Wardrobe Strategies: How to Create Multiple Outfits From a Few Pieces (2024)

Posted by Bridgette Raes | Mar 17, 2011 | Bridgette Raes, BRSG Bloggers, Wardrobe Solutions | 0 |

The greatest thing about creating a workable wardrobe is that there is always more than one way to achieve it. The key is to find a way that works best for you. Your ultimate goal is to have a closet where you can create multiple outfits from a few pieces.

If you can start seeing your wardrobe from a “bigger picture” standpoint vs. just loading it piece by piece with items that you like, you will ultimately have a more functional closet.

Here are some outfit creation suggestions on how you can start becoming a more sophisticated shopper and ultimately achieve more of a wardrobe with a purpose.

Multiple Outfits From a Few Pieces Strategy 1: Outfit Round Robin

To create multiple outfits from a few pieces is to start with one of your favorite outfits in your wardrobe. For example, a jacket and a pair of pants, a cute top and a skirt, or whatever you want. After you have pulled this outfit together, take one of the pieces and use it to create a second outfit. After you have created this second outfit use the piece that you added and use it to create a new third outfit and so on.

Outfit Round Robin in motion:

Next, we’re going to take one of the pieces from this outfit to create a second outfit.

Using the sweater from the first outfit, we created a whole new, totally different outfit.

Let’s now pull a piece from this outfit and create our third Round Robin Outfit.

Using the skinny jeans from outfit #2 we created a whole new third outfit. Let’s make a fourth outfit using one of the pieces from this outfit.

We took the boots from outfit #3 to go with this 4th outfit. Let’s create one last look.

We just created a 5th look using the dress from Outfit #4. And, if you notice, the shoes in this outfit are from outfit #1 and the earrings and purse are from outfit #3.

If you find that you can’t create an outfit, think about what is missing and add it to your list of shopping needs. For example, you may find when trying to pull together an outfit that it would be great if you had a slim knit top in a certain color, or that you need a fun handbag to complete one of the outfits. Add these to your shopping list, so that your list has some direction and purpose.

Multiple Outfits From a Few Pieces Strategy 2: Anchor Solution

Another idea is to create multiple outfits from a few piecesis to start with one key piece, which I like to call the Anchor Solution. How can you create an anchor solution in your wardrobe? Start with one key piece from your wardrobe. This piece should be something that you can identify as a piece that can be mixed and matched easily.

Take that key anchor piece and create five different outfits using that one anchor piece. Each of the outfits should be unique, and if possible, try to create different types of looks. Possibly a work look, a desk-to-dinner look, a weekend look, and a “night out with the girls” look. This way, not only have you created five different outfits, but you have also created different types of looks that can be worn for different aspects of your life.

Anchor Solution Capsule in Motion:

Let’s create five different outfits using this one pair of pants.

At first glance it may seem like you need a lot of items to pull all of these anchor groups together, but you should always start by shopping in your own closet. Find elements in there that will pull the different outfits together and make multiple outfits from a few pieces. Then make a list of the missing items and add them to your shopping list.