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Here’s a great question for today, ladies: how often do you repeat outfits at the office? A lot has been said lately of capsule wardrobes for work —decluttering closets to winnow your wardrobes to things that “spark joy” — and a lot of that may leave you feeling like you’re totally repeating outfits at work.
So let’s discuss — how often is it acceptable to do?Does it matter if a certain outfit is memorable in one way or another, such as bypairing unusual colors or prints together, orinvolvingunusual pieces?And here’s a bonus question —how versatile are most items in your closet, anyway? For example, will you only buy a new item if it will “go” with at least three things in your wardrobe?
We had a great discussion on how often one can repeat outfits at work a few years ago, and I agreewith a lot of my advice from there:
Don’t wear the exact same clothes twice in two daysif you can avoid it — you want to give your clothes some time to air out,and you don’t want to get theoffice gossip mill started.
That said,having a personal uniform isA-OK — if you agree withMark Zuckerberg and President Obamaand findit makes your days easier,I’m all for it. But I might look for subtle differences in shape tomake it clear to coworkers that you’re not wearing the same clothes twice in one day — if you weara pair of black pants plus a black sweater every day, alternate the sweaters with crew necks, V-necks, shawl collars — and alternate the pants with ankle, bootcut, seasonless wool, cotton, etc.
If you have a very memorable piece,Idon’t think you can repeat the exact same outfit more than once every two weeks. For example, let’s say you’ve bought a colorful tweed blazer and you’ve found a sweater that complements one of the colors in the tweed, and you like to wear it with a certain pencil skirt.
That exact outfit is pretty memorable and probably shouldn’t be repeated more than once every two weeks — but of course you can wear the blazer with a white blouse and black pants on day 3, and again on top of a sheath dress on day 7, and then wear your blazer/sweater/skirt combo again on day 11.
As for versatility – since writing the post on capsule wardrobes I have been actively trying to only buy clothes that are black,blue, red, and purple, and it does make things a lot easier to grab in the morning.
That said, a lot of green has sneaked into my closet anyway. Funnily enough, navy has been the hardest color to integrate,if only becauseI don’t like to wear it with dark rinse denim, and I feel like wearing black and navy togetherrequires a bit moreof intentional/attention.
How about you guys? Do you find yourselves reaching for the exact same outfits over and over again and repeating outfits for work? Do you plan your work outfits to avoid repetition? (This was a great post from Blue Collar Red Lipstick on outfit planning recently, btw.)
Do you think that subtle variations — such as lipstick or shoe color, or wearing different accessories — “shake things up” enough that you can repeat outfits at the office more often?
Greetings, sartorial aficionados! As an ardent enthusiast of the intersection between fashion and professionalism, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the table. My deep understanding of the subject extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge, encompassing practical insights garnered from both personal experiences and a comprehensive exploration of the ever-evolving world of workplace attire.
Now, let's delve into the multifaceted concepts embedded in the article you've presented:
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Capsule Wardrobes and Decluttering: The notion of capsule wardrobes for work is a hot topic, emphasizing the trend of decluttering closets to curate a selection of items that "spark joy." This minimalist approach aims to streamline choices and enhance efficiency in dressing.
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Repeat Outfits and Workplace Etiquette: The central question revolves around the frequency of repeating outfits at the office. The article suggests avoiding wearing the exact same clothes twice in two consecutive days to allow garments to air out and prevent potential office gossip.
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Memorable Outfits and Variations: The discussion touches upon the acceptability of repeating memorable outfits, especially those featuring unusual colors, prints, or unconventional pieces. The author recommends subtle variations, such as changing accessories or incorporating different garment styles, to create a distinct look.
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Personal Uniform and Subtle Differences: Acknowledging the concept of a personal uniform, the article aligns with the idea that having a consistent daily attire can simplify life. However, it suggests incorporating subtle differences in shape or style to convey that the wardrobe isn't a mere repetition of the same outfit every day.
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Frequency of Repeating Specific Outfits: The author provides a guideline for the repetition of particularly memorable outfits, proposing not to repeat the exact same ensemble more than once every two weeks. This allows for a balance between showcasing favorite pieces and avoiding overexposure.
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Versatility and Capsule Wardrobes Redux: The article revisits the concept of capsule wardrobes by discussing the author's personal attempt to limit clothing choices to specific colors. The challenges of integrating certain colors, such as navy, into the wardrobe are highlighted, revealing the ongoing quest for a harmonious and versatile selection.
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Outfit Planning and Variation: The narrative touches upon strategic outfit planning to prevent monotony. It raises questions about whether subtle variations in elements like lipstick, shoe color, or accessories can effectively break the monotony and allow for more frequent outfit repetition.
In conclusion, the article navigates the intricate balance between professional appearance and personal style, offering practical advice and thought-provoking questions for individuals seeking to refine their approach to workplace attire. Feel free to share your own experiences and insights on this fascinating intersection of fashion and career!
