Do you often find that you can’t decide what to wear or you can’t put outfits together? I’ve felt that before. There are times when I look at my closet and instantly know what I want to wear and other instances where I feel like I have no idea what to do. Sound familiar? Style is supposed to be fun, not leave you staring at your closet for 15 minutes wondering what to wear. It may seem daunting, but there are easy methods you can use to put outfits together. If you’re ready to end this struggle, keep reading.
How To Style: Methods You Can Use To Put Your Outfits Together
Method #1 Design Your Outfit Around A Piece: This first method for creating outfits is my favorite and the one that I use most. In order to create an outfit, first choose a base piece, the piece you’ll be designing everything else around. When choosing this first piece be sure to consider your comfort, what you’ll be doing for the day, and the weather. Your cute outfit and overall look will lose it’s glow, if you’re not comfortable.
It’s 100% okay to bring a piece, a jacket or shoes, a different top with you to change if you’re going to different activities/events throughout to ensure you’re comfortable. For example I once wore a mini dress and leggings, then changed my outfit by switching the dress for a denim skirt and short-sleeved t-shirt. But I digress, after choosing this first piece, take in the details. What kind of fabric is it? What color is it? What’s the length of this piece, (Will it be something you end up using a fashion hack on to make sure it fits with other pieces in the outfit you’re creating?
When it comes to fabric you have a few options, if your base piece is denim and you choose another denim piece then you have a cute casual look especially if the pieces are different colors. If you choose a different fabric like silk or wool, it’s easier to elevate your look a bit, while still maintaining a casual vibe to your look. In terms of color, here’s your chance to play around particularly if your base piece is a neutral color or features one in the design. After the majority of your outfit is done, it’s time to pay attention to the weather again, Do you need a jacket, if so what kind? The weather also impacts the type of shoes you wear, wheelchair user or not.
There’s a lot to consider when putting together your outfit, but as you get into the process you’ll see how many options you have, particularly if you take a page out of the book on a capsule wardrobe. One of the best approaches to style in my opinion is starting with a capsule wardrobe with a few pops of color because this kind of closet means that most of the pieces go well together. You can have this type of closet and end up with dozens of easy to put-to together, amazing outfits,
Method #2: Copy Your Style Icons:
This method to put your outfits together is great if you are figuring out what your personal version of fashion sense means. If you don’t have any style icons yet, magazines and social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are a great place to start. After doing some research and choosing a style icon or two, go back analyze the outfits you’ve decided to copy, during the process, there are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- What works with my lifestyle? Keep this in mind when considering the other questions
- What kinds of outfits are you gravitating towards?
- What is it that you like and don’t like about the outfits? Colors, Patterns, Fabrics?
- What about accessories?
At this point, you should have some ideas on your personal style based on your answers to the questions above. You copy your style icons’ sense of style, but still make the outfits yours in a way.
Method #3: Mix & Match: Last but not least, the Mix & Match Method, the best one in my opinion because it’s so much. Now if you have if you’re building a closet or have a capsule wardrobe then you’ll have a few things that can go with a few things in your closet. Experiment with what you have, put neutrals together for a classier outfit, especially all black, play around with colors and patterns for outfits with a more casual vibe. Have fun with it.
Bonus Tip: When it comes to putting your outfits together don’t forget about accessories or makeup, these components can help tie your look together and elevate your overall look. I also suggest taking a picture of yourself wearing the outfit so you can analyze what it is that you like about it and what you don’t, wearing the outfit and looking at a picture instead of staring at your reflection enables you to look at objectively. For example I had an outfit in mind and when I looked in down after putting it on, I was unsure. When I took a picture, I realized I loved the top half of the outfit and while I liked how everything looked with shorts, I didn’t like the shorts, I paired it with for the photo. It’s easier to be objective when you’re looking at a photo of the outfit, instead of the mirror and wondering what what is that you don’t like about it.
Method #4: Combining Methods: Last but not least, you can combine the methods for putting outfits together. For example you may decide to create an outfit, by copying your style icon, but after you put the pieces together, you realize there’s something you don’t like about the outfit.
Your style will change constantly, when you are changing up your style you may like something then realize a few months later it’s not you. Of course, there are pieces in your closet you’d like to keep year after year, but it’s okay not to invest in some seasonal because you may not want to wear it next year. Fashion is about fun and self-expression, don’t be afraid to try something outside of your current everyday style. Have fun with the process.
Do you have methods you like to use to put outfits together that I should try? Let me know in the comments below.
~Kimberly
