WONDERFUL THREADS > Formula For The Perfect OOTD

Ever see someone looking so fierce that it baffled you? How did they know how to pair those shoes with that dress and manage to look absolutely stunning? You think to yourself, "If I tried that on, I'd look like potato sack" but the truth is, you can pull a similar look off with some minor adjustments. The trick is knowing how to use style components to formulate your OOTD. Here's another 101 guide to looking your best.

STEP ONE: Fit

You know the expression "If the shoe fits, wear it?" I want you to add, "and if it doesn't fit, fix it until it does." When designers create their clothing line, they are basing their measurements off of mannequins that are representations of real bodies, so its no surprise that a third of the things on the rack are too small, a third too big, and the rest will simply have to do. The secret to looking fabulous in everything you wear is to get it tailored. Don't have the cash to hire someone? Break out a pincushion and YouTube some DIY videos on doing it yourself. Practice makes perfect, and sewing is a life skill everyone could use.





STEP TWO: Texture

How does it feel? I reference fabric detailing in my previous post on Building The Closet Of Your Dreams, but it's important here too. Again, cheap materials look cheap and can irritate your skin. But when it comes to texture, you'll also want to keep in mind how textures look against each other. A denim jacket over a t-shirt and a pair of jeans is hardly interesting. But replace that jacket with a silk scarf and now you've got something!





STEP THREE: Print

Similar to texture, you want pieces to compliment each other, not blend into one another. I've seen my fair share of matching catastrophes where the belief that one color from head to toe (literally) made them a fashionista. Don't get me wrong, black is always flattering, but not if the shades don't match and you look like you belong in the Matrix. An easy way to start incorporating print is to wear one print piece among your solids. Then, slowly, start to up your number until you feel confident in this area. Just remember, not everyone should wear more than 3 different prints in one outfit.








STEP FOUR: Sparkle

Bling is just the thing to add luxury to any look, if done properly. Typically, just a touch will do. Your accessories are perfect to add just the right amount of sparkle and give your look sophistication. Makeup is a fun way shine, but careful with the glitter. (It can easily come off as juvenile.) If you choose to use your wardrobe, you want to be careful not to overdo it, otherwise you'll end up looking gaudy. Dark colors down play sequins, the same for matte textures with patent leather. There aren't too many people (certainly none I've ever come across) who can pull off sequin pants, so when trying something new, I re-interject the importance of fit.



STEP FIVE: Statement Piece

This is la creme de la resistance! Your statement piece demands attention the moment you walk into the room. It is bold, defined, and can be used to easily strike up a conversation with new friends. It can be anything: a bag, a necklace, shoes, a headband, even eyelashes! You just want to make sure that you calculate it with the rest of your look. If you've chosen a suede clutch, then you may have to think again about that suede vest. If it's a houndstooth skirt, then ditch the aztec belt. Some people formulate their OOTD around the statement piece. For best results, try everything on and look in the mirror. If you're second guessing something, go for something else you feel more confident wearing.


You now have the artillery you need to create spectacular OOTD every single day. But for heaven's sake, don't forget about color!!

I'll post my own ensembles in the ME tab in my weekly updates. Now go forth and conquer!