Over this new year, a friend told me she had moved in with her boyfriend and now that she is sharing his pad… she has found it necessary to throw out a lot of “unnecessary” stuffs including her clothes…ohlordy me. I could feel a twinge in my heart, to part with my clothes is something I find extremely difficult. Now I am no hoarder, but I do try to buy pieces that I like and matches with my current wardrobe although I am not that organised as to methodically think about it when I am out shopping.

There are times that I just covet pieces simply because I like them and I have pieces that have not been worn yet for a couple of years simply because I haven’t found a right combination yet. There are times that I spend days just planning an outfit for an occasion and there are times  when I just throw things together on a whim or in a hurry but they turn out really cool or interesting and I receive many compliments. But by and large I  try, at least , in my head to “plan” the outfit even when sometimes, time does not permit. I am not unique in that regard, because many fashionistas or not so fashionable people take time to think and plan an outfit , to suit the occasion and event. For instance, what to wear work , to a wedding; a Malay wedding (you would throw in “selendang” or shawl and maybe something long and more demure).

But let’s be honest, how often have you opened up your wardrobe (early in the morning or rushing to a function) and just stood in front of the many rows of clothes and think , ” I have nothing to wear”. If you are like me , moments like  those  will have you trying on twenty outfits and all would be found wanting. A mountain  of clothes would have built up on your bed or whereever they are strewn by the time you are ready to head out.

I try to think at least two days ahead for “important” occasions and I try them on the night before just to confirm that they still fit and looks as I had envisioned them. But “important” is such a subjective thing that  a lot of more mundane  day to day things take precedent. I try to make sure clothes are not too tight or uncomfortable and no slipping down corset tops,  loose bra straps and VPLs (visible panty lines). If it is a business function, I also want to ensure it isn’t too revealing and   is easy to move about. So if I don’t have time to plan , past results have shown, disaster can happen. And wardrobe malfunctions like Mariah’s and Janet’s  is not my idea of style.

So I turn to  “SEBUO” -stylish emergency back up outfits that works best  for times when I am not so inspired or in a rush but still need to look good. I just  go to my   “SEBUO”- stylish emergency back up outfits corner (in my mind  and closet)  to ensure that I always turn out alright.

• I  go for surefire pieces that flatter and  historically these  outfits have worked  as in  made me look good and feel great for every occasion; work, smart, formal , casual , party. As  a personal rule of thumb,   I generally try not to repeat an outfit for formal occassions. I also try not to wear the exact same combination to a social event with  the same group of people. I get bored.
• In answer to no 1, does that mean I have a lot of  clothes? No. It just means that I try to keep in memory or a polaroid works great too, so as not to kill your grey matters,  various combinations of the same pieces and just put it together when necessary.  I have heard of fashionistas who label their clothes course they have massive amount of clothes and they loose track of them otherwise.
• Then there are the shoes and accessories. Make and keep simple rules about your own fashion style and use them for every outfit. Keep the  simple rule at all times. The mind works better that way. Organise your outfits such that you always know which shoes are for what occassion and which colours are best suited for the occassion then cross over to match outfit for occasion.

Take a picture and label the shoes so you know where to find them in an emergency. Fashion faux pas happens most when in a hurry and lack of planning.

My simple “SEBUO” rules:

My simple SEBUO rule A-comfort  first but I would never  sacrifice style for comfort.  So ballet pumps or sharp flatties in patent leather and pointed tips can give an edge to an outfit without killing your feet and back. Also  find and keep a good pair of high heels (pumps for all occassions) that can go anywhere in black or neutral shades.

Simple SEBUO rule B-favorite rule which I borrow from Carrie Bradshaw is never match shoes and handbags. So I almost automatically go for a pair red shoes if wearing all black and carrying a black handbag. Always have a simple black bag that matches most looks for instance for parties and functions, safely on bank on a black or one bold sequined clutch for evening.

Simple SEBUO rule C- is to have a theme  about these selected SEBUO pieces. That way you will always remember the pieces and it comes to mind in an emergency and you will enjoy wearing these stories. So maybe one favorite LBD , one favorite skirt suit, one favorite pantsuit, one favorite cocktail dress, one favorite skirt and one favorite top. For me when all else fails, even a planned outfit can go awry at the last minute ,I’ll just reach out for my favorite LBD that hides my “sins”  like that extra inch  and I am good to go!

Simple SEBUO rule D- keep to basic accessories, if in emergency wear basic pieces that won’t go wrong ,save the large statement pieces when you have had time to test them in front of mirror. In the “SEBUO” corner- my basics are loop earrings , medium and large for formal/smart and party. Everything is understatedly discreet but pronounced.

Simple SEBUO rule E- always keep a good pair of seamless  panties for a good emergency tummy tuck on bloated days and no VPL! for wearing with any clingy material. Always have a good bra with good lift and strapless in nude tones handy!

Simple SEBUO rule F- have fun and get creative with your clothes , shopping is half the  fun, wearing them is the other half. Keep building on your SEBUO,  it’s like building up bank credit, soon you will easily just lug out any outfit  and it is  good to go!

Have you got a tip or two yourself that you would like to share, just drop us a comment!!

Possible related posts...

• How are the stars are doing Tribal this season…
• Chic Deals in Town
• Lace Is Sheer Chic!
• What’s Hot: WoMANly Ensembles!
• Latest Release: Pedro’s Winter 2011 Collection!