A Step By Step Guide To Journaling Your Outfits — Autum Love

After giving birth, I didn’t feel confident in my body. None of my clothes fit like they used to, and I felt like everything I wore accentuated the parts of me that I was self-conscious about. I hid behind sweatpants and oversized clothes, and I didn’t like to leave the house much because I felt embarrassed about my body and compared myself to other women who seemed to "bounce back" much more easily than I did. During this tough time, I realized that I needed to reconnect with my own style and find a way to feel good in my clothes again.

That's when I discovered the power of outfit journaling. It became a great way to explore different outfits, identify high-quality pieces that made me feel great, and rediscover my sense of style.

Outfit journaling helped me understand what worked for my body type and what didn’t. I started to notice patterns in my clothing choices and began to see my wardrobe as a form of self-expression rather than a source of frustration. It was the first step towards building a wardrobe filled with versatile pieces that I loved.

Through this process, I found that I spent less time deciding what to wear and more time enjoying my day.

To make this journey even easier, I created my own outfit journal. There’s a digital version that works perfectly on Goodnotes, and if you prefer a physical version, it's sold on Amazon. The physical version is ideal if you want to print out your outfit images and have a tangible record of your daily looks.

Now, let’s dive into how you can start your own outfit journal and make intentional choices that reflect your unique style.

Why Outfit Journaling Matters

Outfit journaling is more than just a fun activity; it's a transformative practice that offers several benefits. First, it helps you build a better understanding of your own personal style. By documenting your daily outfits, you start to see patterns in your clothing choices and understand what makes you feel confident and comfortable. This is a great way to identify high-quality pieces that are worth investing in.

For me, outfit journaling was a key piece in reconnecting with my style and body. It gave me a sense of control and helped me appreciate my body shape in different outfits. I began to see how different styles and colors worked for me, which boosted my confidence. The best thing about outfit journaling is that it's a form of self-expression. It's a good way to experiment with new styles and discover what truly resonates with you.

Outfit journaling also combats decision fatigue. When you have a record of your favorite outfits, it becomes easier to decide what to wear, saving you time in the morning. Plus, it's a fun way to track fashion trends and see how your style evolves over time.

Getting Started with Outfit Journaling

The first step in starting your outfit journal is to set clear goals. Are you looking to build confidence, discover your unique style, or improve your wardrobe choices? Maybe you want to create a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces that work for different seasons. Knowing what you want to achieve will help guide your journaling process.

Next, decide on the tools you'll use. You can opt for a physical journal, a digital outfit planner app, or even a combination of both. The digital version of my outfit journal works perfectly on Goodnotes, making it easy to keep everything organized. If you prefer something tangible, the physical version sold on Amazon is great for printing out your outfit images. Popular options also include virtual closet apps, which allow you to catalog your clothing items and create a variety of outfits. Our Smart Style Tracker allows for you to easily create new outfits using our Smart Style Outfit Generator. This works best using clothing items you own simply upload them to the spreadsheet and watch your style transform.

Consistency is key to successful outfit journaling. Establish a routine that works for you, whether it's journaling at the end of the day or week. The important thing is to make it a habit. This routine will help you stay on track and ensure that you’re regularly reflecting on your clothing choices and style evolution.

Step-by-Step Guide to Journaling Your Outfits

Step 1: Take a Daily Photo

Start by taking a daily photo of your outfit. This visual record is crucial for outfit journaling. Here are some tips to ensure you capture the best shots:

Lighting: Use natural light whenever possible. Take photos near windows or outside to get the best lighting. If you're indoors, make sure the room is well-lit.
Angles: Capture your outfit from different angles to showcase all the details. A front shot, side shot, and a back shot will give a comprehensive view of your look.
Poses: Try different poses to highlight your outfit's features. Stand straight, turn slightly, or even do a candid pose to see how the outfit looks in various stances.
Background: Choose a clean and uncluttered background. This keeps the focus on your outfit and avoids any distractions.

Step 2: Write About Your Outfit

Once you have your photo, it’s time to write about your outfit. Documenting your outfit involves more than just listing the clothing items. Here’s what to include:

Note down a detailed description of what you wore. Mention the clothing items, their colors, and any accessories.
Write about where you wore the outfit. Was it for a casual outing, a work meeting, or a special event?
Reflect on how you felt in the outfit. Did it make you feel confident, comfortable, stylish, etc.?
Consider whether the outfit was suitable for the day's activities and weather.

Step 3: Reflect on Your Choices

Take some time to reflect on your outfit choices. This reflection helps in understanding your preferences and improving future outfits.

Think about what you liked or disliked about the outfit. Was there something that worked particularly well or something that didn’t?
Consider how the outfit felt throughout the day. Was it comfortable? Did it serve the purpose for the day’s activities?

Step 4: Identify Patterns and Preferences

Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in your outfit choices. Identifying these patterns can help streamline your wardrobe and style.
Look for themes in your clothing choices. Do you often reach for certain colors, styles, or types of clothing?
Note which pieces you tend to wear frequently and why. This can help you identify your go-to items and understand your style better.

Step 5: Set Goals for Improvement

Use your reflections and identified patterns to set goals for improving your style. This step is about making intentional choices to enhance your wardrobe.

If you notice a lot of neutral tones, try adding more vibrant colors.
Set a goal to experiment with new fashion trends or styles you haven’t tried before.
Consider investing in high-quality pieces that can elevate your wardrobe and provide long-term value.

Tips for Staying Consistent

Staying consistent with your outfit journaling is crucial to reaping the full benefits. Here are some tips to help you keep up with the habit:

Keep it Simple: Don't overcomplicate the process. Start with basic entries and gradually build from there. In our Daily Style Journal, we ask the same questions every day to make it easy and routine. This repetitive format helps you focus on discovering patterns in your outfit choices without feeling overwhelmed.

Stay Motivated: Set reminders and create a habit loop to maintain consistency. You can use your phone’s notes app or a mobile app to set daily reminders to take your outfit photo and make your journal entry. Incorporating this into your morning or evening routine can be an easy way to ensure you don’t skip a day. Remember, the key piece here is to make it a part of your daily life.

Be Kind to Yourself: It’s okay to miss a day or two; the goal is progress, not perfection. Life happens, and some days you might not have enough time. What’s most important is your overall commitment to the process. If you miss a day, don’t stress. Just pick it up the next day. Our Daily Style Journal includes a weekly style check-in every fifth day, helping you reflect on the week as a whole and adjust your goals as needed.

Utilize the Journal Features: At the beginning of our journal, we have an outfit assessment section to help you create your style goals. This sets a strong foundation for your journaling journey. By the end of the book, there's another style check-in to see how far you’ve come and what new things you’ve learned about your personal style. Keeping the daily style pages consistent allows you to discover patterns in your wardrobe choices over time.

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the little victories. Did you finally nail that tricky color scheme or find the perfect mix of comfort and style? Give yourself credit for these achievements. This positive reinforcement will keep your creative juices flowing and make the process enjoyable.

By following these tips, you’ll find that staying consistent with your outfit journaling becomes an easy way to improve your fashion style and build a wardrobe that reflects your own unique style. Keep at it, and good luck!

If you would like a physical copy of the Daily Style Journal check it out on Amazon! And if you are digital journal girly you can grab your copy right here and get started today!

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