Learn how to create outfits and get the maximum cost per wear for your clothes as well as look like you have an endless closet. Our two-step process gathers outfit ideas then creates outfits based on your idea collection, helping you create a stylish look based on your individual preferences.

Style tips: How to create outfits that refresh your existing wardrobe

The secret to a great wardrobe is one where garments are put together interchangeably so that you are wearing everything in your closet and not just a small proportion of what you own. This results in a greater variety of different outfits that you are able to wear. A greater variety of outfits reduces the potential to be bored by your clothes as you are able to wear a wide range of different looks and styles. An additional benefit is that the cost per wear of a garment reduces each time you wear it, so the more that you are changing your outfits and the individual items in those outfits, the more cost effective your wardrobe becomes.

Tips on styling clothes you already have and save money

Learning how to create outfits from your existing wardrobe will save you from buying any more clothes and help you wear the ones you already have. Plus it’s a really great skill to develop. Wearing the clothes that you already own and learning how to create outfits from them is good wardrobe management.  It’s not just about buying clothes when you are bored or when you fancy a bit of retail therapy. In fact when you buy clothes it should be because you need them, or because you truly love them, not just because you are bored of them, or bored of yourself and need a diversion or distraction.

The first way to save money, especially if you think you are bored of all your clothes, is to go back to what you already own and work out how to create outfits from them that you haven’t worn before. Then you can save your money and plan to spend it on garments that you want and need.

Working Frocks has a foolproof process that teaches you how to create outfits from the clothes you already own. It is listed below. After having gone through this editing process with your wardrobe you should be looking at your clothes with a fresh eye which is perfect for creating new outfits.  This exercise needs a bit of time, so give yourself time and space and enjoy the process.

How to pick an outfit from your existing wardrobe – a two step process.

Making outfits from your existing wardrobe consists of a two step process.  It’s a very simple process and, once implemented you will be delighted with what you have managed to achieve and this in itself should encourage you to really take control of what is in your wardrobe.  

Creating new outfits from your existing wardrobe puts paid to wardrobe tyranny.  Wardrobe tyranny is basically when you are controlled by your clothes, ie they don’t fit, you don’t have enough, you have too many but don’t wear them, you never have the right outfit for the right occasion, you feel less than your best in your clothes.  We are supposed to be in control of the clothes in our closets.  When we are not, then we are subject to wardrobe tyranny.

So this simple how to create outfits process is as follows:

1. Spend some time going through magazines and tearing out pictures of outfits that you like.  I have written a post on creating an inspiration folder which you should definitely check out.
2. Go through your wardrobe to see what you have that you can put together to recreate the outfit(s) that you liked.

How to create outfits from your closet – Initial Phase – Idea Collecting

The first step to create outfits from your existing wardrobe is to collect ideas and give you inspiration.

Step 1 Inspiration, Idea Collection

1. You need a quiet time with no one making demands on you.  Get yourself a drink and a pile of  magazines and spend some time going through them.  Don’t be anxious or “determined” just enjoy seeing all the different images on the pages. When you see one that you love tear it out and start to make a pile of outfits and images that you love.
2. When you have a pile of papers go through them and see if you can see any common threads.  Were they all dresses?  Or all a similar colour?  Did the shoe types look similar in all the images?
3. Pick out between 2 and 8 images that you love.  They don’t have to have common threads or be similar in any way.
4. Either physically pin them to a board (like a mood board or a vision board) or photograph them and upload them digitally, for example to a Pinterest board.
5. It is entirely possible to do this step digitally and I will address that in another blog post.  In this post I have concentrated on physical paper and physical mood boards.

How to create outfits from your closet – Second Phase – what your mood boards reveal

Step 2 – What your mood boards reveal

Mood boards can reveal all sorts of information about us that was lurking in our brain but just needed teasing out.  For example, you may notice two elements to the pages you have chosen for your how to create outfits project:

1. The first element is that the pages may point to outfits that you would like to wear but haven’t maybe because:
   1. you’ve been on a treadmill of wearing the same outfits time and again or
   2. you haven’t really had the time to think about wearing anything new or different
2. The second element is that the pages may point to other areas that you haven’t paid attention to.  For example, accessories.  If the jewellery in the pages that you have picked shows chunky, statement pieces and you normally wear slim gold chains then maybe now is the time to either dig those chunky statement pieces out of your jewellery box.  You probably have jewellery at the back of a drawer or in a box somewhere that you haven’t worn in a long time and have probably forgeotten about.  Or it may be that the clothes you pick out are slightly different to what you normally wear.  They may be longer, or shorter, or more bohemian, or more coloured, or monoblock.  The subconscious mind has a clever way of coming to our conscious mind when we are relaxed and looking at pictures like this is one way of connecting with our thoughts.

 

Decision time for your “How to create outfits from your closet” project

Ok, life is short and you need to make easy changes in your wardrobe.  So decide what you are going to focus on.  Choose two pictures that you particularly like.  Take your pictures/mood board up to your closet and see what you are able to put together that resembles the picture.

These are the key elements you should be looking out for:

• the clothes
• jewellery
• shoes/boots/sandals
• scarves/hats/gloves/scarves

In addition you may like to bear in mind:

• the hairstyle of the model
• the make up of the model

It’s probable that you can pull together a minimum of 3 new outfits without trying very hard at all.  Try not to overthink.  You will work much better if the brain is relaxed and in ‘search’ mode.  It doesn’t matter if your outfit does not look exactly like the outfit in the picture.  The aim is to create something new, not necessarily to mimic, there should be room for your personality to shine through.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration and identified key looks you love, it’s time to bring that vision to life with the clothes you already own. Follow these simple steps to create fresh, stylish outfits:

1. Start with a core piece – Choose one item as the focal point, whether it’s a favorite dress, a versatile blazer, or a classic pair of trousers. This will be the foundation of your outfit.
2. Layer in complementary pieces – Add a top or bottom that complements your focal piece, considering color, texture, or silhouette. Experiment with combinations you may not have tried before—perhaps pairing casual pieces with more polished items.
3. Add shoes – Next, choose shoes that either elevate or ground the outfit, depending on the vibe you’re going for. Heels can bring sophistication, while flats or sneakers add a relaxed touch.
4. Incorporate accessories – Accessories are where the magic happens. Add a statement necklace, a scarf, or a belt to enhance the overall look. These pieces can breathe new life into your wardrobe.
5. Evaluate the look – Finally, step back and assess. Does this outfit reflect the style you want to portray? If something feels off, don’t be afraid to tweak or swap pieces. This is a discovery process, and sometimes the best combinations are unexpected.

By following these steps, you’ll rediscover your wardrobe and feel as though you’re stepping into something new—without having to shop for more clothes.

Creating new outfits – trying them on

Once you’ve put your outfits together, the next step is trying them on. As you slip into each look, pay close attention to how you feel. Does the outfit align with the mood or style you envisioned? Do you feel confident, comfortable, and like your best self? Take a moment to assess the fit, comfort, and overall vibe of the look. If something doesn’t feel right, adjust it—swap shoes, add a different accessory, or even change you hairstyle to compliment the look. The goal is to discover outfits that not only look great but make you feel empowered and excited to wear them. Take note of the pieces that work well for you and keep experimenting with new combinations to refresh your wardrobe.

How and where to catalogue your new outfits

Finally you need to catalogue what you have created in your How to create 5 new outfits exercise.  You could:

1. take a photo of yourself in the new outfit
2. assemble the outfit on a hanger and photograph that
3. Write in a notebook what you have tried on

You can keep the images:

1. on a moodboard
2. in a scrapbook specifically created for the new outfits
3. as a note in your diary (and schedule when to wear them)
4. digitally: Asana, Evernote, Pinterest, take your pick!
   

How to create outfits: Roundup

Ok, so let me know, what did you discover that was new.  Did you create new outfits that surprised you in anyway.  Were you surprised at how easy it is to create new outfits from clothes you already have in your wardrobe?  Even if you just created one or two new looks but that has inspired you to carry on and continue this process throughout the year, I’d love to hear from you.

Please also leave a comment ,as feedback is so important to what I am writing. How can I make it more relevant for you?  What specifically did you enjoy about this post?  What would you like to see more of?  Please leave your comments below.

Where to learn more

Would you like to learn more?  We have other great content added to the website regularly.  Learn how dressing affects your attitude and confidence.  or how to organise your wardrobe and get your life back.  

Links in this post

How to create an Inspiration Folder for pulling together images and pictures you love and creating great outfits with them

Learn how what we wear affects our confidence and self esteem and how to use clothes to keep our brains in a positive state.

How to get back in control of your wardrobe and get peace in your life.  Are you subject to wardrobe tyranny?  Do you dread opening the door to your closet?  This is a great post for a good sort out of all your clothes which in turn will clear out and calm down your brain too.