I was recently chatting with a friend about our secret love for Eileen Fisher (So much is machine washable! And stretchy! And a ton of it is on sale right now!), and I sent her a photo that I saved a while ago, of an ideal “traveling/casual lounge/running errands”) sort of look from the brand. If I could, I said, I would buy the entire outfit. And then I got to thinking – why shouldn’t I? And went poking around online.
Unfortunately I was unable to locate most of the components of this look (the one exception are the espadrille sandals, which are out of my size). My husband, it should be noted, was quite relieved (but still worried about the sandals). But it got me thinking. I feel like lately more and more I’ve been buying the “entire outfit” as it’s been styled – whether in a catalogue, in store, or on a site – top and bottom, or dress and shoes, or the like.
When I was younger, I was against buying the entire outfit. I think I read it in an article somewhere, that it was uncool to do this, and like the sheep that I am, I decided to follow this rule. I remember how embarrassed I was once when I bought this yellow shirt that was shown layered under a kiwi green polo from a J.Crew catalog, and wore the set into work, and my office frenemy said, “You totally bought that off of a mannequin.” After that, I stayed away from buying things “as styled”.
Lately though I have changed my ways. First of all – I’m lazy. I don’t have time to figure out a better looking version of the linen pants that go perfectly with the linen shirt. Why not just buy them together? Also – the people styling these outfits are professionals right? This is their jobs! Can I really do better? (Well sometimes I do – especially when the outfit is made for a six foot four giantess).
So I’ve given in and more often than not, I buy the complete set. At least I know there’ll be one way that I will definitely know how to wear the items. And, I avoid regret for not picking up the matching A,B,C when I could have had the chance. Which I’ve been finding more and more lately, as I stare into my closet with only a minute to decide what to wear and get dressed.
Do you ever buy “the complete outfit?”
10 Comments
TC
June 25, 2018 at 8:52 amMy best “outfits” — the ones where people actually stop me on the street to compliment or ask where I got my clothes — were bought and worn as styled by my sales associates…so I buy what they tell me to buy. The arrangement works out because left to my own devices, I would live in worn out t-shirts, baggy jeans, and loafers.
Katherine
June 25, 2018 at 4:26 pmThis is very true, the best is a very chic SA who knows their client well. One thing online has a very hard time replicating!
Diane W.
June 25, 2018 at 3:57 pmAs a devoted EF wearer, I have found her pieces to provide a great streamlined look in a minimalist way, or as a blank canvas to accessorize as one sees fit, so it will look different on everyone, depending upon how it’s worn. I do find that I have to check several stores to see everything that’s available. The EF stores don’t carry all the pieces or colors that some of the department stores carry. Many of the department stores carrying EF, have colors and/or styles that are exclusive to that store. When I shop at Stanford Center, I need to visit four stores to see everything available. I feel like a stalker, but at least I don’t miss anything!
Katherine
June 25, 2018 at 4:26 pmDiane do you mean Stanford Shopping Center? If so whenever I see a chic woman wearing EF and BV I am going to want to go up and check if it is you!
Diane W.
June 26, 2018 at 5:57 pmYes….it’s currently my favorite place to shop. I was there today. Picked up a new supply of La Mer and checked out the new Hermès store. I was hoping to find an indigo Octogone Clutch but they didn’t have any Octogones at all. But I’m not abandoning my beloved BV’s. Their soft woven leather pretty much owns me. I’ll look for you too…and I have an advantage because I know what you look like!
Lilian
June 25, 2018 at 7:59 pmLOVE EF! There’s something clean and refined about those clothes. And YAAASSS, pairs absolutely fabulously with BV, Celine or Hermes 🙂
…I suggest Black Crane, as an alternative. Yes, pricey, but SO GORGEOUSLY MADE! Garmentory has good sales on BC.
*stalks espadrilles
JL
June 25, 2018 at 8:16 pmNot sure what size you are, but there’s a version of those espadrilles on Garnet Hill in almost all sizes.
Jane
June 26, 2018 at 10:20 amI have a secret EF obsession and recently bought a gray EF dress online at Nordstrom Rack. My teenage daughter was horrified, but I LOVE it. Nordstrom Rack had a good selection of EF online, although I never see it in my local store.
Elizabeth
June 27, 2018 at 9:20 pmGorgeous EF outfit. I can’t resist culottes/wide trousers/sarouels. For “full outfit” inspiration I love Net-a-Porter. While I do NOT love their editorial (focused on the unattainable price point for most with few options), the actual styling of pieces on product pages is usually creative and worth learning from if not actually replicating. Pick a piece you own or one that is similar and see what they do…it’s often really creative,
Coco
June 30, 2018 at 3:53 amI take note of the styling then replicate it with something in my wardrobe. I stick mainly to basic colours so it’s easy to mix and match.