STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

jacks435 · Kenneth Cole

Do you plan outfits before you buy, or figure out how you'll wear stuff after it's already in your closet?

kittenheels · Coach

It varies. For basics, I am pretty organized and can generally think of lots of ways to wear something. For more unique pieces, I tend to fall in love with the piece, but have pretty limited ways to wear them...I should get better about this!

cahabo · Kate Spade

I usually think ahead before buying something if it will look good with what I already have. I also usually buy things that will go with just about everthing so I won't be buying a pair of pants that can only be paired with a shirt or two that I already own.

atlgirl · Gucci

I used to do what you do, jacks, and I had the same problem - all pretty things in my closet which didn't necessarily work together. So I do plan out what's going to go with what I already own. I have a couple of different color palates (sp? I am not awake yet) within which I work, so if it's not a color that works with any of these, then I don't buy it. I try really, really hard not to buy things that I have to buy other things for, KWIM? Lately I'm finding that more things seem to go together "effortlessly" when I'm getting dressed, so my scheme must be working.

Kelly · Hermes

I don't really plan. I have a whole lot of basic stuff in solid colors, like plain pants, skirts, shirts, etc. So usually whatever fun piece I have matches one of my plain pieces, if nothing else.

Elle · Hermes

My wardrobe used to be super basic and boring, and I'm still working on getting out of that rut. Those are all my 'foundation' pieces, to be mixed with my 'decorative' pieces that I'm still working on. Just yesterday I was standing in my closet noticing that I have very few things that aren't a tank top/cami or a long sleeved top/sweater - almost nothing cute that could be layered depending on weather. So I went to the thrift and came home with 4 such tops .

Aside from filling very noticeable holes (next of which is a s/s cardi in some light neutral color, because all the ones I have are either orange or green ), I just grab what I like ....

zeitgeist4 · Gucci

atlgirl wrote:

I have a couple of different color palates (sp? I am not awake yet) within which I work, so if it's not a color that works with any of these, then I don't buy it.

I tend to work in the same way. I love plum and teal, so when I buy something new in one of those colors I know I have other stuff in my closet that will go with it.

That rule about thinking of 3 ways to wear 1 thing works for me too. It keeps me from buying crap I won't wear.

Also, I will buy things that I'm not sure about, then take them home and look in my closet. If I can't make any outfits quickly, I just return it.

TheLovelyLady71 · Hermes

I 'try' to plan OTHER outfits before I buy things, but that's not always the case. That's why I like dresses, b/c it's just ONE piece.

I do have a LOT of shirts/skirts, and I try to make as many outfits as I can, but then I go out, and buy MORE!!

calichic · Dooney & Bourke

I usually just get what I like. This generally works because everything I get is pretty basic. Sometimes I do get things that are more statement pieces and I like to create an outfit, be it from inside my closet or not, and then get it. I guess I usually try to create outfits if it is a more expensive piece though.

Kitty · Hermes

I only plan if the piece I'm buying is really unique and my gut is telling me there may not be other stuff in my closet to go with it. I have a fairly large, electic wardrobe, though and I can usually find something for almost any item.

Usually, after I buy something I'll take it home and try it with everything I own and make a million different outfits. This happens prior to taking off the price tag - so if I realize it doesn't really work with my stuff, I return.

Lilykind · Hermes

I used to be a total scatterbrain, buying things that were really special and unique. I had the same problem, though...my stuff didn't go together and I was sorely lacking in the pieces that would unite those items.

I still buy really special and unique things, but now I'm trying to unite them together between my two color palettes. I have a brown-based one and black-based one.

Now I don't take off the price tag until I wear the item for the first time. I am planning on returning two things that many of the girls said to keep here (Anthro jumper and Marc Jacobs skirt) because I really couldn't figure out outfits for them.

hotcocoa · Kate Spade

i usually don't buy something unless i really love it (basics included) and often that piece will sit unworn in my closet for a while until i find something else i love to go with it. my thinking is that if i love it, i'll find a way to make it work. someday.

i don't really stick to a palette either — although i think it's generally a good idea & maybe i SHOULD be sticking to one — i'm all over the map with color. but i truly love all colors!

Jem · Nine West

I try to think of an outfit with the item I'm looking to buy. If I can't come up with one, I usually don't buy. I do make exceptions tho : )

shopaholic · Dooney & Bourke

I usually buy individual pieces that I think are cute and I end up with the same problem as you jacks435, or I'll end up with very similar items in my closet. Lately i've been trying to fill holes in my closet like the other girls and thats helped a bit with my outfits. I do sometimes go into the mall having specific items in mind to help me complete a certain look and that really helps.

NCshopper · Hermes

I generally buy things to fill holes in my existing wardrobe, so when I buy things, I usually don't have a problem working it in with what I already have.

Like Lilykind, I have two palettes going on: a brown-based and a black-based one. Most pieces I have work well with both of those palettes.

shopgirl82 · Chanel

i take inventory, then make a list of what i like, however, if i see something in the store that fits great and i like, i'll buy it even if it's not on the list. i usually try to stick to the list though. generally each season i go for looks that i like. last spring/summer was all about comfy dresses, wearable sandals, and jewerly. this fall is all about basics with amazing accessories, shoes and bags. i am really focusing on high quality sweaters because when i took out my fall clothes, i noticed that some of my favorite (and incidently more expensive) sweaters are actually 5 + years old. so i am trying to suck up the $200 price tag of most of the sweaters i like, and buy them as investment pieces.

nunzi182 · Kate Spade

If I like something, I just buy it. I find ways to make it work if I like it.