Sometimes the problem is that we just don’t know where to begin. We have all the right components but consistently resort to rotating through the same 10 outfits that we know looks nice and makes us feel good. Instead of doing this every time it comes to getting ready in the morning, use one of the three formulas below for constructing an outfit that is comfortable and makes you feel confident every time!
#1 Start with the Basics
In my opinion, this is the easiest way to construct a great outfit. Begin by grabbing a basic shirt (if you are not sure what a “basic” is, click the button below to read “Wardrobe Essentials: Foundational Basics”). Once you have found the correct shirt that suits the occasion, move to the bottoms. Make sure you vary the textures of the items, for example if you reached for a cable knit sweater, reach for a satin bottom. By varying the textures your outfit will not only look more visually appealing, but more luxurious and expensive as well. Once the core of your outfit has been established, you can begin to layer. In the example I used above, you have your sweater and skirt, then you may choose to add a trench coat over top depending on the weather and occasion. Never forget your accessories! A touch of jewelry, some sunglasses, shoes and a handbag go a long way in contributing to a more put together look. Some of the most basic outfits like a tee shirt and jeans can become instantly more elevated just by layering some necklaces and slinging a bag over your shoulder. How easy was that?!
#2 Pick a Statement Piece
This way to build and outfit is almost the opposite of the first technique. This time, begin with your statement piece. This could be something like a thick, bold chain link necklace, a printed top or a pair of vibrant heels. Whatever you choose, this item should not be considered a basic. Once your piece is chosen, you want to begin to fill in the gaps as it were. Let our example for a statement piece be a printed top. Next, add a basic pair of bottoms (bonus points if the texture varies from the statement piece). The items that you will be adding to the outfit should allow the statement piece to remain just that, a statement that stands out from the rest of the items in the outfit. Each article of clothing that is added is simply playing a supporting role to the statement piece.
#3 Find Inspiration
When I am struggling with coming up with fun new outfits to wear I like to resort to social media inspiration. There are some fashion YouTube channels that focus on “shopping your closet” or essentially, using the items that you already own and repurposing them into outfits in new ways. There are ways to use inspiration from YouTube, magazines, Instagram and my favorite — Pinterest, that don’t require you to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe. I encourage you to do the following when attempting to recreate an inspired look:
- Explore the themes of the outfit
- Think of similar color combinations
- Determine what textures you see
- Identify the structures and cuts
To explore the themes of the outfit You can examine the overall tone that is conveyed through the outfit. Is it an relaxed style? A trendy one? Does it give off punk vibes? Does it look expensive? Minimalist? These are some themes to consider prior to constructing your own outfit based on your inspiration.
Color combinations are simple. When you find inspiration you can consider the literal colors that you see represented in the outfit. Alternatively, if these colors don’t yet exist in your own wardrobe, examine if the shades/tints/tones you are seeing are light or dark. What kind of combination of light or dark are you seeing? Can you recreate the contrast (or lack of contrast) of shades that you see in the outfit using items from your own wardrobe? Is the outfit monochrome? It’s also okay to mix up and play with varying shades and colors to achieve a look inspired by the image you find, it doesn’t have to be the same.
What textures did you spot in your inspiration outfit? Was the top made from a silky fabric and the bottoms from a suede? Even if you don’t have items in your wardrobe that are the same colors as the ones from your inspiration, you can recreate the outfit using similar textures and fabrics in different shades or colors entirely. Don’t have any silk or satin tops? That’s okay too, opt for a different material that can still reflect light similarly to the silk like a faux leather. Or, if the reflection isn’t what you are after, search for a top with light, soft, flowy fabric just like satin or silk.
The final idea is to find items in your closet that are shaped or structured in a similar way. If the bottoms were A-line, see if you can find a skirt in your closet with an A-line shape. Similarly, you could find a dress that does the same and you have the option of layering over top of it. However, your bottoms do not have to be in the same category as what you see in your image. While the inspiration outfit may include a skirt, you could opt for a pair of flare jeans that provide that same A-line cut.
Taking a Look at Some Inspiration Examples
Below are various examples of images I gathered from Pinterest (the first larger image) and how I was able to recreate them using items from my own wardrobe alone (the smaller images down below).
I decided to use the inspiration of color and theme in my outfit recreation. I copied the colors as similarly as I could using existing items in my wardrobe. The themes I drew from the inspiration image was loose fitting, relaxed clothing. The top is loose and free which is especially seen in the ruffled collar detail. I chose to only tuck in the front of the shirt, just like in the image from Pinterest. The pants are fitted in the waist and relaxed in the leg just like in the image. I did my best to mimic the jewelry as well. She has on some dainty layered chains. Instead of layering necklaces, I decided to wear my dangly silver one which mimics a similar aesthetic. I paired some strappy black heels with this outfit, and voila! My outfit recreation is complete!
I chose this image because I think it is a really easy outfit to recreate. There are only 2 basic elements in this image; the white tank top and the light wash denim jeans. I could have pulled different themes from this than what I chose to create but I think almost anyone and everyone owns a basic white tank and some light wash denim (and if you don’t, you should, they are basics!). I paired a very dainty pendant with this outfit and some slide on loafers. I could’ve added a bag and glasses like the image but I wanted to keep things extremely simple.
For this outfit I played off of the textures and structures of the inspiration image. I chose to wear a relaxed, silk shirt. I don’t own one in the beautiful green color that you see above, so I opted for a similar style cream button up. In contrast to the relaxed flowy shirt, she has on some more structured trousers. I mimicked this, this time also playing off of the same color as the image. I decided to wear a thin black belt instead of trying to recreate the croc embossed, thick belt from the image. The black blends more seamlessly, creating one long line from waist to feet where I have on a pair of pointed toe, chunky heels. I made this choice with the belt because of the contrasting color in my choice of shirt. In the inspiration image, she has chosen a dark shade for her shirt and bottoms, creating the appearance of height and elongation. Adding the belt for her does not disrupt this line. Because I have a contrasting color on top, adding a different color belt would end up making me look shorter regardless of the high waisted pants and pointed toe heels which give the illusion of longer legs. I added a chunky chain and watch to accessorize, just like in the inspiration image.
If you are interested in finding out more about how you can create your own outfits using items you already own, leave a comment down below!
Budget Buys and Beauty 