I can’t be the only one who doesn’t Love every look that is styled for the day. That’s why I came up with the idea to rework an outfit to see if I could make it look better in my eyes.

I have shared many creators talking about our ‘bad’ looks and how they can be a teaching moment. It’s one of the reasons I share ALL my outfits…even the ones that seem off.

Quote of the day: “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt

What is a “bad” outfit? It’s one where there’s something about it that you don’t love.
Something that just doesn’t seem right.

The problem is that most of us don’t try to analyze what is off, and instead, we just change and move on.

But what if instead, you took daily photos, and then went back to rework an outfit?

I asked my friend, Mireille, to do this experiment with me, so make sure to check out her blog post also.

I believe that once we take the time to rework an outfit instead of abandoning it, we can start to understand style on a deeper level. You stop guessing and start learning.

That’s exactly what I did here. I took three past outfits that didn’t quite hit the mark, and instead of dismissing them, I played with them. Tweaked them. Reworked them.

The big lesson is that when you rework an outfit, you change the thing that seemed off. Sometimes it’s the color combination, sometimes it’s the proportions or silhouette.
And if you can’t figure out what is off…then just keep trying different things.

Why “Off” Outfits Matter More Than Perfect Ones

I truly believe that a bad outfit is almost more educational than a good one.

Why? Because when something works, we rarely question it. But when something doesn’t feel right, it forces us to ask:

• Is it the proportions?
• Colors?
• Layers?
• Vibe?

And that curiosity is where your style evolves.

Now let me show you what I mean.
BTW, I styled these on different days, so sometimes, the little details have changed, like earrings and such.

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Outfit #1: Too Much Print?

Before

I wanted to pair these cat leggings with my denim shorts, and for some reason, I wanted to layer this brown lace shirt under another top.

While I love print mixing in all shapes and forms, for some reason, this outfit didn’t tickle my fancy.

What I took away from the original look was that there wasn’t a focal point, and the prints didn’t play well together.

After

Since my goal was to wear the cat leggings with the denim and still use the lace t-shirt, I just switched out 2 things:
-The solid brown shirt instead of the leopard t-shirt over the lace shirt.
-Adding in turquoise shoes instead of brown and white ones.

For me, I think the outfit feels more cohesive instead of chaotic.

Outfit #2: Pieces That Felt… Wrong

Before

I slaved over this comforter vest for months. While it could still use some changes, maybe…I figured I should try to style it.

Since it is so puffy and voluminous, I initially combined it with velvet shorts and tights. However, this ends up with all of the volume on the top half, and maybe that’s why I struggled with how it looked.

After

I was inspired by a photo of this woman from the street style at one of the fashion shows.

While I didn’t want to copy her look entirely, I wondered if the vest would look better with more volume on the bottom half.

I cut off my camo pants to make them “shorts” and paired them with a colorful sweater.
Then I added the fur collar around the neck (I pinned it in place so it’s removable).

I’m still not over the moon with the end result, but I like it better than the first try.
In fact, I will try this again only with wide-leg full pants and see how that looks.

Outfit #3: Hmmmm

Before

My friend gave me the sweatshirt and crochet crop top for my birthday, and I wondered if I could layer them together.

I wore it with a pencil skirt and my tan cowboy boots.

Everything was “fine,” but it lacked that spark. That little something that makes you feel like, yes, this is it.

After

To rework this outfit, I decided on a skirt with more volume.
But I also changed up the crop top. I origami-ed it to be a scarf, and then added a barrette to hold it together. See the FB video on the crop top to scarf idea.

I pulled in more pink with the socks and wore shorter booties.

While it’s still not my top 5 outfits of the year, I like how it came together.

What I Learned From Reworking These Outfits

There are no fashion police…it’s not the Grammys, so you don’t have to worry about some magazine calling out what you wore.
Sure, you may get a negative comment on social media, but I consider that part of the norm.

So let’s just remember there is no such thing as a “wrong” outfit.

But there is such a thing as an outfit that doesn’t feel right.

And instead of judging those outfits, what if we got curious about them?

Because when you rework an outfit, you start to see patterns (pun intended):

• Sometimes you might like fewer prints
• A flowy skirt might be better than a straight one
• The proportions game won out

I’m going out on a limb to proclaim that personal style develops, not from copying perfect outfits, but from playing.

Need more side-by-side outfit comparisons? I have done this before with:
–Matching vs non-matching outfits
–Proportion body dressing
–Tucked vs untucked

How to Rework an Outfit Yourself

Next time something feels off, don’t immediately change.
Try this instead:

1. Identify the “Star.”

Ask yourself: what do I actually love here?
Build around that.

2. Simplify First

If it feels chaotic, remove one element.
You can always add it back.

3. Check Proportions

Look at where things hit:

• Waist
• Hips
• Thigh
• Knee

Tiny adjustments can make a big impact.

4. Adjust, Don’t Replace

Before swapping pieces, try:

• Rolling sleeves
• Tucking differently
• Changing how something layers meaning, try pulling up an outer layer or covering an under layer.

5. Give It a Second Chance

Sometimes you just need fresh eyes (or a different mood).
So take a photo and come back to it another day.

Final Thought

If you take anything from this, let it be this:
Don’t be afraid of an outfit that feels off.

That outfit might be the exact thing that teaches you how to dress better.

So, as I always say, go play in your closet.
Mix the “wrong” pieces.
Try the weird combination.
And make sure to click over to Mireille’s blog to see her playtime with clothes.

And if it doesn’t work?
Perfect.

Now you have something to rework.

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The post Rework an Outfit: Why Your “Bad” Looks Are Actually the Best Teachers appeared first on Jodie’s Touch of Style.

Jodie Filogomo Fashion Stylist

Jodie's Touch of Style showcases how it's never too late to look great including other older women and myself talking about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle issues.

As a retired dentist, Jodie takes her love of clothing and shopping and has come to find her superpowers in styling the same item in many ways. She is also a huge advocate for embracing our age and bodies. Getting old is a wonderful thing and learning to love ourselves while it happens is very freeing.

Looking great can happen no matter what age, shape or budget, as we show on Jodie's Touch of Style.