What’s Your Benchmark Outfit?
Last month I ordered a gorgeous special occasion dress from Whistles. It kept showing up on my social media feed and although I don’t have any special events in my diary until next year, I decided to order it and see how it worked.
It was nice. It fit me quite well and the colours and print were perfect.
My decision as to whether or not to keep it was easy. Want to know why?
Introducing The Benchmark Outfit
Your benchmark outfit (or outfits) is one that makes you feel fabulous. It fits well, feels comfortable and is a no-brainer option for certain occasions.
I have three benchmark outfits that I rely on for smarter occasions.
- A clean lined, tailored jumpsuit
- A bold print halter neck maxi dress
- A long sleeved animal print midi dress
All three of these outfits have seen me through several events over the years. I love that I can rely on any of them if something unexpectedly crops up in my diary. (Panic buying is never a good thing).
Having these options available allows me to be super-discerning when I’m looking at adding new pieces in.
The Whistles dress I ordered was nice, but the decision not to keep it was easy. It didn’t make me feel quite as fabulous as the outfits I already own. So it was a no.
The fact it was nice might have meant I’d have kept it, stored it out of the way at the back of my wardrobe ready for the next event. Then when the day came around, I’d try it on again and almost certainly decide not to wear it and instead wear one of my old favourites.
Understanding this makes it so easy to not waste money on clothes that are ‘nice’. Sometimes ‘nice’ isn’t good enough. Aim for ‘fabulous’. And then when a special event invitation arrives, by all means have a look around, try a few new things but remember to compare them to your benchmark outfit to make sure you are making good decisions.
If you like this idea, you don’ t have to restrict it to special event dressing. In theory it can be applied to any item of clothing.
What’s your benchmark outfit? Let me know in the comments.
All so true Helen. My benchmark outfit is a slip dress which I have in black blue and green which I can wear almost anywhere with a range of jackets shoes and knitwear depending on the occasion. I try on the other things but they go back in the wardrobe and out comes a slip dress!
I know if I buy something for next year when I get it out again it won’t feel so good.
That sounds super-stylish Sharon! Glad you’ve got your benchmark outfit nailed.
Gotta love a jumpsuit, Helen. I really like this blog. I can readily identify the equivalent three outfits in my wardrobe and will remember this the next time I buy something new.