Outfit variation: how diverse is your menu?
May 2nd, 2008Outfit variation is a controversial point in the fashion and style world. Some stylists feel that sticking to one ensemble formula is great, whereas others believe you don’t have style unless you wear an assortment of silhouettes. Nicole raised an interesting question on the forum:
“Should someone stick to one pant style because it’s the most flattering?”
For example, should you stick to straight leg pants because they look best, or is it better to throw in boot cuts and wide-legs once in a while? Nicole went on further to say that if you decided to stick to one pant style…
“It would be like eating chicken every single night, but using a different kind of dressing”.
I thoroughly enjoyed this analogy, but I think you can have your cake and eat it too. I’m all for uniforms and diversity. No one should feel like they’re in a clothing rut; but wearing something less flattering or less comfortable for the sake of change is not the solution. Style rule number one is that we wear clothing that flatters our body type. If you happen to look great in many silhouettes, I say go for it because variety is the spice of life. But by the same token, you can maintain a stylish appearance when you stick to few silhouettes and wear them well.
I personally feel in a rut if I stick to one ensemble formula. I like a menu change and prefer to mix it up with different denim silhouettes, pant styles, dresses, skirts and a rainbow of colours. Throw in a different heel height and handbag combination and you’ve changed the entire flavour of your ensemble.
I encourage newness and ensemble variation with my clients because I fear that people get bored wearing the same silhouettes day in day out. But people don’t seem to get as bored with their outfits as I do. Some people are happy eating chicken every night. Are you? Do you wear a uniform, or do you change your outfit combinations daily? What are your favourite outfit combinations and why?
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:22 am
What made me seek out this forum was that I felt I was in a clothing rut, because all my clothes were slight variations on the same thing–and hardly any of them were flattering. Since coming here I’ve started wearing skirts, dresses, walk shorts, different tops, etc. when before all I wore were the same pair of jeans with different tops. This has definitely made me feel more happy with my wardrobe and I have a lot more fun shopping my closet and getting dressed everyday, because there seem to be endless combinations in there.
I don’t think every silhouette is flattering on every person, but I do believe there is a pair of jeans out there for everyone, there’s a skirt, there’s a dress–if you buy even one really great item in each of these categories in a silhouette that is flattering for your body type, you will have so many more options and have much more fun than if you have 3 pairs of the same jeans and only wear these.
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:44 am
I tend to have a more simple style. I usually wear boot-cut (though mine might even be considered flares because they are a little larger than boot cut) jeans with heels. I change up the tops with different layers and colors, but nothing too fabulous. Every once in awhile I throw in a dress or non-jean pants.
I don’t really get bored. I have an incredibly sparse closet of basics (almost no patterns), and I mix and match, but I feel comfortable in everything I own and wear. I don’t feel particularly comfortable being fashion-forward. I’m trying to branch out a little–considering getting my first pair of straight-leg, white jeans–but, generally, I prefer to stick to what I know looks good on me.
(I don’t eat chicken every night, but I do eat a piece or two of toasted, artisan bread, with butter and honey and coffee every single morning for breakfast)
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:05 am
My 65 year old mother has a uniform she’s adopted over the years - Lee Jeans, New Balance sneakers, white polo shirt, white sweatshirt over top. The white looks good with her gray hair, and she thinks it’s easiest to clean because she just tosses in a lot of bleach! She buys these items by the boatload so she can wear this same outfit day after day. Meanwhile, she has a gigantic walk-in closet stuffed to the gills with beautiful clothing. When she has a special occasion, she has plenty of beautiful clothes to choose from.
That’s taking the “uniform” just a tad too far… but she’s happy because getting dressed each day is simple and easy and nothing she has to think about!!!
I do think the late 90s fashion went through a period where it was all about the uniform… black, black, black… everything was simple and streamlined with few layers or colors. And then I think people just got bored with that, so now we are seeing fashion take a different direction, and it’s all about options and variations. The options can be overwhelming, but the good thing about this decade so far is that there truly is something for everyone out there. You can either stick to a style that suits you and you love - and not feel out of fashion - or experiment and wear something different every day.
I do have a “uniform” of sorts in that in fall/winter I stick to the smart-casual formula of jeans, intersting top, and a layer either cardi or jacket. When the weather gets warmer, you’ll see my uniform change - I will be living in skirts instead. But within those uniforms I have a lot of fun. Sometimes I am preppy. Sometimes a bit of a bohmian (but not too much). Sometimes I’m classic casual. Etc. Just depends on my mood!
And then sometimes - like all last week - I just need a break and I stick to a formula and wear the same basic outfit, even the same color scheme with just a change of top.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:07 am
This is awesome. Anything that makes me think is awesome!
Daily around the house, I wear jeans, t-shirt, and a hoodie…not the pinnacle of style, but functional.
When I go out, I have this tendency to wear dark, medium to low-rise jeans with a long/lean type of tank top with my hair and makeup done up nice and great accessories (heels sometimes, jewelry, handbag, etc.). I go to a lot of bars though for live music. I’m not a night-clubber.
For meeting clients, I wear a lot of knit dresses and ballet flats. I like the wrap or pseudo wrap style of dress. It suits my retro 1940-1950’s style and hair style (Bettie bangs and dark hair). Also, I’m petite but hourglass and very fit so these dresses flatter my figure and I feel great.
For super dressy, I tend towards the little black dress…always a classic and flattering on me. I am not one to get into the whole empire waist look. I also don’t really dig too many frilly, girly sundresses…unless I’m on the beach LOL.
I like to try new looks now and then, but in my late 30’s now, so I prefer the classics and well-tailored, crispy look for when I’m not around the house.
My biggest fashion rut is related to color. I buy so many of my clothes in red, black, and white!
I’d like to get a consultation at Macy’s using their free personal shopping service…I’m motivated now!
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:22 am
I’ve been looking for a signature style and this topic makes me think what it really means.
I’d be so bored if I stick to a uniform but that doesn’t mean I’ll go with everything. When adopting different styles there’s something inside me that guides me toward certain styles. I think the key is to find clothes that suite you, not only your body type but also your personality.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:47 am
I try to mix it up because I’ll get bored otherwise, but only wear what’s flattering.
I currently wear a lot of different things: jeans in all cuts, pants- bootcut, flare and wide-legged, walk shorts, skirts and dresses, cords too in the winter.
I’ll check out new stuff and if I both like them and they’re flattering I’ll incorporate them, otherwise I’ll skip it. For example, I never wore and never will wear tops/dresses which are not fitted at the waist: baby-dolls, baggy etc ; so I kept wearing my favorite wrap-tops throughout these past few years of voluminous trends. I do wear wide-legged pants and volume on the sleeves tough.
My go-to outfit is wrap-top over cami, dark wash bootcut jeans, wedges and fitted jacket. If I am in hurry or stressed I’ll end up with some version of it. If i have more time I’ll try ti go with something else.
I generally try to stick to some version of Angie’s smart casual, sometimes a notch down or up depending on occasion. Recently, thanks to YLF, I’ve started incorporating new stuff such as shirtdresses over skinnies, bright accents and prints. I am also trying to accessorize more with scarves and necklaces.
The most uniform part of my wardrobe are shoes: 90 % are wedges -s hoes, sandals, boots, keds. That’s because I have short legs so need extra height, but also fussy feet so need comfort because I’m on my feet all day long. I am discovering some comfy flats now ( thanks to Angie as well) but still prefer the look of wedges or mini-wedges.
I used to be worried about finding my personal style, but could never fit myself into any mold of boho, whimsical, classic etc. So i where whatever makes me feel good now, no matter what style it is. I do in general prefer more streamlined looks tough.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:57 am
Tanya, I think finding your signature style doesn’t necessarily have to be about wearing the same style of clothing all the time. I’m like you, where I like to wear a lot of different “styles,” usually clean and classic, but sometimes I’ll throw a boho element or something “whimsical/funky” into the outfit for interest. A signature style/look could be about a color you always wear, or one accessory you wear with all your outfits (Angie and her chunky pearl necklaces). Maybe your signature piece is wedges.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:04 am
Ana, that never occurred to me before, but I think you’re right - wedges are my signature piece! There’s no other wardrobe piece or an accessory that I would always wear, simply because I like my variety. By wedges I could (and do) wear almost alway! Thanks for the eye-opener!
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:19 am
I was actually thinking about this today and I finally figured out how to articulate my thoughts on this:
If I was in my teens and 20’s during the 60’s and I simply bypassed all the “trendy” pieces for a more classic style, I would probably deeply regret it today. Many of the trendy pieces from the 60’s ARE classic styles today, or at least inspirational styles. As a teenager or 20something in the 60’s, I would have taken advantage of the opportunity I had to wear go-go boots and funky mod frocks. So I apply the same principles now. I know a lot of what I get at UO and Anthro might not be enduring, but I’m young and this is the time to experiment and be playful, and if I need to sell it all off to vintage shops later in life that’s fine with me! I have plenty of time later in life to stick to the classics and be safe. Now is the time to take risks.
The overwhelming majority of women I know are terrified to step outside the box because “it’s not them” and “it won’t look good.” That just isn’t true. Trends truly are for everyone. You just need to find pieces that are specific to you. I had to go through dozens of of unflattering swing jackets before I found the one that looked good on me. I had to wear skinny jeans a hundred different ways to find the solution that worked with my body. I could have played it safe and stuck with my fitted jackets and bootcut jeans, but that’s not PERSONAL style to me. Anyone can look fab in those styles, but to me those are default pieces. Personalizing style can even just be in small details, like Ana’s ladybug belt.
So, I guess I respect the decision some women make to stick to a few silhouettes, but their wardrobes will never be as interesting to me as the ones who take chances (successful chances, mind you). I think ALL women can do this but the desire has to be there. Some just don’t want to spend 200 hours in a fitting room, which is understandable. I see a lot of ladies whose bodies were built for fashion but who don’t take advantage of their potential. It’s none of my beeswax how they dress, but it does frustrate me, because if I had their bodies I’d go crazy!
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:51 am
When I began my clothing transformation (thanks to Angie!) we created a uniform of sorts, but it had lots of possibilities for variation. Now I find that I crave the variation more and more. I do have a uniform for helping out at coop preschool with my daughter…I have to “dress for mess” because I will likely end up with paint on my clothes. But other than that, I love to try out new things now. I am trying to find new ways to wear the same items.
It’s become like a little spice on my chicken…a little treat for each day.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:56 am
I’m happy experimenting with my outfits, so I don’t think there’s really anything that I wear everyday, apart from a necklace I bought at H&M years ago. I consider magenta and fuchsia my signature colors, but I don’t wear them everyday. The two pairs of shoes I love and wear most are my black vintage cowboy boots and new (non vintage) saddle shoes. My friends always talk about them. I think that qualifies as signature!
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
I think variety is the spice of life! That being said, I’ve become guilty of wearing a similar ensemble everyday - bootcut jeans and similar looking tops with a cardigan. I’ve started to branch out of my comfort zone and have found a few unique pieces. I’ve also started knitting and I plan on adding some funky and pretty tops to my wardrobe - designing is so fun!!
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:50 am
I had a fashion rut, it was dressing from the waist up. All these types of items were easy to buy ie. minimal changing, so that’s what I did. Then I heard about Prada’s show of skirts, from the waist down. That’s also how she says she dresses herself. So I decided to put more attention south of the border (waist) and it feels good.
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Last week i realized i was in a fashion rut. I was on vacation in London with a group of friends and so i saw what they wore every day. I saw that my one friend had interesting tops and sweaters with differing silouettes while i was wearing my v-neck cotton tops almost daily. After a few days of this, the lightbulb went off in my head. The other thing that struck me last week was how many Londoners have a personal sense of style. Some of what i saw was pretty out there but i loved that people just owned their style.
So, today i’ll go back to Martin & Osa and return that new green v-neck sweater i bought and i’ll keep my eyes open for something different…..
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
ooh I was quoted….by Angie no less!
May 7th, 2008 at 7:28 am
[…] tunics and dresses over jeans or pants is my favourite look. I’m all for outfit variety, but when it comes to a uniform, this is mine. I was first inspired by the look when my late mother […]
May 11th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
(Late to the party, but oh well!)
My uniform, thanks to my new casual-dress job, has lately been made up of jeans (usually a darker wash), a cute top and flats or mary janes. I try to dress that up with accessories and jewelry.
As far as fits and styles are concerned, I go for structured tops (I *loathe* the voluminous trend!), flare-leg jeans, flat-front pants, and A-line skirts. When it comes to variations on those particular pieces, I’m open to pretty much anything.