Today I want to go through the lessons learned from the outfit challenge, and I also want to thank everyone who participated last week, whether it was in the Facebook group or on Instagram.
I hope you have got more clarity on your personal style identity, know what outfits work for you and what don’t, and also feel more empowered.
I have really loved some of the feedback I have received and also watching some of the lovely ladies gain more confidence each day, so I really want to share some of the lessons learned from this challenge, and I hope we can do another one with our Winter wardrobes soon.
Let’s go through some of the lessons learned :
Lessons learned from the outfit challenge
Day 1 : Wear something you love
We started the challenge simply, just by wearing an outfit we love, the aim being to start off with confidence, but also to analyse why we loved this outfit, so we could apply this to choosing future outfits.
Here’s what we learned:
What you wear influences how you feel and has a direct effect on your self-esteem
As I said before your outfit should make you take on the world, and while this may not be a “traditional” girl -boss look, I always feel really confident when I wear it as you can tell by the way I’m “posing”!
We also learned “how to analyse” our outfit and here is my analysis of my day one look .
What do I love about this outfit? 
- I love the colour, it’s one of my favourite colours and it flatters my skin tone
- I like the V neckline, as V and wrap tops are good for my body type
- I like the material and cut of the skirt – pencil skirts are one of the best silhouettes for my body type
- I like the fact the the bottom of the skirt is transparent, which means I can show off my legs (which I consider to be my best feature) in a very discreet way!
What don’t I like?
Well today nothing! Which is just as well since it’s one of my favourite outfits
When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good that’s where the magic happens. Your self-confidence soars and anything becomes possible!
2 Day 2 – Try mixed prints
Day 2 was all about Mixed Prints, and here is what we learned today.
It’s empowering to step out of your comfort zone and try new things
So, for my outfit I’ve kept it simple with a striped breton top and a floral print skirt.
So, here’s what I love and what I don’t like about this outfit
What I love
- I like the lace details on the sleeves, as I think it gives the top an unusual twist
- I like the print and the fabric of the skirt (it’s 100% silk and feels lovely)
What I don’t like 
- I don’t like the fact that the material feels stretched across my stomach (lesson learned – do not wear this skirt after eating pizza! )
- I would have preferred the skirt with a plain cream silk or burgundy silk top, so I guess I don’t love mixed prints although I like them individually!
And, I wanted to share this quote by one of the lovely ladies who took part in the challenge.
“Nothing is too challenging!! LET’S DO THIS!!! If we end up looking crazy at least we had fun.
Denissa R. “I love my whole outfit! I’m sure there could be many improvements, but I’m loving it as it is because I’m super excited that I could mix prints without fear.”
If you want to try a new trend, but are not ready to go “all in” try taking it step by step
Either, just wear one print with solid colours or a dress that’s all over print, such as my zebra print dress below.
And if you’re really uncomfortable with prints (or any trend), then just take baby steps, eg incorporate the print/ trend into your look with an accessory. In the look below, I added a print bag, but print shoes or a print belt would be great too!
Day 3 On Wednesday’s we wear pink
And on Wednesday we wear pink and if you’ve seen the film “Mean Girls” (one of my favourite girls’ night films) you’ll know why we wear pink on Wednesdays! If you haven’t seen the film, I really recommend it for a girls’ night movie!
We are often drawn to the same styles, so let’s make it a conscious process and save time shopping !
By now, you can see how we analyse our outfits, and what I noticed today was the striking similarity between today’s look and my day 1 outfit! The colours are different but the silhouette is the same, even down to the transparent bottom of the skirt! So, when you find a style you love that works for you, look for pieces with similar silhouettes!
4 Day 4 – Wear florals
Day 4 was originally going to be about “dressing down” florals which is the look I went for with my denim jacket. But, as I know lots of women really love florals, I decided to broaden the scope and make it “wear florals any way you want”.
Remember to take account of the situation when choosing your outfit for the day
Now, I’m not a very “floral” person, so you can see I’ve dressed mine down with a denim jacket. I’m also going to analyse this outfit slightly differently as this isn’t my favourite outfit in my wardrobe, but it is IS one of my “go-to” shopping outfits, and here’s why!
- The dress is too low-cut to wear without a top underneath (which means I don’t have to remember to take a top into the fitting room if I’m trying on skirts or trousers, so very practical)
- It has an elasticated waist – very practical for trying on as you don’t have to worry about zips and buttons
- the denim jacket doesn’t crease and is pretty resistant to most things (so if I get too hot I can roll it up in my bag without risking any damage)
- It’s easy to dress up or down – I wore it with flats in the day, but heels to transition from day to night. And I LOVE these heels
The reason I chose this outfit today is to illustrate the importance of dressing for the situation! This may not be my choice for a work meeting or a lunch date but it is perfect for a day’s shopping!
Day 5 – Time to Sparkle and Shine
So, for the final day, and it being the weekend, the challenge was to “sparkle and shine” and incorporate some metallics/ sequins/ bling into your look.
Have a little fun with your style and don’t be afraid to experiment
Now, I know that metallics and sequins are more often associated with a nighttime look, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear them in the day!
However, since sequins and metallics are such an attention grabber on their own, I would tone it down with black, navy, grey, beige, white or other neutral shades and with the ultimate casual staple, a pair of jeans and/ or sneakers.
I think the key in making it more day-appropriate is to keep it modern, simple, casual and comfortable.
My favourite way to incorporate sparkle and shine in my look is to pair this sequin jacket with a white tee and dark jeans, but if you want to start with a more subtle take on sequins and metallics then the best way to get started is with accessories.
Try a metallic bag or sparkly shoes for a fun and low investment way to add some sparkle to your look! And, if you really want to keep it very subtle and low key, just add some bling with your jewellery.
You can see this jacket, below, where I dressed it up with a dress for the evening look, and although I added a tiny bit of jewellery and a belt for the evening look, I kept it very simple for the daytime version.
But, the most important lesson I want you to take from this challenge is that what you wear has a direct impact on how you feel.
When you make the effort to look good, you feel good and that’s when the magic happens!
I hope you enjoyed this post about why and how to analyse your outfit. You might also enjoy this post on 5 common style mistakes and how to avoid them.
Looks like you had lot of fun with the outfit challenge. Thanks for the post!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Yes, it was lots of fun xoxo
I’m really impressed at how meaningful this challenge is! thank you so much for sharing this and I will definitely spread it out to all of my beloved friends!
Thanks Gata! I appreciate your feedback x
This outfit challenge is very interesting and meaningful! Thank you so much for sharing, I will join this challenge myself!
Thank you Elizabeth! So glad you think so 🙂
I am loving your tips, Julia! I agree it’s so important to wear outfits which make you feel confident and ready to take on the day! Who can concentrate on being their best if you’re constantly having to re-adjust your top or skirt, right? This sounds like a fun challenge!
So true Katerina! And, yes, it was a fun challenge! xo
How many stylish outfits! I really like your dresses and jackets
http://www.recklessdiary.ru/
Thanks so much Anya 🙂
I loved this post so much Hun and all of your outfits are so lovely! x
Grace
Thank you! So glad you liked the post x
What a fabulous challenge, it does make you explore new styles and who knows maybe find something new that you have never tried but actually looks great on you xx
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
Thank you! Yes, if definitely makes you explore new styles and maybe rediscover some pieces in your wardrobe and/or find new ways of combining pieces x
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to participate in this challenge. I completely agree that when you wear something you love, you feel great and confident! I love how you analyze each outfit and can learn something from each one to help define your style and what works!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you so much Jill! An outfit challenge is a great way to learn more about your personal style and to try things that you might not otherwise have worn xo
Julia,
What a fabulous piece of joy reading your post. True, style is personal but comfort is everything! Loved all those important tips and tricks!
Thank you Hasin! I’m so glad you liked the tips x
totally love this outfit challenge and the lesson learned!
Thank you! So glad you loved it x
So on point! I like that you include florals and mixed prints! I like our sequined jacket, I’ve been eyeing on it.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you Mercy! I really love this jacket – so happy it was on sale 🙂
Loving all the looks!
xx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/
Thanks Nina x
Great outfits ❤
Thank you 🙂
Love all of these lessons, friend! I am a lover of florals, and think it’s great that you included to wear things that you love. It really does give you a great boost when you’re feeling great about what you’re wearing.
Make Life Marvelous
Yes, the power of wearing something you love is huge!! When you feel good your confidence sky rockets 🙂
These tips are so on point. Through style we can feel go and be ready to take on the world.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Yes! Style can really make a huge difference to our self esteem and our confidence 🙂
Well-written post! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you – so glad you liked the post 🙂
You are radiant in these outfits!
Thank you so much Elizabeth x
I love hearing about what you’ve learned- and I totally agree, what you wear has a direct impact on your self-esteem and mood!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you Ashley! I’m so glad you liked the post 🙂
Julia
What a fabulous opening to the fall with your September post. You look absolutely beautiful in every outfit and I loved how you started your day 1 with wearing the best you aimed for and truly it brings the best when you feel the best. Thanks for all the extra tips that you share.
Thank you so much Hasim I’m so glad you enjoyed the post x