Outfit Styling 101

Outfit Details: Top ~ Target; Skirt ~ Thrift or Consignment Store;
Sandals ~ Handed down from friend; Necklace ~ Gift; Belt ~ Consginment or Thrift Store

   Hello all!  My internet is back up and running! Now it's time for a post! :) This is being written per the request of a blogging friend who asked if I would post about putting outfits together. Oh yes I would! Read on, my friends.
  As far as I'm concerned, there's no exact science to styling an outfit. Sometimes it just comes down to "This looks good". However, putting together a pleasant ensemble often requires more than a passing thought. I am giving you some advice on how to get those fashion gears turning!

Begin by considering these three questions:

Today was a going-to-coffee-with-a-friend day, so it was safe to wear a cute outfit. The weather permitted sandals and no coat.

  What am I doing today? This is pretty basic stuff. You would wear something different when mucking out a stall than what you would wear when going to lunch with a friend. Be comfortably and appropriately dressed for your day's activity and be mindful of your shoes (e.g. can you do a lot of driving or walking in heels?).

  What is the the weather like? Be aware of the temperature outdoors and indoors. If the day starts out cooler but you aren't sure how the weather will turn, dress in layers.

  What kind of "look" am I going for today? Never feel like you must achieve a certain look every day, because outfits are often just about what looks pleasing together. At the same time, if you have a theme in mind (e.g. bohemian, retro, Parisian), it will inspire you and help you to have consistency in your outfit. This part can also come later.

Now you can move on to the fun part...

Today's look ended up being yet another example of my new favorite - Parisian chic. It includes stripes and neutral colors. A belt helped to cinch in the long shirt. 

     Imagine a typical morning of looking into your closet (or just go look into it now ;)). How are you ever going to decide what to wear today? The easiest thing I can suggest is to start out by choosing a particular piece you want to wear. For the sake of example. let's say it's a flowing peasant blouse. Here are a few things to consider next.

  What would look good with the fit of this piece?  Find the right silhouette for your look. Consider modesty as well as what looks nice on your body. When wearing a flowing blouse, you may want to avoid wearing a full skirt or try belting the top.

  What colors would look good together? Make sure your colors don't clash (e.g. hot pink with fire engine red) - again, this is basic stuff. Warm and cool colors can be worn together, but make sure they look pleasing to the eye. This can be difficult, so you may want a second opinion. Don't be afraid to play with unique color combinations, while still keeping it classy.

  What kind of "look" am I going for today? You may have decided that earlier or you may be deciding this now. The piece you have chosen may have inspired you or you may opt to dispense with this question completely. :)

  Have go-to pieces for when you're stumped.

  We girls sometimes have days when we just can't seem to find a thing to wear, regardless of how many clothes we have. This is where basic pieces come in. Invest in items like a shirt-dress, a chambray shirt, a black dress, a maxi skirt, and striped tops. Own go-to pieces that you truly like.

 An example of what to do on a day when you're stumped would be to start out with a chambray shirt-dress. Add basic flats. Perhaps accessorize with a belt and colorful scarf. Now you have a cute, simple outfit that required little fuss!

Try accessorizing.

   Scarves, belts, jewelry, and hats are the icing on the outfit cake. They aren't always necessary, but sometimes they can really make the outfit. Belts can even become part of the "cake" by cinching in billowing tops and allowing you to tuck shirts into skirts.

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   Well, hopefully that wasn't too much rambling all at once. ;) Next time you stand in front of your closet or dresser, try the tips mentioned here; Find your own way of putting clothes together in a pleasing way. Remember to have fun. Happy styling!

What are your hints for putting together outfits?

Are there any post ideas you have for me?


Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

1 Peter 3:3-4