If you find yourself staring blankly into your closet trying to work out what to wear, and wishing someone would help you make outfits with the clothes you have, this post is for you!
I'm sharing 8 simple tips that will help you build more outfits with the clothes you already have, so you stop saying you have nothing to wear, and start having more fun with your style!
I've also created a free download with 20 outfit ideas so you have some prompts to guide you. If you want that, CLICK HERE!
Scroll on down to see my tips, or click here to go straight to tip 1!
8 ways to BUILD MORE OUTFITS WITH THE CLOTHES YOU already have
1
Build your outfits around color
Don’t get bogged down thinking about fabrics, occasions or shapes. Focus on color. It’s the easiest way to pull together an outfit that works. So, for example, if you have a skirt that you want to build an outfit around, take it over to your closet and pull out all the tops that match or compliment the color of the skirt. Once you’ve found them all, start trying them on with the skirt.
2
Combine clothes you have never worn together
Try pairing clothes that you’ve never worn together. Don't worry too much at this stage whether or not they work together, just grab them from the closet and try them on. I know you'll find some new glorious combinations!
If you’re someone who hangs their clothes in outfits, this will be a really valuable exercise as hanging clothes in this way can often limit how you wear them.
3
Remove any labels you've given your clothes
Don’t leave an item of clothing in the closet because it’s ‘too special’, or ‘too casual’. Remove those labels and free up your clothes to be worn anytime, anywhere.
That favorite dress you’re saving for a special occasion could be dressed down for the weekend with sneakers and a leather jacket! Those scruffy Mum jeans you save for wearing around the house can be dressed up with a blazer and heels!
4
Don't save clothes for best
Following on from the last point, don’t save things for best…what if ‘best’ never comes around? It's such a shame to spend money on something that you love but to never actually wear it!
You make your own style rules, if you love something wear it. There is always something you can do to make dress an item of clothing down. Combine it with casual footwear, layer something under or over it, play around with accessories...
5
Try on every possible combination
This is really important. I don't want you to rule out any combination until you've tried it on! Clothes look totally different with a body inside them, and there are lots of styling techniques (like tucking in, cuffing, knotting etc...) that will help make two seemingly incompatible items work perfectly together. So, I'll say it again, don’t rule anything out until you’ve tried it on to see if it works.
6
Don't put pressure on yourself to create the perfect outfit
Some combinations won’t work, but that’s OK. That’s part of the creative process. I’ve found some of my favorite looks by first creating some terrible ones. This exercise is an opportunity to experiment and try new looks. If a look doesn't work, it doesn't matter, try another!
7
Use styling techniques to bring a look together
You can’t just put clothes on and expect them to work perfectly together. Often, you’ll need to style them in order for them to sit well together. Knotting and tucking in are two of my go-to techniques. I often find that tucking a top into my waistband gives both me and the top a little more shape…as you can see in the picture below. And make sure you play around with the sleeves. Sometimes a simple cuff of a sleeve will transform the look and fit of a top.
If you want more tips on how to how to put an outfit together htat works, this post will be super helpful!
By turning up the cuffs of the hoodie and loosely tucking it in at the front, the outfit is much more flattering and stylish.
online tutorial
Create more outfits with your clothes and turn your mismatch closet into an easy to use, fun to wear collection of clothes, so you stop saying "I have nothing to wear", and start enjoying getting dressed!
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8
Accessorize each outfit
I know it’s tempting not to bother, but at a minimum you should be adding shoes to each outfit you try on. Shoes are what make an outfit. They play such an important role in the success of an outfit, that you could mistakenly think a look doesn’t work, when all it needed was different footwear. In fact, I can guarantee that the reason you're not wearing some of the clothes in your closet is because you don't' have the right shoes to wear them with.
It's also a good idea to have a few belts and necklaces to hand while you try outfits on as they tie a look together and can help change the shape of an item that's not quite right or is lacking in shape.
Look at the difference when I swap the flat boots for a tight fitting pointy pair, and tuck the sweater in. My legs look longer and slimmer, and I look like i have a waistline.
After spending the past 17 years helping women edit and re-work their closets so they are easy to use and fun to wear, I KNOW that there are lots of 'new' outfits hanging in your closet, you just need to spend a little time looking for them. If you try any of my tips, let me know how you get on, I'd love to hear from you. And if you want any help, please ask me, I'm here to help you!
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Hi, I'm Niki
author and personal stylist
Over the past 18 years I’ve freed thousands of women from the frustration of disappointing outfits, by showing them how to dress to make the most of their shape, and helping them build a closet that's easy to use and fun to wear. My blog shares the tried and true tips and knowledge I've developed, to help you stop wasting money on disappointing clothes, and build a closet you enjoy wearing.
You can find out more about Niki here
And you can get in touch with Niki here
Greetings, I'm Niki, an author and personal stylist with over 18 years of experience in helping women transform their closets into collections that are not only easy to use but also fun to wear. My expertise lies in empowering individuals to make the most of their shape and build a wardrobe that reflects their personal style. I've successfully assisted thousands of women in overcoming the frustration of disappointing outfits by offering tried-and-true tips and knowledge.
Now, let's delve into the insightful article about building more outfits with the clothes you already have. The author, presumably me, provides eight practical tips to revamp your wardrobe and maximize your styling potential.
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Build Your Outfits Around Color:
- The first tip emphasizes focusing on color when creating outfits. This involves selecting tops that match or complement the color of a chosen garment, making it an easy and effective way to pull together a cohesive look.
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Combine Clothes You've Never Worn Together:
- This tip encourages experimentation by pairing clothing items that you haven't worn together before. The author assures readers that trying out new combinations can lead to discovering fresh and stylish outfit options.
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Remove Labels from Your Clothes:
- The article suggests removing preconceived labels from clothing items, allowing for more flexibility in styling. Clothes deemed 'too special' or 'too casual' should be freed up for any occasion, encouraging versatility in your wardrobe.
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Don't Save Clothes for Best:
- Following the removal of labels, the author advises against saving clothes for special occasions, promoting the idea of wearing what you love whenever you want. The article suggests various ways to dress down or dress up items for different settings.
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Try on Every Possible Combination:
- A crucial tip emphasizes trying on every possible combination before ruling anything out. Clothes look different on the body, and various styling techniques can transform seemingly incompatible items into a perfect ensemble.
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Don't Put Pressure on Yourself:
- The author encourages readers not to stress about creating the perfect outfit. Experimentation is key, and even failed attempts can lead to the discovery of unique and appealing looks.
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Use Styling Techniques:
- The article advocates for the use of styling techniques such as knotting and tucking to enhance the overall look and fit of an outfit. Small adjustments can make a significant difference in the appearance of clothing.
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Accessorize Each Outfit:
- The importance of accessories, particularly shoes, is highlighted. The article emphasizes how the right footwear can significantly impact the success of an outfit. Belts and necklaces are also recommended to tie a look together and alter the shape of an item.
The article concludes with an offer for a free download featuring 20 outfit ideas to serve as prompts for readers. The author, drawing on years of experience, asserts that hidden gems are likely hanging in readers' closets, waiting to be discovered with a bit of thoughtful exploration.
