4 Quick Steps for Turning ‘Clothes’ into an ‘Outfit’

I’m have a mostly analytical nature. I love having a process or steps to complete for any task. It helps me define is working for me and improve on anything I dislike.

We headed out on Saturday night with friends, these are the ‘boring’ chambray shirt & jeans I was wearing during the day. To walk the dog, clean house, and curl up on the couch and watch Bob’s Burger’s on Netflix instant view (I’m in love with Kristen Schaal). When we decided to met some friends for drinks I wanted to take my clothes and turn them into an outfit. I’ve been working on these steps for a while now, and while I don’t follow this list every time, having quick go-to steps helps me decide what to do next. Like any medium ‘You have to know the rules before you can break them’.

1.) Tuck it & belt it.

  • Add a belt to your outfit, and if you are wearing two pieces tuck in your top. This helps define your waist, and breaks up long stretches of color.

2.) Roll up & Unbutton.

  • My mother used to have to tell me to unbutton my top button, because I thought ‘if it’s there I should use it.’ That’s not really true. Unbutton your top couple buttons, you can wear a bright-colored camisole to add some interest here.
  • Rolling up your sleeves breaks up the color. I feel like it makes my arms look longer and less stuffy.

3.) Accessorize.

  • I’m admittedly not great at accessorizing yet, so I typically limit myself to one big statement piece. Dangly earrings (in this case), or funky bracelets, or chunky necklaces. I like to keep it simple by just choosing one.

4.) When in doubt. Bright lips.

  • Bright red lips are definitely in vogue this spring. In a couple more seasons you might try a bright pink, or a coral, or a dark mauve, or whatever complements your skin color. It adds a bit of contrast to your face and really adds that extra oomph to make you look put together.


Tada! Loren is ready to rock & roll! Or just dance with her friends and try to avoid all the night club creepers. Do you guys have steps for going from drab to fab?

  • http://feathersfreckles.blogspot.com Feathers & Freckles

    I love how you spiced it up for going out! You look cute in both, but I love the ‘outfit’ version – you look great with red lips :)

  • Sara

    Very cute! I love this idea, I always hate changing my clothes three times a day or whatever. I still love those boots!

  • http://shybiker.blogspot.com/ Shybiker

    What a great tutorial. These tips can be applied to many outfits and work very well. Some of them are subtle (like rolling up the sleeves) and new to me. Thanks!

  • http://theblogofworldlydelights.blogspot.com/ laura

    you are a freaking genius. BELT IT is definitely an important step. I’ve been belting like mad lately!

  • http://mythriftycloset.blogspot.com/ my thrifty closet

    The steps sound simple enough! I could do that! A few simple steps absolutely transformed your outfit from laid back to smart casual chic. Simple yet cute Loren, I loooove our red boots!

    mongs
    mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

  • http://iamchiconthecheap.com/ Lyddiegal

    You are so right with these steps, and you had me chuckling: “if it’s there I should use it” Buttons up to the top definitely make my chest look bigger, so I always take care to avoid them.

    I think the end result is super cute!!

  • http://justtakeabow.blogspot.com/ Sarah

    This is a great example of how to make a look out of something less-than-impressive. The end result is killer!

  • http://animatedcardigan.blogspot.com/ Jess

    I love this so much. You need to email this out to the world because everyone can use these tips, and there are a lot of people who I’m sure would love to take the step from “clothes” to “outfit” but just aren’t sure how. I know it took me a long time to figure out, and I still have trouble sometimes ;)

    • http://www.theinclinedplane.com/ Loren Cline

      It took me a while to figure out too. That is why I made myself ‘steps’ I’m still working on them though.

  • http://www.othersideofgray.blogspot.com/ Annie

    This is so cute! Love your steps…and you look fabulous with red lips :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

  • http://www.ofcorgisandcocktails.com/ Katherine McAdoo

    definitely good tips! indeed red lips kick anything up. and i LOVE bob’s burgers. love it. but i love dan whathisface as tina. louise is good too

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  • Faith S

    Great post! These are such simple tips I often forget about them!

    http://www.sweetenedstyle.com

  • http://koi-story.blogspot.com Meanz Chan

    Love these small suggestions that make an outfit so much more bold and chic! :) Great job.

  • http://delayedmissives.com/ Alex Elizabeth

    One morning when I am feeling down in the dumps about my closet I am going to follow this formula. And pin it to Pinterest so I have it forever :)

  • http://dashdotdotty.blogspot.com/ dotty

    this is such a neat how-to!