The value of trying outfits on rather than imagining

It has become a tradition for us to go to our local Rep theater for a show at Christmas time. For the past several years, we've gone Christmas night but this year we went the night after.

While it's not necessary to really dress up, I wanted to wear something a little special. I have a lovely beaded cardigan that has been a favorite for a number of years. After Angie's post, I thought I'd pair it with a beaded silky tank. But when I put it together with pants, I didn't like it together. Rather than just switching the top and/or pants, I went in a whole other direction.

Fortunately, I had stopped in a nice boutique earlier in the day and bought a beautiful gray cashmere poncho. I felt a bit guilty shopping so soon after Christmas but it really spoke to me and it was 40% off.

I wore it with black ponte pants and a deep purple knit top and purple booties. I felt cozy and comfortable yet special too and I'm so glad I got it because I can't wait to wear it again.

So this weekend I am definitely trying on the outfit I am planning for New Year's Eve to be sure it works rather than just trying it in my head!

Oh and the play- Because of Winn Dixie- was delightful!

How about you...do you take enough time playing in your closet and actually trying on the combinations?

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Your new poncho sounds lovely! Glad it worked for you.

I've found, for me, trying on in advance is the only way. I really need to try it out and take photos. So when I bring something new home, that's exactly what I do.

Susie

Suz, I think you are the queen of making outfits and trying them on! I definitely need to start doing more of that.

Anonymous

I like to try on outfits to figure out favorite combinations and actually write them own in a notebook or take a photo to remember. Occasionally I've packed outfits that I thought would work only to find that they didn't but am stuck.

Joy, I think I do try things on before packing so why can't I be smart enough to do it for everyday?!

carter

I can't tell you how many times an imagined outfit has been a dismal failure IRL. My current project of photographing and cataloging my favorite outfits has been a real eye-opener. I bet I photograph at least 3-4 outfits for every one that ends up making the cut. In my head, color coordination and level of dressiness are no problem. However, when I try on an outfit, I realize that the cut of the pieces don't work together, or the top is too long or short for the bottoms, the whole vibe doesn't work for me, the shoes or belt--although they "go"--really don't work the way I imagined. This is a much more time-consuming process than I planned, but so worth it.

Carla

Not enough...and often pictures are taken at the end of the day, after work! So, I learn the hard way!

Gigi

I agree that you just have to try the stuff together in advance. There have been many times that I have thought, "Oh, I'll just wear cardigan X with those pants because that cardigan goes with everything!" only to find out that the cardigan is too short to look good with the pants or changes the entire look of the outfit.

kellygirl

Poncho? Did you say poncho? It sounds decadent and fun! I totally agree with the photography. I can't tell you how many times I've tried a combination in my head only to be thoroughly disappointed in real life. The camera knows the truth!

Kelly, I am THRILLED with the poncho! I've realized that I am far happier when my purchases are things that I truly love. I didn't have time to get a picture but I will try to the next time I wear it.

Ooh, I'm so excited to see it. I love ponchos. Never have to worry about shoulder fit in those! Can't wait to see it in action

always trying

I have to try on also. For me laying things out like the capsules on pinterest or such doesn't work the same way when I put them on. Even when I have purchased something for the color combo, and it looks perfect lying on the bed it sometimes doesn't work when I put it on. gets frustrating when I try tops under jackets or blazers and it doesn't work,,like maybe it is the weight , bulk, or some thing.

Parsley

I'm the same, Susie. Sometimes I have an outfit all worked out in my mind but it's not as good as I thought when I put it on. I absolutely have to try things on. Your gray poncho outfit sounds so pretty- I'd like to see a picture!

April

I'm terrible about trying on. I really hate pulling clothes on and off and even though I know it's the only way, I still don't spend nearly enough time doing that in my own closet. You're a wise woman and I'll try to remember this post when I'm avoiding a try-on.

Jacky

I'm a really instinctive dresser - I don't really think about or intuitively understand style rules - so I end up having to try everything on. There were a couple weeks where I didn't have a full length mirror, and I think my outfits were generally worse for it. YLF is helping me be more analytical about what I like now though, so hopefully I'll be able to put things together at some point without having to check it multiple times in the mirror.

Oh that sounds like a wonderful & cosy outfit! I definitely try on outfits when I'm working on incorporating a new, slightly different piece into my wardrobe; I wait until I have an hour or two after my shower so that I don't get any deodorant on the tops! But for regular imagined outfits, I just put them on when I'm getting ready for the day, and if they don't work I'll switch to a tried and true option. I tend to wear the same silhouettes over and over though, so I have fewer surprises!

karymk

What Carter said resonates--it's the "technical", in- 3D aspect that requires the try -on to hit that sweet spot. I often scarecrow an outfit on the floor and photograph it for reference, but if something doesn't work I know how to make a changeup with a different piece.

Suzanne (ambergreen)

I've been trying to make an effort to do this. I've been burned like so many here on waiting until the last second and finding that something really doesn't work.

I know I get used to certain items just working, like jeans and tees, which don't need a lot of planning--so it's easy to forget that if I haven't worn something in a while...I just have to make myself test it in combo.

It's so much less stressful when I KNOW something works before I have to be "on" at an occasion. So...yes, Team Try-On!

Jaime

Outfits are practically meaningless for me without a try on. Ensembles can give a starting point, and I can tell what will more of less fit by looking at it usually, but I have no idea if I like it without a try on.

Category