How to Outfit Plan like a Pro

Christen
Mar 13, 2018
3 min read

Like I mentioned in my previous post, "The 3 Style Habits you Need to Let go Of", I have been outfit planning since a child so, I would definitely call myself a pro. Even though I don't do it as often as I used to, I've learned that planning your outfits is one of the best ways to save you lots of time and should be added to everyone's morning routine.

Imagine waking up 30 minutes before having to be to work, quickly sifting through your closet trying to figure out what to wear. Your work attire is business casual, so you have no choice but to look put together. Of course you play it safe and grab the same pair of black pants that you wear every week, pair it with your "favorite" black blouse, throw on a worn out blazer and call it business casual. At this point:

1. You're tired

2. Late for work

3. And hate what you're wearing

These 3 feelings don't sound like the best combination, do they? If you had only planned out your day the night before, maybe you wouldn't be as flustered and stressed out. I can understand how frustrating it can be for those of you who are new to the game. Not knowing what pieces to pair together, let alone knowing which fabrics and colors coordinate best with each other, is a trait that not everyone is blessed with. But, there is room for improvement. Continue reading to master the art of outfit planning.

The FIRST STEP I take when planning out my outfits is checking my schedule. As an entrepreneur, I'm not in an office everyday and my day to day schedule changes pretty frequently. Whether it be meeting with a client, attending a networking event or styling a photo shoot, I need to know where I'll be going, what I'll be doing and how long it'll take. Comfort is key, so I have to make sure I'm wearing something that is practical.

After confirming my schedule for the week, the SECOND STEP I take is checking the weather. You wouldn't believe how many people skip this step. Just because the sun us shining bright, doesn't mean it's warm. You have to make sure you dress appropriately so that you stay comfortable no matter the climate. Living in a state like Maryland with bi-polar weather, dressing for the season can be tricky. So, if checking the weather isn't enough, take a step outside your front door to test the waters.

STEP THREE is to open your closet and pull out the pieces that you want to wear this week. If you're busy 5 days out of the week this week, pull out 5 pieces. If you're only leaving your house 3 times this week, pull out 3 pieces. If you want to stay ready so you don't have to get ready, pull out 7 pieces for every single day this week. If you completed step two, then these pieces should be appropriate for the season.

STEP FOUR will be the easiest step for some of you and the hardest step for most of you. This step is when the planning starts. From here, you'll create your looks around the pieces you've pulled out. For instance, if one of my pieces was a turtleneck sweater, I'd pull out a skirt, a pair of jeans or trousers to wear as my bottom depending on what I'd be doing that day and where I'd be going. If this step is challenging for you, here is a tool you can use to make the process a lot easier. PINTEREST!

Pinterest has grown on me throughout the years and has turned into one of my most used apps on a daily basis. Even as a pro, I too get outfit planning block when I run out of ideas. So, this is what I do. I simply type in the article of clothing that I want to wear and add "outfits" at the end. This conjures up a slew of outfit ideas that incorporate the piece you're trying to wear.

How easy was that?!

If these 4 steps didn't help, you may just have to seek professional styling help moving forward. SophisticatedChic offers a number a services to those of you in need of some fashion guidance. So, if that's you, let's chat about it!