Well it is that time of the week.
No we will NOT discuss Cate's outfit, which I still kind of like, BTW. However, for THE definitive review, go back to see xoxo's comment in yesterday's post - she made me laugh out loud with her laser-like evisceration of Cate's dress!
But as always, I digress. Today is serious stuff!!
Today's question - how do you put your outfits together? This is a big one and of course, I need to be more specific in my question, but you all can be as broad as you like in your responses
Things I want to know:
1) do you take a lot of time to put your outfits together or do you just instinctively know what you want to do?
2) do you ever wonder if you are putting things together in the most flattering way?
3) how do you choose which shoes?
4) how do you know if your outfit "works"? Is it a gut feeling? If you aren't feeling 100%, do you still wear it anyway or do you start over?
Today's question was precipitated by this morning in my house!
Now, hold on! This is NOT the outfit I didn't like, so just know that before we keep going!
So what was the problem? Well first it was the tights? black, blue, navy?? Then shoes??? boots???
I made an executive decision to dig out those royal blue tights I bought a couple of years ago,. I know - some of you are not fans of the coloured tights, but I was okay.
So what was the next problem? I brought up cobblestone suede pumps, cobblestone booties, darker brown booties and then the shoes that I eventually chose - brown leather mary janes from Talbots, seen below:
Now as soon as I took this picture, I was guffawing, since it reminded me so much of this:
Sometimes I even crack me up!
But again, I digress - I tried all of the shoes on - thought some looked too light against the dark tights, some looked to precious, but I still wasn't sure. When I got to these shoes - I was okay. I cannot tell you WHY I thought they were okay, I just did! Maybe you disagree?
BTW - that is a nougat london cardi I recently purchased on sale here in town (I note the website above) - I am really loving the details, so took a close up for you:
Okay, back on topic now!!
But some days are NOT so successful! Because of the great affection I have for you all, and because it is the season for giving, I am about to give you the gift of laughter. But you must promise to never tell anyone that you saw this photo, I will vow it was doctored if I am ever put on the witness stand!
No - I won't make it larger - don't ask!! I put this concoction on, had my picture taken, gasped and ran back upstairs, changing into this instead:
I mean WTH?????????? I plea early morning insanity, but really it is more than that!! I am obviously trying too hard and I need to make things simpler!!!
Now, you are either all still with me or thinking "God, I am definitely sending that picture to Aunt Marge - she only has weeks to live and she needs a laugh as much as the next person." or "note to self: never post outfits that don't work on the web.."
But I am fearless.. And I did not wear it out. But it was horrifying to me all the same.
So - am I the only person on the internet who struggles with this??? I am seriously, seriously considering doing what GF suggests and going down to about 10 things for work. I am worn out trying to be fashionable! I love clothes and dressing up but I don't think I am all that good at it!!!
As always, I love your comments. Be extra generous and kind today - I feel like I just flashed you all!!!!
Have a most amazing day and stay safe out there! Those of you forced to get a drink or to look away - I know, I understand...
No we will NOT discuss Cate's outfit, which I still kind of like, BTW. However, for THE definitive review, go back to see xoxo's comment in yesterday's post - she made me laugh out loud with her laser-like evisceration of Cate's dress!
But as always, I digress. Today is serious stuff!!
Today's question - how do you put your outfits together? This is a big one and of course, I need to be more specific in my question, but you all can be as broad as you like in your responses
Things I want to know:
1) do you take a lot of time to put your outfits together or do you just instinctively know what you want to do?
2) do you ever wonder if you are putting things together in the most flattering way?
3) how do you choose which shoes?
4) how do you know if your outfit "works"? Is it a gut feeling? If you aren't feeling 100%, do you still wear it anyway or do you start over?
Today's question was precipitated by this morning in my house!
 |
| old Joe Fresh Dress, old Talbots shoes and nougat london cardi, which is on sale here |
So what was the problem? Well first it was the tights? black, blue, navy?? Then shoes??? boots???
I made an executive decision to dig out those royal blue tights I bought a couple of years ago,. I know - some of you are not fans of the coloured tights, but I was okay.
So what was the next problem? I brought up cobblestone suede pumps, cobblestone booties, darker brown booties and then the shoes that I eventually chose - brown leather mary janes from Talbots, seen below:
Now as soon as I took this picture, I was guffawing, since it reminded me so much of this:
Sometimes I even crack me up!
But again, I digress - I tried all of the shoes on - thought some looked too light against the dark tights, some looked to precious, but I still wasn't sure. When I got to these shoes - I was okay. I cannot tell you WHY I thought they were okay, I just did! Maybe you disagree?
BTW - that is a nougat london cardi I recently purchased on sale here in town (I note the website above) - I am really loving the details, so took a close up for you:
Okay, back on topic now!!
But some days are NOT so successful! Because of the great affection I have for you all, and because it is the season for giving, I am about to give you the gift of laughter. But you must promise to never tell anyone that you saw this photo, I will vow it was doctored if I am ever put on the witness stand!
No - I won't make it larger - don't ask!! I put this concoction on, had my picture taken, gasped and ran back upstairs, changing into this instead:
I mean WTH?????????? I plea early morning insanity, but really it is more than that!! I am obviously trying too hard and I need to make things simpler!!!
Now, you are either all still with me or thinking "God, I am definitely sending that picture to Aunt Marge - she only has weeks to live and she needs a laugh as much as the next person." or "note to self: never post outfits that don't work on the web.."
But I am fearless.. And I did not wear it out. But it was horrifying to me all the same.
So - am I the only person on the internet who struggles with this??? I am seriously, seriously considering doing what GF suggests and going down to about 10 things for work. I am worn out trying to be fashionable! I love clothes and dressing up but I don't think I am all that good at it!!!
As always, I love your comments. Be extra generous and kind today - I feel like I just flashed you all!!!!
Have a most amazing day and stay safe out there! Those of you forced to get a drink or to look away - I know, I understand...
Ok..here we go. I love shoes and have a gazillion pairs. Did the brown Mary janes go with the first outfit. Meh. But I have two pairs I would have paired with it immediately. Third outfit would have been even better if you had worn the tassel loafers. Cute, cute, cute. My own outfits...yes I struggle. I prefer solid tops with solid bottoms and then "special" shoes. I love colored tights and I hate sock less shoes in the winter. If I even question my choice I do not go out in it. And of course I have outfits that I have to remember when I wore last so I don't over do it. My problem has always been jewelry...I just can't put it together. Sigh. Of course having a teenage daughter prevents me from embarrassing myself too much. She lets me know!
ReplyDeleteHi BB!
DeleteMy daughter does the same - she was asleep that morning. It is interesting what flummoxes us, isn't it?
My answer really depends on the day. I'm all about simple, classic basics with one stand out item. For example today was dark jeans, light denim shirt, brown booties and J Crew Gondola coat. I was out shopping in SF with friends (we stopped at Gumps and I thought of you) and the coat was noticed and asked about at every store we went into from Kate Spade to Neiman Marcus. I prefer standout accessories, shoes, jewelry to keep my most basics up to date. My going out outfits require a lot more though and planning - down the the very last detail. I find having some standouts with lots of basics is most affordable and easiest to update. Plus, I use Polyvore to create outfits and get ideas. I'm not sure if that helps, but I hope it does.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie - I think the polyvore idea is good one! That is what I am thinking of - much simpler I think is much easier!
DeleteI stand in my closet some days for 10-20 minutes trying to figure out what to wear. Most often, I create my outfits the night before I wear them. And, more often than not, I call my amazing retail VPS and she tells me what combinations to put together for a few days. She's the absolute best. I really struggle with shoe combinations, so I always need help there. And, like Julie Styles, I use Polyvore a great deal to keep things organized in my head.
ReplyDeleteHi Rynetta - you are so lucky to have such a great VPS!
DeleteI think I need one, too!
I think the polyvore idea is a good one - I do a bit, but not much!
I knew before I scrolled down what that picture was going to be (the witch) - GMTA! In the first outfit, you like the brown shoes because they balance the brown tones in your cardigan, and because the brown and bright blue look fabulous together. I have put together some terrible outfits and worn them out of the house, so fear not about posting that picture (which, by the way, we can make larger if we click on it hehe). You don't like the outfit, but all it needs is a couple of tweaks/changes and you'd be good to go. But I understand, sometimes we need to start from scratch. I am not an outfit planner and will look at the closet until I see something (one item) I want to wear. Then I root around for something to go with it. I know I should probably choose my shoes first, but I am always searching for those last, then if I can't find the right shoes for the outfit, I start all over with the outfit. When I give up, I put on the bootcut jeans and Dansko clogs, they go with anything (shhh they do, really!). I am quite misguided, if you would like a laugh, because I am now contemplating if I should try to wear the Dansko clogs with skinny jeans. I didn't plan to put them on at the same time, but when i did, I kind of liked it... go ahead, let me have it ! Skulking away now...
ReplyDeleteNo skulking from me! I don't judge because (frankly!) I can't judge! I suffer the same problem when choosing outfits as I do when I am choosing from a mmenu - it all looks good, it's hard to make a decision, and when I am eating the pheasant I keep thinking "Damn, that steak looks amazing!" Isn't that a terrible personality type???
DeleteI have to go look up dansko clogs - I am not familiar with them!
I am pretty sure Dansko clogs violate all fashion rules but I love them so (hopeless...)
DeleteSometimes I know exactly what I'm going to wear and take 5 minutes while other times I change three or more times and am still not happy and only reluctantly stop because I must go. It could be a complete starting over or it could be one thing (like shoes or top, etc.) that is tried and rejected. As for a sanity check, husby will say, you're not seriously going out like that and I will sometimes sulk and go change or say yes I am just watch me. And sometimes I'll look at pictures I intend to post and say to self, yicks, never do that again. There are times when I go fumbling through all my closets looking for the exact shoes I'm thinking of and other times it's the first pair of shoes I happen to see. In other words, there is no method to my madness.
ReplyDeleteI am laughing with you, not at you. Really. ;) But did you know you can click on that picture to make it bigger?
Yes, I know you can click, but I was hoping that everyone would be honourable, heehee!!!
DeleteWell glad I am not alone! I just can't seem to resist baring it all!
Hilarious!
ReplyDeleteI think the chicest women I know are the ones who don't buy an awful lot, they wrk with less and refine and hone. Nowadays I'm dressing for comfort-I've reached that age.
Tabs - that's where i am heading. That's why I love the dress above. It is so simple and so comfy and I then I just dress it up a bit. That is one of the criterias for the after christmas purge - I have decided that I will finally determine my one true style, get rid of what doesn't work. But before that, I will drink some champagne and relax...
DeleteAh! I've been blinded! And 10 seconds too late!!!
ReplyDeleteJust kidding of course! Your outfit is nowhere near as bad as some of the ones we see in the blogosphere, complete with rave reviews in the comments, which leads me to seriously question the authenticity of some people. It is not nice to encourage bad outfits but I recognize that people are sometimes just looking for affirmation so I keep my yap shut.
IMO dark hosiery should never be worn with light shoes even if they are only partially light like the Toni loafers. It seems to cheapen the look. In your "doctored photo" look I would change the proportions: swap the shoes for knee-high boots, button up the cardi part way and cinch the belt over top.
The key for me is to buy fewer pieces but make sure they really work for my figure, lifestyle and personality. Also ensure they are the best quality I can afford so they should look good all day with every wear. I decide what to wear when I'm getting dressed and follow a basic formula. Skirt first, then top then sweater or jacket. Hosiery is determined by the skirt and shoes by the hosiery, then checked against the entire outfit for color/pattern and proportion appropriateness. If an outfit doesn't work I will definitely change and if I'm running out of time I have several go-to outfits that always work. I'm not concerned about being fashionable or on-trend. My goal is to look good, simple as that. Beautiful things that do not work for me are admired from afar. Of course I have my missteps too but I find the formula works for me.
Thanks xoxo - you are well beloved here for your candour and your kindness!!!!! I may make a checklist for the by the closet!!! ;-)
DeleteI have never cinched a belt over a cardi. I will try it and let you know what I think!
I have a similar shape to you and often shy away from belts, thinking they are only for those with wasp waists but when belting a cardi I sometimes make the top portion a bit "blouson" so it has a better shape. It doesn't always work though, and some cardis belt better than others but I'd love to know what you think!
DeleteI will give it a try! I may even belt my jammies tonight!!!
DeleteReally, it wasn't that bad. it's OK for you to leave your house now.
ReplyDeleteI am very decisive about day time--skirt or pants, then cardigan or jacket then underlayer ( shirt, cashmereT,cotton T etc). I don't have that many shoe choices so this time of year, boots or shoes , pick tights. I always wear some jewelry;earrings and either a pin if blazer or necklace if cardigan. Done. But, then I am the type that rarely returns things either! Evening is more difficult for me.
Lane, I read your response too quickly and thought I read "pink tights" and thought: "Really? Lane wears pink tights every day? And I thought I was odd.." but then I realized I was odd, as I was readng too quickly!
DeleteI do better at evening, except on weeknight, where you can catch me in my JC saturday pants threadbare on me and a long sleeve tshirt! No pics of that!!
Ha-- pink tights! May have to consider...
DeleteI am going to list possible evening outfits and then decide among them. Perhaps this will be a good process.
I think the color of the Mary Janes doesn't work with the dark tights. I struggle with that too and I never wear lightncored shoes with dark tights bc of that. I think a suede bootie would be adorable with the first outfit. The "doctored" one lol would look better with a belt over a cardi and heels.
ReplyDeleteDon't go down to 10 pieces - that's just insane:). It's all trial and error and we all make mistakes.
I love how easy going you are. You always put a smile on my face.
That should be light colored shoes - why doesn't it let me correct?
DeleteHave a lovely day:)
Hey A! Thanks for the compliment - I take all I can get! Okay - you have all convinced me on the belt over the cardi. I will start doing it and you know what will happen, don't you - it will go out of style. I swear it will. YOu will all regret asking me to do it! :-)
DeleteMORE OR LESS WMM, Thanks for your ever effusive and warm-hearted self, messy speed typing because I must get back to my visitors, but:
ReplyDelete- MRS. FIX IT I am with xoxo in that your mis-step outfit can be easily tweaked (right now, IMHO one doesn't know where to focus between necklace, belt, shoe tassels). Yes, try buttoning the cardigan, adding a skinnier belt over at the thinnest part of your waist that still gives your chest room, and swap in boots maybe with a bit of a heel - would the Aquatalias go?
- "10" THINGS To be fair the 10 things formula is about core pieces and variations of shapes and styles that work for me, not a literal 10 items (unless travelling), which would be deadly dull. Do stick to my schoolboy type jackets, cashmere tees and v-necks, classic trousers etc. But then I get belts, scarves, shoes etc. to liven up the mix-and-match. I think Julie S. is a master of the straightforward "looks good" with one stand-out piece added.
- TRUE YOU Like several others here, I do think you have to really shop for your own self and style, versus the latest trend (magpie appealing as that may be, I've fallen prey too). Also find it really helps to have a seasonal colour scheme (DBP is that queen) so that key things make multiple looks, rather than just a specific outfit or two.
- PLANET CLOSET Like Rynetta I really think it helps to have outfits worked out in advance (so my hanger system) when I am in a good clothes happy mood. Others may be able to handle their closets and deciding early on a winter morning (colour me very impressed) but not my forte.
- PRETTY PLEASE Try not to go out in anything you don't feel great in. Life is too short. And we all deserve do-overs. (But, sadly, that also requires closet culling.)
Most of all I wish we could all have a champagne party when you attack your closet, I can hear the collective laughter from your running colour commentary.
Thank you again for your refreshing shares and all your wonderful club members. (Confessions: I sometimes do kick-start that week of outfits with a rather impractical pair of shoes, because I value their strut but they've been neglected in a tucked away box. And I will always despise tights, even Brora ones.)
TAGGED "Sorry" for rattling on!
DeleteOh GF I do love you! I may "gift" you with setting up my son's video while i cull, as I am pretty sure miss FFM is my husband's 50th birthday gift to me. He was confused, but then excited that I knew a fabulous mother from florida! Kind of like when I said Tabs looks like the heroine in the sci-fi movie "John Carter" and he and my son both said "hmmmm.."
DeleteI like all of your advice. I was only joking abou the 10 things, but only marginally joking!!!!
Funny - I love tights. I just hate ironing!
The Welshman is occasionally bemused by blog mates too, especially the double moniker ones like Tabs. (Although now he knows she's from Scotland - and oddly enough also wears Fudd boots which he thinks are fashion funny - as well as sending a card with a Christmas pud on it, she's the dog's version of the bee's knees.)
DeleteAnd I just didn't want poor "A" to think I/we were really that dogmatic, dull, disciplined - or just plain crazy pants ;-)
I usually get inspired to wear a particular item and go from there. It may be something I've seen on somebody else, something I haven;t worn in a while or just something I currently want to wear all the time. When I decide to keep something in my closet I always come up with couple of outfits.
ReplyDeleteI have a tendency to wear (pencil) skirts all the time so I try to vary my silhouette alternating pencils, a-line, trousers and skinnies. Shoes usually echo color in the outfit or act as contrast if all is neutral. Tights would usually match my shoes or clothes. I change if the outfit does not work and I rely on some of my formulas, like all black with more colorful skirt. I also have definite preference for some silhouettes like pencil skirt with untucked sweater or t-shirt, fuller skirt with fitted, nipped in the waist top or skinny pants with bigger, longer sweater. I buy limited colors mostly neutrals (black, brown, navy, white, camel, gray) with many blues and some reds, so most of my clothes go with each other.
I don;t usually wear belts, scarves or bracelets so my accessories are limited, usually it is just the necklace. I think selecting the necklace takes me the longest and it has to be just right in my mind. Last thing I choose is my purse and outerwear.
Well I should follow you AJC, as you always look so pretty and put together!!! I do sort of the same, but I think I have too much choice! Do you cycle things in like Dani does?
DeleteOne more comment... I think that wide belt overwhelms your small frame.
ReplyDeleteCate - you are right. It is funny - when I look at myself - I seem tall and chubby. When I look at the pictures I look small and buxomy. Go figure!!
DeleteThank you for the gift of the laugh today WMM! Actually I didn't laugh at your outfits, but at the comparison photo of the wicked witch's feet. That was great!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely NOT the only one with outfit conundrums. First outfit, I would swap out the shoes and skip the belt. Or try a narrower leopard print belt over the cardi with black flats? The second outfit looks great!
Taking photos is very helpful of course. I also use Polyvore. A lot. Now I try to create 3 to 10 outfits with every new item I add to my closet. It really helps me pull a wearable outfit together quickly when I need it.
I think polyvore is the key as then I would remember!! I cannot imagine you with such conundrums - you always look s fantastic and chic!!! I do have leopard belt and will give it a try!!
DeleteIahreewith ABC, the second outfit is fine it is just the shoes as the belt that make it too much. I go with a old rule that even after I put an outfit together I try to still remove one thing, it is usually for the better.
DeleteI think we all are aliens from "Planet Closet" (see Get Fresh's comment above) and Planet Earth is lucky we are visiting. WMM another great post- Thanks! NJ
ReplyDeleteNJ - too funny! I think GF is right! Tomorrow I will focus on more serious fare - TOYS!! Thank you so much for you comment!
DeleteHi WMM! Well, putting together outfits is instinctive for me, so it normally does not take me a lot of time to do it. I do wear a lot of basics, and then 'jazz' up the outfit a bit if necessary with an accessory or two. I find that as I get older I am favoring much more understated and classic looks, too, so that also makes getting dressed easier. I do not have an overly abundant amount of color in my wardrobe, and prefer to wear black, navy, grey, brown, white, and creme, then add color accents to my outfits, along with a nice handbag and a coordinating pair of boots or shoes.
ReplyDeleteAt times I will go through my wardrobe, and work on putting entire outfits together, so that I know just what I have, and what I still need. Taking pictures of the outfits or making a polyvore set is then always a good idea, so that it is not forgotten down the road. When I worked outside the home on a daily basis many years ago, I would lay out my clothes for the next day the night before, so you might try that, too.
I do like your first outfit a lot, and think it is a good 'formula' to keep in mind when shopping down the line. Like others have mentioned, outfit #2 just has too much going on, but from what I can tell from the picture, if you were to leave off the belt, and change out the loafers for boots, it would probably work out fine. :)
Perhaps you should look back over your blog posts at the outfits that have gotten raves from all of your readers, and then put them together in your closet so that you have a few 'go to' looks that you know will work when your time is limited, or you just don't know what to wear that day.
FFM - great ideas! I am trying to decide in life what is "instinctive" to me - does eating chocolate count????? You are right. I think I am too much even for myself sometimes when it comes to clothes. Too much frosting!! I can;t wait to get at it with you! Of course my blog might get very dull then: "oh yes, there's that Wendy, she of the impeccable taste!" :-) I am going to go lay out my clothes for tomorrow right now!
DeleteGreat post and comments WMM. Sorry I'm late to comment, my week has been crazy.
ReplyDeletePutting outfits together has been really easy for me these last 3 weeks because I have no access to my regular closet due to the renos! I am living out of a laundry basket, it's true! My storage closet has my spring/summer so that's been of no use to me, but I seem to have my formula down so all is well. As you know I wear dresses for the most part during the week, with tights and heeled shoes or boots. Easy enough, the fall it was EF dresses now it is Brora cashmere dresses (just bought my second one, two is enough as they are so sturdy and can stand two wears before washing). Hue tights in fall, Brora tights now. I have a couple of jumpers I wear with my EF riding pants. Boots are key right now, I have shearling in brown and gray, leather in brown and black.
You know I'm all about the color story, it is brown, bits of black, gray, almond, very dark green, and tweedy things. I have my Brora skirts and jumpers for variety and my skirt suits for Sunday. It all goes together for the most part so getting dressed is easy, and with my daughters in the morning and MrBP running around like a crazy person (always late) I only have 2 minutes to get dressed!
I've really only missed my winter frocks, last night we went to a dinner which would normally mean black dress or KS leopard dress, but no chance of getting into the closet, and so I wore my daytime outfit: Brora mohair skirt with green jumper, pearls, boots, it is just as well as the others were wearing jeans anyway!
dani - that's what I want - fewer choices, but great ones!
Delete