Michelle Oliver: Tricks to pull together outfits fast
One common misconception about fashion bloggers is that we never have days where we have nothing to wear. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
I have those days more than you would think. I always laugh a little when people make comments to me about how they can’t imagine me struggling to pull together an outfit. Normally, after I’m done laughing, I tell them that I struggle just like everyone else.
So today’s column is all about how to create a great outfit every time you get dressed. I am told that planning your outfits out is a good idea. Some people I know plan their outfits out a week in advance. I love the thought of that, but I just can’t seem to find the time to do it.
For all you who are like me and literally run out of your house every morning, here are some tips on how to create outfits quickly and easily.
First things first: Buy staple pieces. I have preached and preached this throughout my blog and my column that your closet needs staple pieces. What is a staple piece, you ask? It is an item that can be worn multiple ways and with a variety of items.
Cardigans, scarves, skinny jeans and a pair of black pumps are all great staple pieces. These pieces can be dressed up for work, dressed down for casual days and can be transitioned into date-night attire.
That being said, when I go shopping and can’t decide on an item, I ask myself if it falls in this category. If it can’t be worn a million ways, I probably won’t buy it.
Secondly: Buy what works best for your body. I’m sure you all have heard the saying, “Dress for your body type.” I firmly believe in that rule.
Every day there are new trends popping up in the fashion industry, but you need to take this rule into consideration before you plunge headlong into the newest trend. I haven’t mastered this tip, but I do have a pretty good idea what I feel good in and what I would never buy again.
I use a simple rule of thumb in this area. If I try it on and immediately can’t make a decision if it looks right, I won’t buy it. Simple as that. If you don’t love it in the dressing room, you won’t wear it once you get home.
Thirdly: Mix it up. No one likes wearing the same things over and over again.
Play with the pieces in your closet. I always start my outfit with a staple piece. Normally it’s skinny jeans. In the picture accompanying this column, you will see I took a pair of skinny jeans and paired them with my favorite gray booties. I added a bright coral-colored scarf and a white coat to make the outfit pop.
I think you will find that once you start your outfit with a staple piece, everything else falls into place. Another great outfit starter is a cardigan. Take a basic cardigan and match it with a pair of printed pants. Then add a pair of black pumps with some jewelry. The end result should be a great outfit that you can transition from day to night.
Hope these tips make it easier for you to pull together great outfits.
Michelle Oliver is a Merced native and a fashion and beauty blogger at www.gracefulglamourgirl.com. She can be reached at gracefulglamourgirl@live.com.
This story was originally published January 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Michelle Oliver: Tricks to pull together outfits fast."