Outfit Formulas
How this may be helpful for some people
You may (or may not) have seen reference to ‘outfit formulas’ out there. A little different from having a ‘uniform’, but has a bit of a similarity, but isn’t quite a uniform. A uniform would be more of the same or very similar things, but an outfit formula offers more variation. Some people may view both uniform and formula as the same thing. Some people may prefer a uniform approach, some may prefer a formula approach and some may prefer neither. Today, I am going to focus on the formula approach how I see it and might use it. How outfit formulas and/’uniform’ outfits can be useful for some people is it helps reduce or eliminate the stress and uncertainty that some may feel in getting dressed. It can save time and even money. It also can help you hone your sense of personal style (of course there are other ways to hone your personal style and a formula or uniform approach might not be right for you).
An outfit formula is a template for how you will put outfits together rather than a pre-prescribed outfit. For example, a formula for Autumn/Winter may be trousers, warm sweater and boots. Now you can get more specific if you want - jeans, warm sweater and ankle boots, or you can keep it mor general. Then you add accessories, make up, hair - you may make these into more specifics or keep them more general. It might be that you want something more specific if you are struggling to put something together; or it might be that you want more freedom if you value variety but still want a formula. You can have more than one formula. For example, this Autumn/Winter, I have created myself two formulas so far: Jeans, soft sweater and ankle boots and printed/patterned jersey dress and sock ankle boots in chocolate brown ( I think these sit better against the leg with dresses). You will see some elements of freedom and some elements that are more specific. The patterns are varied as are (partially) the cuts of the dresses, though all the dresses are in line with my proportions and body type for the most flattering fit and silhouette (of course I can wear things that are not, but I do want to look my best!). I like the contrast of the jeans with a sweater that is fluffy or soft. I love soft and fluffy sweaters! Ankle boots are a staple in my wardrobe, and I have a few pairs in different designs - some plain neutrals and some in colours and/or with patterns. For me, if I am wearing a plain sweater with the jeans, I will wear patterned ankle boots, or at least if in a solid colour they will have other things going on like a big, soft bow or something! Some people might want the plain sweater with plain and neutral ankle boots and this might look great on them. I just know for me (and for my Kibbe type, essence(s) and more, I look better when not all neutral or minimal, and I do love a bit of bling and velvet and leopard and floral and more! Not all at once though!). I also have a few tops in the jeans and sweater formula wardrobe (I currently have each formula in separate places whilst I work a few things out with outfits and formulas and more). The tops are cut in a style and silhouette that suits my body type and that I like. They are also in colours and prints I am like wearing for Autumn/Winter. Then there are a couple of pairs of beautiful velvet flats if I am working on the laptop or zoom calls and don’t want to have my ankle boots on. I won’t go into the details of the jersey dress and ankle boots formula, but I reckon you can get the drift and how it works.
Of course, I am also free to wear other things or change things up a bit! The formulas just help me with no-brainer, smart casual outfits that cover a range of events in my everyday life (having a lifestyle assessment for outfits can also help with this).
I hope this has been of use to you if a formula approach may be something that works for you. If you feel inclined, have a go. Start with just one formula, keeping it as strict or as varied as you want and see where that takes you.
Until soon,
Shine as only you can!
Warmly,
Leighah
