Try a magazine look
If you've never gone shopping with a picture in hand, it's worth the
experience. Try it once on a just-for-fun shopping trip, when you don't
actually buy anything. Pick 2-3 discount or thrift stores, and try
to recreate a look you find in a magazine. You'll have a better sense of
how to put things together and what makes for a fashionable outfit!
Some tips:
- Pick a look you're willing to wear, for real. Don't choose something so
fanciful you'd never wear it.
- Make sure that most of the pieces can be worn in other outfits. You
don't want something you'll only be able to wear together.
- Be creative. If a picture shows a ribboned skirt, you can put together a
real wrapping ribbon with a skirt. You can layer tops instead of buying
one with a trim. You can fold or roll up or even cut tops, pants, and
sleeves.
- It's okay to be flexible. If you really won't be able to wear stilettos,
try a lower heel. If camel looks better on you than beige, switch.
- Set a time limit, for a test. Giving yourself little time makes you
focus on the pieces you really need.
When you have everything in hand, wear it together and see how it fits on
you. Adjust as necessary, and wear it to something special. Also, see how
you can wear the pieces with other things in your wardrobe to create other
looks that came from the same fashion show (check elle.com and style.com for fashion
show photos).
Want to try it out? Check this issue's three looks.