Friend Friday - Outfit Planning (or lack of!)

So, I've only done one "Friend Friday" in the past, but I wanted to get back to it because I think it's a wonderful way to delve a little deeper into the blogging mindset, and to learn a little more about the bloggers we read every day. So here we go. . . ! 

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1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?

In all honesty, I usually don't plan my outfits ahead of time.  Unless there is something in particular I'm dressing for that day (a party, wedding, meeting for school, etc.), I usually just figure it out in the morning.  Of course,  with the weather being so crappy lately, I've had some idea that my outfits should incorporate boots and layers.  

 2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month,
weekend?

Ummmm. . . . no.  I wish I could say that I have it together enough to plan my outfits for the entire week, much less month, but I don't .  I'm a known procrastinator, and although I yearn to be organized and proactive about my outfits, I usually end up scrambling in the morning trying to put something decent together.

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already
worn so you don't repeat? 

I don't have a specific way of tracking outfits, but I seem to have an uncanny ability to remember what I've worn and how I've worn it, so I'm usually able to avoid repeats.  Of course, sometimes I love the way an outfit comes together so much that I will repeat on purpose (usually with slightly different accessories), as long as the people I'm seeing that day haven't seen the outfit before. 

For example, if my sis-in-law and I went out shopping on a Saturday (Which doesn't happen often enough, in my opinion. I'm talking to you, Mandy!), and I loved the outfit I wore that day, I might repeat that outfit to go to a Thursday night class.  

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet?
(Trial try-ons?  Hanging items together?) 

Many times I will use an outfit in a magazine, or one I've seen on a fellow blogger as inspiration, and I also keep a list of possible outfit combinations I've come up with/seen, to try out.  I then dig in my closets to try to find pieces to re-create these outfits in my own way.  Sometimes I don't have the pieces I need, so I improvise and create a new look.  When I'm putting together an outfit this way, I usually hang the items together to get a feel for the way they will look as an outfit.  Then I will try it on and make adjustments accordingly.  Often, I will love the way the outfit looks on the hanger, but will not be so pleased when I have it on my body, so I will make further changes to make it work for me.  

On days when I don't have a specific source of inspiration, I  usually just go with the try-on method.  This is usually much more frustrating, and causes me to start the day off aggravated and feeling like I am rushed to get out the door.  There is much grunting and sighing involved, and usually Jimmy yells, "You okay back there?" a few times during the process.  I also hate having to hang up my whole closet again after I have completely demolished it in my frenzy.  

You'd think I would learn.  

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do
to cut down your dressing time? 

 I think I already unintentionally answered this question.  I definitely need to work out a system to become more organized.  On days when I'm not wearing scrubs, I need to try to have at least a plan for my outfits ahead of time.  But first, I need to work on cleaning out my closets! 

Do you have a certain routine for getting dressed in the morning (or evening)?  Do you plan your outfits far in advance?  I'd love to hear what your strategy is!