea. I tried this once, but found it hard to implement because I wasn't able to structure my closet such that an entire outfit hung together. Things were always getting separated and then I got frustrated.

Still, a great idea. I will watch for updates from you.

anne

Veteran

Very interesting. Will look out for your results. I think this is pretty close to how I dress, btw.

Susie

Veteran

Sterling, I was thinking that I would love to have a separate rack for this project! I will either take photos or make notes (or both) to keep track of the outfits.

Joyce B

Veteran

I like what you said, I should do similarly.
I will be following this thread.

Anonymous

That sounds like a stellar idea. Then getting dressed would be fast and easy, but you'd also have the benefit of really feeling like a million bucks, because you would have on a favorite outfit (the very best pairing of items). Why wear a less than favorite combination if you don't have to? I used to do this to try to "stretch my style" but it really didn't make me happy--and we're supposed to be having fun with fashion, right?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I aspire to more of this. My fashion resolution the beginning of year was to happily repeat outfits more. The idea being that 15 awesome outfits per season, repeated five times is better than those 15 outfits worn just once, plus another 60 not as good combinations just for the sake of mixing it up. I'd happily land somewhere in between these extremes.
Let us know how it goes from planning to actual execution!

Lisa

Veteran

I have found that I typically prefer only one or two outfit variations and I rewear those same combinations again and again. Often my clothes can remix even more, but I pick my handful of favorite pairings and stick with those.

Gracie

Veteran

I also dress this way, I'm a repeater. I've always hung my clothes in ready-to-go outfits. I aim to have two good tops for every bottom, but if one set "locks in" as a great combination, I keep repeating it. If the bottom is not too memorable, sometimes I'll wear it two days in a row with a changing the top and accessories to see how different I can make it look. ...I still have too many outfits though, I need to purge more tops. Good luck with your organizing, can't wait to see/ready your findings.

Liz

Veteran

I've discovered that I'm most happy as an outfit dresser. At the beginning of a season, I'll spend a few hours in my closet identifying outfits. Then, I'll happily wear those outfits during the season. If I have about 8-9 work outfits and 3-4 casual ones, I'm good to go for the season. I'd rather put my creative work onto the front end (shopping, buying with care, and creating outfits up front) than have to get creative every day standing in front of my closet trying to get dressed.

Susie

Veteran

I am very glad to hear that this method works well for several of you. Liz, this really resonates with me: I'd rather put my creative work onto the front end (shopping, buying with care, and creating outfits up front)

I've really tried to get away from buying something just to have another option or more variety. I want to LOVE every piece in my closet and I think that I am getting closer to that. I know that I still probably have just too many pieces...I'm sure that I could make more than 20 outfits so it will be interesting to see which pieces make the cut for the first round.

Glory

Veteran

I think this sounds like an excellent idea. Looking forward to reading how it goes. I think 20 work outfits sounds good, because, like you I also like a larger number.

rachylou

Veteran

I like the idea. I'm interested in knowing if 16 individual items will give you enough variety to satisfy.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I love this idea! Since I've had to trasition to largely maternity wear, which has forced me to limit the number of pieces, I've found myself almost naturally doing this. It would be fun to see how many outfits I can actually get out of the stuff I can wear now. i'll be it's at least 20! And, of course, seasons will change too, so you'll have to factor that in...

carter

Veteran

Sounds like an excellent exercise! My biggest frustration in the morning is to pick a top and bottom I want to wear and then have them not play nicely together from a style/cut perspective. I was sorting through my F/W work pants this morning. There are several that fit well and that I like, BUT I'm really preferring the loose over slim with a partial tuck these days. I've been buying lightweight sweaters lately with this in mind, but only 2 of my pants work well in this silhouette. Maybe the outfit approach will help me sort out whether the others should stay or go.

Susie

Veteran

Rachy, I made a quick list of the items I think I want to include and I came up with 13 bottoms, 15 tops and 2 dresses. So actually 30 pieces, plus however many more I need to make outfits out of those. So with not repeating an outfit for 4 weeks, it seems like it should be enough variety. Hmmm, my numbers look suspiciously close to that project 33 or 333?? Though I am not sure that I will be content with repeating these same outfits for 12 + weeks. But wait, that's only like 3 repeats each!

Style Fan

Veteran

What a great idea. I find myself wearing the same outfits over and over. When I was working I wore more interesting outfits but now that I am retired my outfits are very casual. I do enjoy planning outfits for outings like dinners or music concerts. It is hard to be creative when my day revolves around dog walking, yoga and chores.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I really like this idea. It's basically what I naturally tend to do. I just like the combinations I like and don't really like mixing it up for the sake of doing so. I discovered that last fall in No Repeat November. There, the rules stipulated that you could repeat items but not outfits. Well, I HAD to repeat items -- I did not have enough things to get through 30 days without repeats. And I didn't mind repeating items. What I did mind was being forced NOT to repeat outfits with my beloved items. I wanted to wear the same outfit more than once. And weirdly, I felt "bored" by the demand not to repeat! Because I'd rather wear one outfit I adore 4 times than 4 different lukewarm outfits.

My closet aveages about 40 items per 6 or 8 week "season." In winter, the 6 or 8 weeks stretches to 12 or even 16 weeks, and 40 doesn't feel like enough clothes. In summer, it feels like the perfect amount. Enough variety, but not too much choice.

Gigi

Veteran

I really like this idea, Susie. I wouldn't be able to have only 10 outfits either, but that doesn't mean that those of us with larger wardrobes can't repeat our outfits when we find the best combinations.

Before YLF, I had a teeny wardrobe and *had* to dress this way. I do miss it! I am still experimenting with my style, but my goal (once I have my style more concrete) is to have certain items that will automatically be paired with other items, so that I can just repeat fab outfits every day.

I like what Suz says: "Enough variety, but not too much choice."

Susie

Veteran

Yes, Suz, exactly...I feel like I would be more bored (or frustrated or less happy) by having to wear this sweater with a different bottom when my preferred outfit is to wear it with that that one bottom!

it does seem like you would be well-served by having about twice as many colder weather than hot weather pieces. Because I commute by car and work in an office 5 days a week, I have a lot of items that are almost year round. Which to some extent is really nice yet I do think it's easier to get bored with those things. I know the wool sweaters that I put away in March will feel fresh when I bring them out again in October or November. But maybe the lighter weight cotton ones will start to feel boring by then.

rabbit

Veteran

I've been trying MANY different combos, but I only do repeats when an outfit just locks into place for me. Often I try combos out and photograph them first and then maybe only three out of ten make the 'actually wear this' cut -- this is the best way I've found to make sure the outfit is bombproof, including from the back.

Once I've found those outfits where everything is working though I really like wearing them again, especially when I'm in a hurry, because I know they will feel great.

I'll be interested to see how your project goes and how you choose, document and hang the winning outfits.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I'm like Suz so this is totally doable imo

My main trans-seasonal capsule is around 30 pieces, not counting accessories or coats. Just a suggestion Susie, I find having at least twice the number of tops important for me. It seems to make everything work better & seem fresher. I tend to have a dressy tee & a tunic or knit for every bottom.

MsLuna

Veteran

I like these kinds of projects, Susie! I'm looking forward to the outfits you come up with!

Truecolors

(website)

Here's a suggestion for you:

After you create your 20 outfits, lay them out on your bed, complete with accessories, and take a photo of each outfit. That way, when you're in a hurry, or you have a special event, you have a photo to reference all the pieces you put together.

I do this for my clients, and they LOVE having this "style book" as a reference.

Susie

Veteran

Here is what made the cut so far:

4 pairs of blue jeans (out of 10 in my current closet)
10 pairs of pants (of 29)
4 skirts (of 7)
10 sweaters (of 27)
3 shirts/blouses (of 9)
5 knit tops (of 26)
2 dresses (of 3)

So 38 pieces used to make 20 work outfits.

I haven't done the weekend ones yet but even adding in an additional 8 bottoms and 8 tops, that still only gets me to 54 pieces total.

If I wear these outfits for, say 6 months, and went with an entirely different set for the other 6, that's right around 110 pieces. With each piece only worn 6 or 7 times. And I currently have closer to 180!

That certainly seems like a very acceptable level of repetition, don't you think?
But is it the right number of times to wear an item that is a "favorite?" I don't think that counts as wearing the heck out of your clothes, as Angie would say!

karymk

Veteran

You are smart for doing this! You will be rewarded with easier dressing, cuter outfits, and more free time on the back end.

carter

Veteran

Susie, your list sounds great! I'm so excited to see what you chose. I like variety as well, but I think 6-7 complete repeats would be good for me if I really loved the outfits. I took more of a capsule mix and match approach this past early Spring (Feb-Mar). Loved it! Every piece was a favorite. I never felt the desire to go outside the capsule in the 60 days. If you love your 20 outfits, I bet you may be just as happy.

I'm trying to figure out Fall now. Mix and match capsule or outfits? Maybe outfits this tme, since as I mentioned earlier, my fall pants don't play nice with all my fall sweaters.

Love your approach! Please keep us updated along the way!

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Susie

Veteran

Carter, I love how you show everything in that picture! It looks like a very cohesive collection so I can see how it worked well for you. It looks like your outfits primarily consist of top/bottom/belt? I've noticed how lately I prefer simple outfits- pants or skirt plus a top. A topper with a layering tee used to be a go to for me but it's not appealing to me now. Though certainly 90+ degree days don't inspire much layering!

carter

Veteran

Yes, top, bottom, belt is my favorite. A couple of these bottoms weren't perfect for belts, though, so i wore them with the sweaters untucked. Toppers are hard for me even in Winter these days;-). I'm going to try to incorporate some toppers and get some extra wear out of my summer sleeveless work blouses this Fall/Winter. It would be nice to have a F/W option other than light sweater with pants.

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I can't wait to see pictures!

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