One reason I started Prima Darling was to explore, deconstruct and share my findings on how to simplify our wardrobes and personal style to a point where dressing, feeling good and looking good in our clothes become second nature. We’ve all had those days where deciding what to wear seems almost impossible. A stylistic breakthrough can sometimes occur on such occasions or a regrettable choice can result in a day in which you feel out of sorts and can’t wait to get back home to tear the offending outfit off. I would like to eliminate these days’ altogether and make dressing everyday an easy and even pleasurable event.
I’m not the kind of person who plans a weeks worth of outfits or even plans what to wear the night before. For special events I’m able to plan ahead, but in the day-to-day, weather and mood factor into it, so deciding the morning of is the norm. If weather and mood are working against me angst and tardiness can result, which is a terrible way to start the day.
I finally discovered years ago while packing for a trip that the best way to avoid this is to have pre-set outfits fully accessorized and complete with outerwear documented in a full length mirror selfie. I usually do this on my Ipad for the larger screen. The trick to making this strategy fool proof is to having enough fully formed outfits in the personal style arsenal to cover all situations and environmental conditions. At the beginning of the season I set aside time over the course of several days, to style the outfits. It’s then that I can see what’s missing, what shoe could be the game changer or what accessory a look is screaming for. As they say the camera doesn’t lie, looking at the pictures I immediately can see what works and what doesn’t. I just bought a dress online and as much as I would like it to work the pictures say no. So at the beginning of each season I highly recommend building up your bank.
The other important consideration is to include enough outfits for all occasions. Work wear of course, but also casual weekend looks and party, dinner and cocktail outfits as well. Whatever it is you spend your time doing, plan an outfit for it. I’ve started the process for this season, but still have a long way to go. I’m also considering incorporating a capsule approach to the season. There’s been a lot of talk lately about capsule collection dressing. It doesn’t really stir up a lot of excitement in me but in the name of simplification I’m willing to modify and give it a try. I’ll let you know how that goes.
Last thought on the subject is to have your fall back pieces and outfits. Something you can always go to in a pinch knowing it fully represents your personal style while delivering function and comfort. Two women who have mastered this with great aplomb are Emmanuelle Alt, the super chic editor-and-chief of French Vogue and Sophia Coppola, the director. Both favor jeans or slim pants and boyish basics which they jazz up with flawless accessories. Here are shots of them doing just that. Your homework is to figure out what your go-to basics are and style your own fall back outfits to start building your outfit bank with. And lastly some suggestions for key pieces to start building with. Let me know your tricks for pulling your look together and we’ll continue the discussion.
