The step-by-step guide to creating a great outfit
As you put together an outfit, keep in mind the principles of balance described in the Outfit Checklist. Any item you have is only as good as the outfit in which you will wear it! It’s all about the outfit. Know what specific activity you are dressing for, then start with:
Step 1
Start with a top or bottom (or dress) that works for the activity category you will be doing and specific season. Starting with a top often works best because you usually know how you’re going to style your hair so you can choose a top to go with your hair.
Step 2
If you started with a top, select a bottom that goes with it. Or it you started with a bottom, select at top.
Color
Similar or different. Use something similar (blends) with the other, or different (contrasts against) the other. Choose from the following:
Monochrome = wearing one color top to bottom.
Tonal = different shades of one color.
Complementary Colors = opposite colors on the color wheel. Like red + green (use pink + green, or another non-Christmas version), or blue + orange, or yellow + purple, etc.
Color(s) + Neutral = wearing a color item with a neutral (white, gray, black, navy blue, tan, brown).
Cut
Keep in mind cuts that work on you, and combinations of cuts that work on you. Remember also the general principle that you usually want to pair a looser cut item with something fitted.
Be aware of the level of dressiness you are creating – a T-shirt will “dress down” a bottom, while a dressier blouse will “dress up” a bottom, etc.
Step 3
Select shoes that go with the top/bottom pairing (or dress).
Color
Repeat a color from top or bottom, or use a shoe color that pops against your clothes.
Level of dressiness
The shoe should be appropriate for what activity your doing, and functional. If you’re dressing for work but need to walk a lot, wear a refined low wedge pump or comfortable wedge, for example.
Shape
Make sure the shape/style of shoe works well with your bottom. Look at how the shoes interface (meet) your bottom. If you have pants that bunch up at the shoes, for instance, because the shoe style doesn’t allow the pants to lay properly, that’s no good. The shoes and bottom should allow “room” for each other and not conflict.
Step 4
Select jewelry that coordinates with the colors of your top/bottom/shoes and that works with the cut of your clothes.
Color
Think about how the jewelry color works with the color of your shoes. Either blend with the color tones established by the shoes, or if there aren’t too many colors from the clothes and shoes, you can wear jewelry that pops against them with a different color.
Shape
The shape of the jewelry should work with the shape of your clothes. ¾ or shorter sleeves allow room to show a bangle bracelet, a simple crew neckline provides a non-interfering background for a big or long necklace, etc.
Step 5
Select a bag that coordinates with your clothes/shoes.
Color
Your handbag color should either be similar to your shoe color or pop against your shoe color in a different color.
The night before, set out what you will wear for what you will be doing the next day. This is a secret of the well-dressed woman because it gives her a second to think about it and plan. It also gives a feeling of security knowing you are set for the next day.
