you can't get dressed bc you're thinking too much
trying less & maximizing your closet with custom outfit formulas
PSA before we dive in: I WILL get to the point but have to give you some context before that okay?!? I promise it’s worth a read. TY, mwah <3
Pretext
I was recently on a trip with my family - we went to the Hamptons for a few days to celebrate my brother’s birthday. The itinerary loosely consisted of town hopping, lots of lounging & some fine dining; a good mix of down time & out time. When it came to dressing for the occasion(s) I knew I wanted to channel a tailored persona, as I do when I visit some place with a very specific essence. However, I had to navigate the waters of the ambiguous itinerary. Fun!
The goal is always remain grounded in Self while respecting the tapestry of taste that my location naturally provides.
feels similarly in , “I love being able to maneuver and be parts of different places whilst still feeling like myself”.So while I was packing for this semi-sophisticated yet laid back & broadly defined trip I had a few things in mind:
Packing efficiently was a must. I knew there would be variables to consider such as: weather, spontaneous activities, desired comfort levels for different moods. I needed to be able to rearrange the puzzle pieces of my weekend wardrobe to reflect entirely different depictions at any moment of the day.
In this fresh-to-me environment which has an inclination for refinement & taste, I wanted to emphasize a particular aspect of my style Point of View which is unexpectedness. I find that my inclination for refinement & taste is best displayed through my use of contrasting elements (which is something I discuss at length on all of my platforms). But I also didn’t wanna try too hard, yk?
That being said, packing was a challenge in the sense that I had to curate a healthy dose of comfortable “basics” (more what a basic actually is soon) and Point of View Pieces which provide the personality, the spice, & the finishing touch. I needed to be prepared for anything & everything…
… and also pack it all in a weekender.
So what am I getting at and how does this relate to how you get dressed?
The Point
I was packing on the Thursday night before we left. Juggling all of the considerations mentioned above - & I asked myself, “What do I bring for such an uncertain schedule with a clear point of view in mind?”.
& so I turned to my iPhoto album, “outfit formulas”.
This album consists of all of my favorite formulas from recent & past memories that I refer to when I need inspiration directly from my closet. If you don’t have one of these folders yourself, this is your sign to hop on the bandwagon of efficiency, ease, & style clarity.
What is an outfit formula?
Outfit formulas are more than just general descriptions of what you’re wearing, I.e: tank top, skirt, pumps.
They are organized recipes that deeply explain what the ingredients of the outfit are alone, and the harmonies (or tensions) created when paired with one another. The formula narrates the flavor profiles & experiences of the pieces presented on the same plate. So let’s look at one of my outfit formulas displayed above. We have:
A relaxed, loungewear-esque top. Loose fitting around the midsection & overall effortless in its first impression.
A super funky vintage skirt which provides lots of personality through texture & dimension (even more-so juxtaposed against the nothingness of the top).
A fun yet subtle accessory situation (vintage cuff & stacked bracelets)
Sleek and geometric Proenza Pumps whose metallic heel reflects the multi-dimensions of the skirt.
The formula can be as specific or as general as you wish as long as you understand why you’re appreciating the specificities or generalities. For example, the first element of this formula is broad - “a relaxed top”, while the finishing component is pointed, a very specific pair of shoes.
The reason I bookmarked this particular outfit formula as one to take inspiration from is because I recognized that:
a. I felt represented in the relationship between the effortlessness of the top & the wild Carrie Bradshaw-ish skirt. I feel like myself when I’m relaxed & bold simultaneousIy.
b. I very much loved the dynamic between this specific skirt & these specific pumps. They just worked together to create an artistic yet sleek feel which is undoubtedly what I aim to achieve through my style POV.
So the formula is reflective of those relationships- vast in one area & niche in another.
Being that the original formula was chosen for 85 degrees, I couldn’t exactly recreate it in October due to nippleitis & probs hypothermia. So I winter-fied it.
I recalled the formula; the ingredients & the relationships among them, and through that understanding, chose more temperature appropriate pieces that harnessed the same flavor.
Now we have:
A relaxed, loungewear-esque top. Loose fitting around the midsection & overall effortless in its first impression (this time in the form of an oversized cashmere sweater, layered over a t-shirt).
A super funky vintage skirt which provides lots of personality through texture & dimension (even more-so juxtaposed against the nothingness of the top).
A fun yet subtle accessory situation (this time in the form of sheer black tights & a leather Miu Miu pouch).
Sleek and geometric Proenza Pumps whose metallic heel reflects the multi-dimensions of the skirt.
The formula is replicated pretty directly here, but could also be interpreted more loosely if I wanted to try out let’s say a sparkly mini skirt instead. The same principles would apply: relaxed top, loud skirt, same shoes.
Or I could have re-engineered the formula to include a comfortable jersey maxi skirt & a more fun, eccentric blouse. Again, similar principles apply, but are highlighted through different mediums. There are no rules or limits to adaptations. As long as the formula and its outcome resonates with your style POV, you’re doing it right.
(TBH - all of this is kind of irrelevant if you’re not clear on your style POV. If you need help identifying or sharpening it, follow me on IG & shoot me an email to hop on the waitlist for personal styling).
All this to say- photographing an outfit you love & adding it to a folder takes just micro-moments. But those moments save you HOURS of time when it comes to dressing in a way that always feels authentic & natural to who you are.
Take note of what’s in your closet! Keep a digital record of it. Study what you like. Study why. Refer back to it in moments of crisis. Or in moments of joy! But you have pay attention to what you have and make proper use of it.
Last thing - friendly reminder that wearing something once has the moral equivalence to mean girl energy. I rest my case.
XX,
Bari, “The Curated Tastemaker”
To join the waitlist for my Personal Styling Services please email: thecuratedtastemaker@gmail.com.
To shop carefully curated vintage, please visit Powder Blue Vintage via our Instagram or Website.