Outfit repeating can be a real struggle for people who work in social jobs. Events here, events there—how does your wardrobe keep up? It can be totally embarrassing to be caught wearing the same exact outfit too close together (or even at all). I mean, everyone remembers what happened in Lizzie McGuire, right? Mortifying.
I’ve definitely run into the outfit repeating dilemma a few times myself. Especially when I’ve just bought a really amazing piece and I want to wear it over and over and over again. Unfortunately, I can’t. It can honestly be heartbreaking! I attend a lot of events, which means I need outfits. Lots of outfits. I wouldn’t say I don’t have options—thanks to my shopping addiction—but even I get stumped sometimes.
There’s nothing wrong with outfit repeating. You just have to know the ways to disguise it.
How to Avoid (or Conceal) Outfit Repeating
1. Invest in outerwear
When you invest in a variety of jackets, you can wear the same dress multiple times but give it a different look depending on what kind of outerwear you’re sporting. Leather bomber? Vintage denim? Structured bolero? Each piece of outerwear will transform your look completely. Plus, it’s absolutely necessary in the winter anyway.
2. Use accessories to your advantage
A white tee and denim can breeze from lunch with girlfriends to drinks on a date simply by throwing on a statement necklace or earrings. Although you’re technically wearing the same outfit, your accessories will totally change up the look. Try some mini hoops with a couple of gold rings during the day and then go for the drama with chandelier earrings at night.
3. Lean towards separates
It’s much easier to get away with outfit repeating with skirts and tops than it is with a dress. Plus, it’s kind of fun to keep mixing and matching—you’ll literally double your options if you put that top with this skirt and blah, blah, blah. You get the idea.
4. Choose a great pair of shoes
Hello? Who’s even going to be noticing what you’re wearing if you have an amazing pair of statement heels on your feet? Or this seasons new metallic sneakers? Shoes can go a long way in changing up the whole vibe of a look. Just be prepared to have room for all of those pairs. I literally feel like the woman who lived in a shoe. Although, it’s a fabulous one.
5. Don’t take any photos
You know what they say: “If there’s no photos, it didn’t happen.” Usually I’m not a fan of this mentality because sometimes I just don’t feel like documenting every move I make. But in this case it’s perfect. No one will know a thing about your outfit repeating if there’s no proof.
