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Create Interesting Outfits

Building a Wardrobe
Comments(23)
January 28, 2020

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.

6 keys to help you create interesting outfits

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.

Black Ribbed Tee
Black Ribbed Tee

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.

Hem of Pants
wool blend wide crops // black pumps (similar)

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.

Fun Casual Winter Outfit
Shop the Look

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.

Interesting Wardrobe Essentials
A ribbed t-shirt with ruffle trim would be more interesting than a basic crew neck tee. (This one, which comes in white, too, is just $15 today!)

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.

How to Feel Warm + Look Stylish at the Office
A silky blush blouse and a blush leather satchel help soften the classic lines and feel of this menswear inspired red suit. See the post.

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.

Ruffles, Denim and Leather
Topping a soft, gauzy, floral blouse with a structured leather moto jacket is more interesting than a soft cardigan. Either would work, however. See this post.

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.

interesting outfits

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
How to Have Fun with a Blazer
Shop the Look

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.)

Whimsical Owl Brooch
An owl brooch adds an unexpected touch of whimsy to this look.

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.

Sock Bootie
slim boyfriend laight jeans in medium blue (TTS) // camel cashmere turtleneck // pendant necklace // sock booties // plaid long blazer (not shown) // leather tote // large hoop earrings

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.

How to Feel Warm and Look Stylish this Winter
Read the post.

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.

5 Ways to Wear a Red Suit
Even a pretty scarf tied to your handbag will help add interest to your look.

Key #6 – Style your outfit pieces.

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

Red Turtleneck
slim boyfriend laight jeans in medium blue (TTS) // red cashmere turtleneck // sock booties

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
What to Wear Out to Eat this Winter
  • 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!

If you enjoyed this post and want to remember to refer back to it, I hope you’ll pin this image to your Pinterest boards. You can also share it on Facebook. Just tell your friends you learned 6 keys to help you create interesting outfits and share a link to this post.

6 keys to help you create interesting outfits

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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

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xoxo, Kay
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23 thoughts on “Create Interesting Outfits

  1. I LOVE that you ‘teach’ us all the elements of styling and wearing our clothes. I can take just about anything from my wardrobe now and style it in different ways, thanks to you. After building my basic wardrobe with my neutrals I have tripled my wardrobe with all of my accessories….jewelry, scarves, shoes, handbags or even just with a jacket or coat! Thanks Kay! Your advice has been so valuable to me and I’m sure, a lot of other women as well.

    1. Glad you enjoyed the post, Sondra. Thanks so much for letting me know that I’m providing some helpful material. That helps! Have a lovely day.

  2. I am so sorry to hear of Benji’s passing. I will say a prayer for comfort for you. I have a 13 year old shih tzu who is my shadow. I cannot imagine life without him. I enjoyed this post and plan to incorporate some of the ideas in my dresses for the day. Thanks.

  3. Ha! Garanimals! Guilty! ☺️ I know you miss that little Benji. Pets are such comfort and companionship. I’m so sorry. Praying for sweet comfort for you! Love these style tips! ?

      1. Excellent post. Thanks for the tips. Garanimals – – Sure does take me back – – I had some clothes from this line for my children when they were little. I have been guilty of choosing clothes this way also.
        Thank you for encouraging and challenging me to share my Savior with others.
        Suzanne

  4. Thank for those great styling tips. I really enjoy your posts. So sorry to hear about your sweet Benji. I saw a quote that kind of summed up how I felt when I lost my JRT nine years ago. . “Dogs are not our whole life but they make our life whole.” They bring so much joy, comfort and unconditional love and they certainly make us better humans.

    1. Hi Donna, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Indeed, pets do add so much to our lives. We’ll miss him for sure. I keep looking around for him… But then I remember. I’m trying to give myself a little time to adjust. Have a great day.

  5. Sorry to hear about Benji. My old dog is slowing before my eyes! Thanks for this great post. I love this ‘new’ format for your blog!

  6. I had tears in my eyes as I was reading on the passing of Benji. I have a dog that is 13 and know the day is coming when I will have to say goodbye to him My boys always tell me that I love Rocket more than them!!! I am truly blessed each day I read your post. God Bless.

  7. A great post full of wonderful tips. I especially like the way your sweater looks in Key #5. Is it a front tuck or do you have the front of the sweater “arranged” in some manner? It makes your outfit, IMO. Thanks, Kay!

    1. Hi Bev, thanks. Yes, that sweater is front tucked. I find that for my body proportions and especially with cropped jeans it is generally best to raise the visual waistline a bit by doing a front tuck. Thanks for reading.

  8. Hi Kay I am so sorry about the passing of your little doggie , I so understand the heartache as I had to have my little Yorkie put to sleep on the 3rd of January 2020, she got really ill and there was nothing they could do for her she was 12 years old.
    I miss her terribly.

    1. I’m so sorry, Sandy. I know that was hard. We had to have Benji’s brother Tommy put to sleep this past spring. We are grateful for the extra time we had with Benji, as he was really the more affectionate dog of the two. Thanks so much for our kindness.

  9. Love this post Kay. You are truly a teacher and I am learning so much from you. I have the clothes – I just don’t take the time to make them interesting. So good to consider.
    Your devotional message is right where I’m at as well. Praying that God will open a door for me to talk about what He is doing for me right now in my life. Thanks for the inspiration – and thanks to James as well for the good teaching…”unleashing the power of God’s saving grace in someone’s life”…wow!

    1. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Deanna. It means a lot to me to know that what I’m doing – both in the fashion content and the devotional – resonates. I appreciate your sharing. Godspeed in sharing with your story with others!

  10. This post is so fabulous that I Pinned it for future reference. Thank you so much for putting it together! I have a couple of Kim Rogers cotton knit tees that have a square neckline that I love to wear because while they are a basic tee, they don’t look it. I hope that you have had a nice day. After a cold start this has been a beautiful sunny day. God bless!

  11. Hi Kay! I enjoy your blog and never miss a post. Please tell me in which seasons the Talbots wool blend wide crops can be worn. I live in the south and wonder how often I will be able to wear them. Thanks!

    1. Hi Susan, they’re a lightweight seasonless wool so technically you can wear them year-round but you’d probably be more prone to wear them fall through spring. Thanks for reading! ?

  12. Kay,
    I am so sorry about little Benji! I know he was part of your family and how hard it is to part with him! I pray God will give you peace and comfort. I am glad he could be with you so many years! What a blessing! God is good!! If you choose to get another dog, I pray that he will bring you joy as well!
    Thanks for all your posts! I know your church family is blessed to have you!

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