Create Interesting Outfits

Welcome to Dressed for My Day! Today I’m simply sharing with you 6 tips to help you create interesting outfits using the items in your wardrobe plus any fresh finds you may add to it.

These are tips worth keeping in mind as you plan your wardrobe for the upcoming season, as well. If you remember these principles you’ll be able to consider what accessories or new items you’ll want to add to your closet so you can create stylish looks in keeping with your personal style.

Key #1 – Select interesting wardrobe essentials.

We’ve been talking about wardrobe essentials here for some time, so I’m sure you know I’m referring to those basics you need to make your wardrobe function. These are items like simple t-shirts, well-fitting jeans, classic pants in your preferred neutrals, nude pumps or flats, etc.

When you subscribe to my daily or weekly emails you receive access to all my subscriber freebies, which include a printable list of wardrobe essentials for spring and summer and another list for fall and winter.

In a recent post I shared how to select the most stylish wardrobe essentials. This post is packed full of tips for purchasing the wardrobe essentials that will not only help your wardrobe function, but will also elevate your style exponentially.

But the bottom line is that interesting wardrobe essentials are necessary for creating interesting outfits. What do I mean by interesting? Well, as you prepare to purchase spring wardrobe essentials you might want to consider a t-shirt with some interesting details instead of the basic crew neck tee.

Key #2 – Combine structured pieces and softer pieces.

Even if you prefer a very classic style essence, it’s more interesting if you’ll add a softer or more romantic piece to your very classic outfit.

Likewise, if you love wearing soft, flirty pieces, you’ll create a more visually interesting look if you add a little structure to the outfit, too.

Key #3 – Combine pieces from different brands.

Here’s a rut I have to work to keep myself out of. It’s often easier to shop for a complete outfit if you look at pieces within the same brand because they may use coordinating colors and fabrics. However, you’ll create more interesting looks if you build your wardrobe with pieces from a variety of brands.

Think about it. You can probably “spot” clothing from some of your favorite brands. You know what it generally looks like. And, shoot, you love it! But when all of your outfits are comprised of pieces from that one brand, you’ll begin to look a little predictable. (Guilty! ?‍♀️ ) A little garanimal-ish. Know what I mean?

Key #4 – Add an element of surprise.

Call it juxtaposition or whimsy or whatever you want, but try to add a pop of surprise somewhere on your outfit. You could add:

• an unexpected pop of color
• a little animal print
• a touch of elegance (velvet, rhinestones)
• some sequins
• rips in your jeans
• pearls around your neck
• combat boots (to a dress)
• pumps (with jeans)
• an heirloom piece

For instance, in the above look I added a structured black blazer over my soft, casual leopard print hoodie. Not at all what you’d expect me to wear with my hoodie and jeans. But that look got more notice than many I’ve posted. Why? Because it’s interesting! (See the post.)

Key #5 – Add interesting accessories.

This key is similar to #4, but not quite the same. Your accessories don’t all have to be “unexpected.” But you do want to make sure you follow through and accessorize your look.

The above outfit is one of my favorite from yesterday’s How I Really Dressed for My Day post. And the magic is all in the accessories. From the large hoop earrings to the pendant necklace to the leopard belt (similar) to the sock booties, the accessories really pull this simple jeans and turtleneck outfit together.

The above outfit is pulled together with accessories, too. Notice how I used accessories that have touches of both black and brown throughout, from the tortoise shell necklace to the snakeskin boots to the leopard print coat.

Key #6 – Style your outfit pieces.

Don’t just wear your clothes. Style them. There’s a difference you know.

Here are just a few ways to style your clothes:

• cuff your jeans
• roll up your sleeves
• add a partial tuck
• fully tuck
• layer tops, allowing them to peak over or under
• turn up the back of your collar
• turn up the full collar
• add a neck scarf
• add a long scarf
• wrap a sweater around your neck

• wear a jacket over your shoulders
• belt your jacket or cardigan
• tie a sweatshirt around your hips
• tuck your jeans into boots
• add a belt
• tie your shirt hem
• knot your t-shirt at the hem

Let’s create interesting outfits!

Which of those keys do you need to practice using in order to create interesting outfits? I am trying to be more intentional about mixing up elements from various brands rather than styling clothes “garanimal-style” all from one source. I’m also trying to use different styling elements more, especially those I tend to forget about, like adding a scarf or wearing a sweater or sweatshirt around my hips or neck.

Pin it!

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Blessed for My Day

Sunday in church, my husband reminded us that the reason it’s important to share our story of finding and following Jesus is because there is power in that story. When I share with someone what my life was like before I knew Jesus, how I came to know Him as my Savior and Lord and what my life has been like since then, I unleash the power of God’s saving grace in the life of the person to whom I’m speaking.

I’m pretty good at sharing about the movie I love, the new recipe I tried or the sale I shopped. But I’m not nearly as apt to share about the Savior I know who has changed my life completely. Why is that? Let’s take advantage of every opportunity to share the power of eternal salvation with those around us today. The easiest way to get the conversation started is simply to share something God has done in your life very recently.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ~ Romans 1:16