How to Edit the Outfits You Already Own

You don’t always need new clothes to improve your wardrobe.

Sometimes, you just need to take a closer look at the outfits you’re already wearing and make a few small adjustments.

An outfit edit is about looking at an existing outfit and asking: How can I make this better?

Here are a few things to pay attention to.

#1 Look at the overall fit

Start with how each piece fits your body.

Look for pieces that pull, bunch, feel too tight or feel too loose. Are your pants the right length for the shoes you’re wearing? Does your jacket hit at a flattering point?

Try making small styling adjustments first. Something as simple as tucking in your top or rolling up your sleeves can make the entire outfit look more polished.

#2 Pay attention to proportions

Next, look at how the pieces work together.

If you’re wearing a lot of volume on the bottom, try balancing it with something more fitted or structured on top. If your top is oversized, experiment with a slimmer bottom or try defining your waist by tucking in your shirt.

Paying attention to proportions can completely change how polished and balanced an outfit feels.

#3 Check the quality and condition of each piece

Sometimes an outfit isn’t working because of the condition of the clothing rather than the styling. Look for pilling, fading, stretched necklines, loose threads, scuffed shoes, worn-out bags or pieces that have lost their shape.

You don’t necessarily need to replace something immediately. A fabric shaver, steamer, shoe polish or small repair can make a piece look significantly better.

But if something is beyond repair, that may be the piece in your wardrobe worth replacing.

#4 Look at your shoes

Shoes can completely change an outfit. If something feels off, try the exact same outfit with a different shoe.

A sneaker can make an outfit feel more casual. A loafer can make it feel more polished. A boot can add structure. A heel can change the proportions entirely.

Before changing the whole outfit, change the shoes.

#5 See if the outfit needs a finishing piece

Sometimes an outfit is perfectly fine, but it doesn’t feel complete.

Would it look better with a belt? A jacket? A cardigan over your shoulders? A simple necklace? A structured bag?

You don’t need to accessorize every outfit heavily. Instead, look for the one thing that might finish it.

#6 Remove something

Editing isn’t always about adding.

If an outfit feels too busy, try taking something away. Maybe you don’t need the belt and the statement jewellery. Maybe the patterned scarf is competing with the rest of the outfit. Maybe a simpler shoe would make everything else look better.

The best edit might be removing one thing.

Need Help Editing Your Outfits?

Sometimes you know an outfit isn’t quite right, but you can’t figure out why.

That’s exactly why I created The Outfit Edit, a personalized virtual styling service designed to help you refine the outfits you already own.

With The Outfit Edit, you'll send me the twenty outfits you’ve created and I’ll personally review them, looking at fit, proportions, styling, quality, accessories and the small changes that could make each outfit better.

Then we’ll meet for a personalized virtual styling call to go through your outfits together. You’ll also receive a personalized PDF with your final outfits and recommendations, so you know exactly how to style and wear them moving forward.

You already have the outfits. Let’s make them even better.