## How to Come Up with an Outfit Idea: 6 Ways to Choose Wardrobe Staples
Creating a versatile and stylish wardrobe can be both fun and practical. Here are six methods to help you choose wardrobe staples and come up with new outfit ideas:
### 1. Make a Wardrobe Swatch
Instead of planning a single outfit, create a wardrobe swatch. Here’s how:
– **Select a Key Item**: Start with a versatile piece like a classic white shirt, jeans, or a black dress.
– **Create Combinations**: Pair this item with various pieces you already own. For example, match the white shirt with different skirts, pants, and jackets.
– **Visual Layout**: Arrange these combinations on a board or a digital layout tool to visualize how the key item works in different outfits.
This approach allows you to see the potential of each item and create multiple outfits from a single piece.
### 2. Keep Track of Style Inspirations
Gather inspiration from various sources to fuel your outfit ideas:
– **Fashion Magazines and Websites**: Clip or save images of outfits that catch your eye.
– **Social Media and Style Blogs**: Follow fashion influencers and save posts that resonate with your style.
– **Real-life Inspirations**: Observe stylish individuals around you and take mental notes of their outfits.
Create a digital or physical style inspiration board to refer to when planning your outfits.
### 3. Plan It Out
Taking the time to plan your outfits can save you time and ensure you always look your best:
– **Weekly Outfit Planning**: Dedicate a few minutes each week to plan your outfits. Consider your schedule and events for the week.
– **Mix and Match**: Try to mix and match pieces to create fresh looks without feeling repetitive.
– **Weather and Occasion**: Ensure your planned outfits are suitable for the weather and the occasions you’ll be attending.
Having a plan helps you avoid last-minute outfit dilemmas and ensures you make the most of your wardrobe.
### 4. Fill Wardrobe Gaps
Identifying and filling gaps in your wardrobe can make outfit creation easier:
– **Assess Your Wardrobe**: Regularly review your wardrobe to identify missing pieces that could enhance your outfit options.
– **Key Staples**: Invest in versatile staples like a tailored blazer, a pair of classic jeans, or a neutral-toned sweater.
– **Trend Integration**: Balance trendy items with timeless pieces to keep your wardrobe current yet versatile.
By filling these gaps, you’ll have a more cohesive and functional wardrobe.
### 5. Virtual Try-On
Utilize technology to experiment with new looks without trying on clothes physically:
– **Virtual Styling Apps**: Use apps like Cladwell, Stylebook, or Closet+ to digitize your wardrobe and create outfits.
– **Online Retailer Tools**: Many online retailers offer virtual try-on features where you can see how clothes look on a digital version of yourself.
– **Mix and Match Digitally**: Play around with different combinations to find new outfit ideas and see how pieces work together.
Virtual try-on tools can save time and help you make more informed styling decisions.
### 6. Cost Per Wear
Consider the cost per wear (CPW) of items to make smart purchasing decisions and ensure you get the most out of your wardrobe:
– **Calculate CPW**: Divide the cost of an item by the number of times you expect to wear it. For example, a $100 dress worn 10 times has a CPW of $10.
– **Quality Over Quantity**: Invest in high-quality pieces that you can wear frequently rather than trendy items that may go out of style quickly.
– **Versatility**: Choose items that can be styled in multiple ways to maximize their use.
Focusing on CPW helps you build a wardrobe of items that offer great value and versatility.
By incorporating these methods, you can enhance your wardrobe with stylish staples and consistently come up with fresh outfit ideas. Happy styling!
