Find Inspiration for Outfit Ideas

“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.”  Epictetus

Some of the resources below may be affiliate links, which means I get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

Signature style starts with inspiration.

Signature style starts with inspiration for outfit ideas that convey the “new you”. The way we gain our inspiration is by analyzing what we already have and researching women’s clothes to see what outfits attract us so much that we would want to wear them ourselves.

Check out my first post about why everyone should find their own style. Click here.

Outfit ideas start with purging your closet.

In my previous blog I mentioned a quick tip to show you how little we really wear from all of our accumulated clothes. You can go back to the post and read it again with this link – QUICK TIP.

I actually did the test and found that I mostly wore the same 20% of what was hanging in my closet. Amazing!

Before – 53 hangers facing the same

After – 10 hangers rehung in opposite direction

This is the time you get into the closet and start pulling everything out.

Let’s face it. Even if we knew our styles at one point, we’re older now (at least I am!). Things change, drop, spread – it’s just life. We need to check ourselves every few years. I know I’ve hung on to clothes that I remember looking great on me. I have been trying them on again and was shocked! Did I really feel good wearing THAT!!! Probably my clothes were in fashion then. Fashion styles have changed. Especially when you must dress more age appropriate. And I hope you are doing that?

These concepts are from the book I am working with The Curated Closet. I love how organized her system is to guide you to discovery of your own sense of style.

So get into your closet. Make a “keep” pile. Try everything on. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I love it
• Does it fit properly
• Does it make me feel great when I’m wearing it

Now notice:

• What styles, colors and fabrics am I drawn to
• Can I see myself wearing them constantly
• What don’t I like about some of my clothes – hint – throw away or donate those

Don’t forget to go through your lounge wear, shoes, bras and undies, jewelry. I will be addressing these in later posts.

So what to keep and what will go?

Can you assemble two weeks worth of outfits? Enough to fit all your needs like work, errands, out for dinner? Which are your favorites and why? Do you feel really good when you have them on? That’s you! You are starting to find your comfort zone.

You will have pieces that you love and will wear. But there will be pieces that you’re just not sure. If you don’t LOVE it – don’t keep it. That rule also goes for shopping for what to wear. Make sure your pieces fit into your life. You don’t have to follow any current trends. You want clothes that will pass the test of time. I have prepared a cheat sheet of items that are a must for everyone. However, you don’t have to run out and buy these immediately. Gradually add them to your wardrobe. It also lists what items must go.

Now for the fun part – research!

Start looking at outside sources for new outfit ideas. Look through magazines and pinterest. There is so much on pinterest! Notice people around you. Also don’t forget TV shows and movies. Take pictures on your phone and download from pinterest. Make yourself a file either on your computer or print them out. Do this enough until you start getting a good image of an emerging style that you really like for yourself. Collect a good amount of pictures and ideas. Then go back and go through them again. You will probable have changed your mind from the time you started to the last ideas you liked. Weed them out.

Here are just two of my favorite outfits cut out of magazines. I love to wear monochromatic color clothing. I also love the beautiful boho style top with the jeans. That’s my personal style.

Refining your style

It’s time to write down what you have discovered about your style. Use each of these categories to jot down notes.

• Vibe: You may start to feel an overall theme in your outfits. Maybe you are drawn to boho, classic, or punk rock look.
• Individual pieces: Note separate pieces that you particularly like and would wear a lot.
• Colors: Colors that you prefer. Especially ones that pick up your hair and skin tones.
• Silhouettes: Pay attention to how you like your clothes to fit. Do you want your jeans to be skinny jeans or boot cut. Do you like a low waist or mid waist. What type of necklines are good for you.
• Materials: This would be any fabrics and textures that you are comfortable in and think look good on you.
• Styling: This is how you intend to wear your clothes. Will you be tucking in a blouse or belting it? How will you accessorize your little black dress?

Next step – hitting the stores to try on and experimenting!

Click to download the free checklist!