no brainer wardrobe :: day 4 picking out pieces

By Hayley Morgan •  Updated: 10/04/11 •  3 min read

compiled from Pinterest

Noticing Pieces

The next step, after defining your style on Pinterest, is starting to pick out actual items you notice showing up in your images.  As I looked through my Wardrobe Pinboard, I noticed that many of the outfits had various striped shirts.  Now, the pieces do not have to be exactly identical–because we are not trying to recreate exact outfits.  We are looking for generally similar pieces.  It doesn’t matter if one shirt is short sleeved and one is long sleeved.  It doesn’t matter if one maxi skirt is black and one is navy blue.  Just look for similar items that keep showing up.  That means you like them.

Black skinny jeans were also prominent throughout the board.  Two final items I noticed showing up in many outfits were trouser/flare leg jeans and cute day dresses.  What items have shown up multiple times on your Pinboard?

Discerning and Deciding

Now, think (or look) to your closet.  Do you already own any of these pieces?  I already own a short sleeve and 3/4 length sleeve striped shirt and black skinny jeans.  However, I don’t have any day dresses.  As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I’ve realized I rarely wear dresses.  Based on my Pinboard, I clearly like the look of a cute day dress with a belt or a cardigan.  I need to discern whether this is a piece that is realistic to add to my wardrobe.  Oftentimes, when I am trying to decide whether to include a piece, I try to think of all the ways I could wear an item.  While I don’t wear dresses because of my life with 3 boys, I do often wear tunics and short dresses over jeans.  I will probably at least try on a few short dresses when it comes time to add to my wardrobe.

Make a List

Make a list of each item you notice showing up multiple times.  For me, that would be black skinny jeans, wide-leg flare jeans, striped shirts, maxi skirts, day dresses, gingham shirts, white t-shirts, cardigans, and tall boots.  Make a note on each item indicating whether you own something similar, want to look for something like it, or are discarding that idea because it doesn’t fit with your lifestyle.

Action Items for Day 3

*Examine your Pinterest pinboard for similar pieces recurring in many images.

*Determine if you have those items already, want to shop for something like it, or whether it is not a good fit for your style or preferences (like we discussed in Day 3).

*You are welcome to post in the comments the pieces you noticed–it might inspire someone to add to their list.  Plus, you’ll find people with similar styles!

Previous posts in 31 Days to a No Brainer Wardrobe: day 1 a manifesto, day 2 the plan, and day 3 defining your style

Ya’ll!  In yesterday’s post, there are well over 60 style pinboards linked in the comments.  Check them out for some great inspiration!!