Fashion Challenge: Wear Something Magnificent Every Day for a Week
Photo Credit: Cupcakes and Cashmere
So, this week’s challenge title probably struck you as a little vague — typically, our challenges feature a difficult-to-style piece or unusual combination to try out. But this week, we dare you to wear something fabulous, intentional, and unique every single day for a full week.
Since this IS a fashion website, I realize it’s not a challenge for some of you to always leave home perfectly-accessorized and full of flair. But for most girls (including myself), it’s easy to put together inspired outfits some days, but other days, you just throw on a basic cardigan and pair of skinny jeans. Not that there’s anything wrong with a simple outfit, but how much more confident would you feel if you took the time to add a scarf and watch, or pair your favorite striped cardigan with an adventurous floral top?
That said, wearing something worthy of the Sartorialist every day does take a bit of planning. Set an hour or two aside Sunday night and think about what you want to wear every day for the next week. When you realize how much fun you have planning outfits, how much time you save throughout the week, and how much more confident you feel each day, you’ll adopt this into a weekly ritual in no time.
Want to tackle this challenge? Read on for planning tips, as well as ideas for putting together seven great outfits!
Photo Credit: Sea of Shoes
It’s All in the Planning: Tips & Tricks to Make the Process Easier
- Organize your closet. I know I’m preaching to the choir, but crafting stylish outfits is exponentially easier when you know where to look for certain items.
- Make a list. Write down every activity you foresee yourself doing in the week ahead — from studying at the library to going out on the weekend. This helps minimize the last-minute “I have no idea what to wear”-induced panic.
- Write down your plan. When you think of the perfect outfit (more on that below), be sure to write down every piece and accessory you’ll need so you won’t forget when the day comes.
- Find what you need. Locate everything included in each outfit. There’s nothing worse than having an ensemble all planned out, then learning that your best friend borrowed your shoes, or your favorite jeans are in the wash.
- Invest in a clothing rack. You can find basic ones (like the one in the top photo, above) at Bed Bath and Beyond for as low as $20. I absolutely love mine — I hang up pieces that inspire me, my next day’s outfit, and pretty scarves and purses from it. Not only is it convenient, but it’s a great way to add some decorative flair to your bedroom.
- Take pictures. If you’ve taken the time to plan out a great outfit, snap a Polaroid of yourself wearing it. Collect these photos and refer to them next time you’re in a style rut.
Photo Credit: Flickr
Now for the fun part, creating outfits! I’m sure even people like Rachel Zoe and Anna Wintour have trouble with this every now and then. But don’t worry: I’ve scoured the internet and found some great tips on how to methodically form multiple outfits for the week ahead. You can thank me later with a comment :)
Tips and Tricks for Creating a Brand New Outfit–Fast!
- Turn to style bloggers. They’re a great source for thinking of unique outfit combinations.
- Build your look around one piece. Think of a basic item (a blazer or cardigan for example) and think of every piece you own that you could wear with it, from pants to skirts to dresses, etc. Then try things on and figure out what works best.
- Use accessories. A scarf, waist belt, and statement jewelry can completely transform a basic outfit into something amazing.
- Check out mannequins and catalogs. It’s great to break the mold, but if you’re really stuck, this can be a great source to turn to.
- Add a statement piece or accent. Lace leggings, a vest, or a quirky hat can up the style factor of any look.
- Look through past Fashion Challenges! Check out CF’s archives for inspiration. You’ll find tips on rocking double denim, monochromatic outfits, mixed prints, and other unusual combinations.
- Try a new style. If you normally dress preppy, try creating a look that’s rocker-chic or ultra-girly from pieces you already own.
- Play with colors. Pick out two colors you love, and work them into an outfit. My favorite combinations are blue and brown, red and black, and purple and ivory.
- Layer, layer, layer. This is especially helpful if you’re into bohemian style or more urban trends. And layering is SO easy: changing just one piece of a tried-and-true combination will make an ensemble totally new.
- Dress pieces up or down. Make a sequined top work for daytime, or a pastel blouse translate to night.
- Inspiration is everywhere. Watch your favorite movie, catch a new TV show, check out photos of past musicians, or even people-watch for fresh ideas. Check out CF’s “Inspiration” category to start yourself off!
Thoughts?
Do you plan out perfect outfits every day, or only when you have time? Do you have trouble coming up with new outfits? Is this challenge something you’ll do, or do you think it’s a waste of time? What tips do you have for styling new outfits? Let us know what you think with a comment!
Posted on on December 1, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Fashion Challenge, Featured, How To, Outfits
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Ally
Lovely as usual!
Might start next week ;)
Kelly
Definitely starting next week!
cece
omg!!!! love it, the ideas the tips everything. The article is totally motivational. I always pick out what I want to wear mentally and then the next day i will totally forget. I feel so inspired now :)
Nicole
Count me in! These are really helpful tips, I definitely don’t have room for a rack in my dorm room :[ but I think that planning outfits on a Sunday night is a really good idea- I used to do that in high school. Thanks for the advice! Great post.
Samantha
I love this post! Great ideas :D thanks!
Arielle
great article! one of the best i’ve read in awhile.
Rin
What a great idea! If I hadn’t already brought home most of my clothes over Thanksgiving break, I would totally try this out.
dreamer
fantastic idea! i have a few pieces in my wardrobe that i haven’t even touched for fear of being overdressed. might be time to get them out now :)
Julia
This is a great idea. Another thing that I do is spend a long time on the weekends trying on a few new outfit combinations then if something works I can just throw it on in a few minutes and look great.
Sarah
here’s another tip: get one of those hanging sweater bags with 6 vertical compartments: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/hangingBags/shoeSweater?productId=10022387&N=152
and put each day’s outfit for the week in each compartment :)
Valerie
Great post! Where can I find a black skirt like the one in the picture on the right? Or what would it normally be called?
Bethann
Definitely doing this next week :) I used to do this all the time but then I just got too involves in doing my hair and makeup every morning that I had no time to pick out clothes so I just picked out whatever was laying around.
Thanks!
Rachel
I love this idea. I always want to wear certain things, then put them away because they’re just too dramatic for normal wear. But next week I will be sporting my finest!
Kirsten
I love your ideas! I’m really bad at planning a head and usually, even though I love fashion and reading blogs and magazines and stuff, i just wear jeans with a cardican of sweater. So this is deff a challenge I will try this time!
Stel
These are really good suggestions and I plan on following some of them!
Milana
This is a great piece! Sometimes we’re just too lazy! I’m going to find something ‘magnificent’ to wear today! Thanks for the inspiration!
Steph
I’ve already been neurotically color-coordinating my interchangible minimalist outfits for Chistmas travel. But I tend to throw on outfits–out of the pile of stuff I have on the floor–that get complements? Thanks for the article, I desperately need to get organized!
Katie
I must agree with everyone. This post is fantastic! One of my favorites in a while. Thank you, Chelsea for all the helpful tips. Who doesn’t love a little magnificence?! :)
Katie
@Valerie: If you’re talking about the top picture from Cupcakes and Cashmere, the skirt three in from the right is from Zara, and the skirt two in from the right is from Elizabeth and James. The E&J one is more a tutu style, and you could probably find a cheaper version at stores like Forever 21. Hope that helped! :)
Lucy
Love this post. I’ve been wanting to become more stylish for a long time now, and I’ve read a lot of your other articles on creating outfits and the like. I love especially the outfits on Lookbook.nu, but there’s one thing I’ve been meaning to ask for a while now.
Do you know of any style blogs that cater to pear shaped girls? I find myself imagining a lot of boyish-figured or just skinny women (and generally see a lot of these ladies on LB.nu) wearing these stylish outfits. It’s great to admire their style, but hard to imitate it, and I’m not plus-sized either, so what’s a gal with big hips to do?
Jordan
I am a fashion blogger, myself, and I agree with this post 100%. ANYONE can look their best everyday, and why not? I believe personal style takes a lifetime to truly develop, but it’s worth the effort. Knowing what works for your body type, budget, and taste is invaluable knowledge
you’ll carry with you no matter what you wear. It may sound cliche, but when you FEEL good,
you’re more likely to look good as well. Actually, those two are best friends; style and comfort
do walk hand in hand.
My personal inspiration comes from what I see , how I feel, and what I like, plain and simple. Having that as a basis for building a well rounded closet is the first step. I do like that this post mentioned trying a new style on for size, as well. It’s okay to mix styles and experiement, especially when you’re young, but there’s only thing I’d add. Even if you don’t know what works for you yet, always make sure you’re staying
true to what you want and like. If you already
know your personal ascetic but feel like mixing it up, include a piece of yourself (be it shoes or accessories you might not expect, anything) in your new look.
Demariee
If you want to plan your outfits for the whole week on Sundays, I highly suggest checking the weather for the week before outfit planning. Theres nothing worse than planning an amazing outfit only for the weather to mess it up, leaving you scrambling last minute for something else to wear.
Margot
What I do, during the weekend I compose the outfits for the week, and I put all clothes on a hanger and in the morning just put them on
I will also sugest a challenge I have taken upon myself this month and for next month, to take my week points and turn them into strenghts, I have started with my nails, I have never been happy with them and could only manage one perfect day of nail polish, now
I’ve got myselft acrilic nails, long beautiful nails that I am most proud of
The next thing on my list is to dye my hair somehow so it looks high-maintenance hair, now I just have my natural color
So there, since I so much like this blog I thought to share my plans here and to state my commitment to looking good :D
e. of academichic
This is a fantastic challenge, especially at the end of the semester when we all tend to drag. When I was in undergrad, I would try to wear something fabulous every single day of finals week. It didn’t make me smarter, but it made me feel collected and in charge during an otherwise daunting week. Now as a mom and PhD student, my definition of what constitutes “fabulous” has shifted (less silk tops, more chunky necklaces) but it’s still a worthwhile endeavor to remember to make an effort, whether on a teaching day or a grocery shopping day!
Savannah
I took the challenge this week, and it was so much fun! :D My outfits consisted of cute belted sweaters and white lace tops, among other things. Great idea!
Maddie
I think we should wear somthing fab every day of the week ALL THE TIME.
gwenanne
excellent ideas – I am a grandmother but love fashion. Tried a thin leopard skin belt with a white shirt and pants. Had many compliments. Will do for any age