Are you tired of the same old same old? Maybe, at the beginning of the new season, you start sifting through your former fall favorites and feel like they’ve lost their luster. Or maybe you’ve just been over your whole wardrobe for a while and struggle to put together an outfit that you love.
Wardrobe malaise strikes everyone now and then, and when it happens, we can truly feel like we have nothing to wear.
But we’re not short on clothes. We’re short on ideas.
And fortunately, ideas are free. Wardrobe inspiration is EVERYWHERE.
Here are 3 tips so that you can do the same.
- Ask yourself what jumps out at you about the outfit. What drew you to it? The color combination? The accessorizing? The shape?
- Describe the items in the broadest terms, so you can identify similar items in your own wardrobe, i.e. light top, dark bottoms, bright shoes.
- Make it your own. Adjust the outfit to suit your body, coloring, personal style, and lifestyle.
And since I’ve often cautioned against using outdated Pinterest images to create modern-day outfits, I turned to a source that I knew would be current: the websites of some of my favorite brands. In this case, Madewell, Boden, and J. Crew. And then I recreated them with items I already owned.
No, the outfits aren’t copies, and that’s not the point. Instead, I took the inspiration and made it my own, using my existing wardrobe, and in the process discovered new outfits that I love.
Here, 8 outfits inspired by some of my favorite brands.
You can shop all of the looks from this video right here!
Outfit #1: J. Crew
The short sleeve tweed jacket in this image made me think of a similar one in my closet, and I love the simple modern way that it was styled for this picture. I used gold accessories instead of silver (the jacket had gold buttons and I had gold shoes), and even attempted to recreate the pose.
You can shop the J. Crew outfit, and my version, right here.
J. Crew Jacket / Jeans/ Shoes/ Belt/ Bracelets/ Earrings
My Allegra K Jacket / Jeans / Shoes / Bracelet (similar)/ Earrings
Use code NADA15 for earrings
Outfit #2: Boden
Corduroy is a key trend this season, and it’s turning up on the usual pants as well as jackets, shirts, and dresses. This look from Boden is simple but also so stylish. I pulled an old Target fave out my archives, as well as last season’s Target boots, to recreate the look.
You can shop all of the looks from this video right here!
Similar Corduroy Dress (to mine) / Boots
Outfit #3: Boden
Tulle skirts are back this season, and the most modern and wearable way to style them is with basics like tees and sweaters. I happen to have a tulle skirt from S.Deer that I love, and this gave me a new idea for styling it. This is a fun look, but with my torso length, not the most flattering. I love the color combo though, and will try this with a bodysuit or a sleeker top.
You can shop all of the looks from this video right here!
Boden Sweater/ Skirt/ Slingbacks
My sweater/ Skirt/ Shoes (similar, old Marc Jacobs)
For my skirt:
- Nada20 for 20% off on any order
- Nada25 for 25% off orders over $149
- Nada30 for 30% off orders over $199
Outfit #4: Boden
I love the versatility of a slip skirt, and this outfit is already a favorite combination, but the addition of a pair of platform sandals is unexpected and cool, and I had to try it.
You can shop all of the looks from this video right here!
My sweater/ Skirt/ Shoes/ Earrings
Outfit #5: J. Crew
This is such a simple but timeless outfit combination, and it’s the fit and the details that make it special. This was a simple outfit to recreate with my daughter’s shirt, my new H&M jeans, and an old pair of Prada shoes.
You can shop all of the looks from this video right here!
Outfit #6: Madewell
While I have a button-front tank and a black silk midi skirt, and could easily recreate this look that way, I also have a two-piece silky ribbed knit set from Free People that I would like to wear more often, and this outfit inspired me to do that.
Don’t know that I pulled off the pose though. I’m pushing my hips forward, which makes me look like I have the shortest upper half ever.
You can shop all of the looks from this video right here!
Free People set (similar) and here / Shoes (similar)
Outfit #7: Boden Outfit
I loved the unexpected color and texture combo of this outfit, and recreated it with a Walmart sweater from last year’s haul and a J. Crew silk skirt.
I captured the spirit of this outfit without directly copying it, but it did leave me wanting a cord skirt!
You can shop all of the looks from this video right here!
Boden Sweater (similar)/ Skirt/ Boots
My Sweater (similar)/ Skirt (similar)/ Boots (similar)
Outfit #8: Boden
This outfit is so chic and timeless to me, and totally my style of classic. I love the addition of the striped scarf! I recreated it with my own Athleta pants, a turtleneck from H&M, and my scarf from last year’s Scotland trip.
You can shop all of the looks from this video right here!
Boden Pants/ Top/ Scarf (similar)/ Shoes
My Pants or Similar/ Top/ Scarf/ Shoes
Use code Nada0511 for Vivaia boots.
What did you think of this strategy for recreating your favorite outfits? And which of these outfits is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
Nada Manley says
Wonderful! Thanks so much for the comment!
Anonymous says
I love this and you’ve inspired me to try it! Thank you so much!
Nada Manley says
Great idea Kath! I’ve done handbag videos but not with outfits. Thanks!
Nada Manley says
Thank you so much Melodie! That means a lot to me! This was so fun to do!
Nada Manley says
Yay! Than you so much!
Kath says
Would love to see a video on handbags and totes etc and what one looks best with different styles is outfits.
Melodie says
I like your recreation of outfit 5 and the last one (red pants) the best. You improved on the inspirations in these. Thank you for doing these. The video was very helpful and fun.
LYNDA says
GREAT JOB …. DUPLICATING THE LOOKS…