How do you shop? Outfits or pieces.

[12031980AB]

I have noticed on different forums people refering to their shopping and some buy outfits and some pieces. I'm wondering how majority of others do their shopping.
I end up buying different bits and bobs and cobbling them together but I've noticed I haven't been feeling completely put together or rather too cobbled together and it doesn't fully work.
Im wondering if I need to change my mindset and work in outfits when shopping.
People who buy outfits do you literally buy top to toe?

I try and buy pieces that will go with other pieces in my wardrobe, I think that's the way to have variety and options whilst not needing excessive amounts of clothing. The problem with buying top to toe outfits is that all the components only go with each other and tend not to translate across your wardrobe.

I do know what's in my wardrobe though so I can generally assess if it's worth buying an item in terms of do I have other things to wear it with. Or if it's something that I "just like", I bring it home and try it on with stuff and it goes back if it can't pull its weight.

A mix of both. However that said, it's rare I buy an entire outfit at once. Am usually looking for a particular item that will pull several pieces together into an outfit, possibly several. Case in point I have just bought a cardigan that will work with several different trousers and boots/shoes making several outfits, and have also seen a skirt that can be worn with the cardigan and any of the footwear to make another few outfits.

I'm an opportunistic charity/Vinted shopper so always buying bits as I see them. Of course, they usually cost a fraction of the new price so that helps!

I am trying to be more mindful about it though. I have a terrible habit of buying several lovely jumpers, but overlooking basic items like jeans (for example). So full outfits become tricky.

I buy pieces from a wish list I created after thoroughly going through my wardrobe and noting the gaps.

As a general rule, any new item must be able to help create several new outfits.

I get outfit inspiration from Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube etc and save to a folder on my phone and recreate it to some degree using stuff I already own. If I feel great in an outfit, I take a photo and add to the folder to help me out when I'm stuck.

I'm consciously buying more things 'just because'. I've spent most of my life in separates that will go with at least two things I've already got - reasonably sensible and permits gradual evolution. Some time last year, I discovered I was massively bored with myself, so have bought loads of new stuff but it's still mostly multi-purpose separates.

I'm now the rather pleased owner of three new dresses I don't actually need, and several (too many) tops that don't particularly go with anything 😂 I've overspent; I'll have to dial it right back but it's hard because I'm still excited about fashion just now! There are so many fresh ideas, and it's so much more fun this way than the sensible way!

I'm currently wearing a pair of cheap & nasty but easy-wash black supermarket trousers with an orange lace top that I just liked the look of. The top cheers me up more than the trousers depress me, so I reckon my strategy (or lack of same) works for me.