Mother-Daughter Outfits Already In Your Closet

(article originally written for People Over Product magazine May 2024)

This month as we honor the mother figures and impactful women in our lives, why not try celebrating together in coordinated outfits?!

It’s said that imitation is the biggest form of flattery ;) 

Here’s the twist, instead of rushing out to buy something new.. try shopping your closet! 
Remember our most sustainable clothes are the ones we already own.

Plus it’s FUN! Maybe even more fun than being in a fitting room because you’re not rushed for time and they’re clothes you’re familiar with. 

Below are three coordinated looks you can create with items in your closet. 

They work for all ages whether you want to coordinate with your toddler or teen daughter, your grandmother, aunt, cousin, or best friend. Shopping your closets together is memorable and will give you renewed appreciation for the clothes you have. 

Idea 1: Twinning 
Let your wardrobe basics be the MVP in wearing almost identical looks. Dressing alike has a celebratory energy and lets people know that you planned it!

Items to look for in your closet:

• Pastel color tee with a jean skirt
• White button down shirt and dark jeans 
• LBD (little black dress) or any dress you both have in a similar color

Idea 2: Remember When… 
This look is all about meaningful items and memories i.e. souvenir tank tops you both bought from a trip, or jewelry you’ve gifted each other. Other people might not see the connection and that’s the point! It’s something only you two understand.

Items to look for in your closet:

• Any wearable item tied to a specific memory or life moment: scarves, tshirts, hats..etc.
• Borrow a favorite item from each other. Something you’ve admired that the other one owns. Cardigans or button down shirts are easy to swap regardless of size! You don’t need to wear it, you could wrap it around your shoulders like a little hug ;)
• ‘Throwback’ item from a fashion era you both love. Find a fabric or print characteristic of that time - like 70’s paisleys or 90’s plaid.

Idea 3: Cover Shoot 
This look is subtle and sophisticated because it’s not immediately obvious how your outfits are coordinated. The secret to coordinating something that feels cohesive is to choose a shared design element or principle that you’ll both wear. It might seem hard at first but the key is to focus more on the shared element or principle than on the item itself. 

For example: You choose ‘pattern’ as your coordinating principle. Then both of you look in your closets and observe what type of patterns you have. Turns out you both have a lot of floral. One of you has a floral skirt and the other a floral jumpsuit - boom! They’re different items, different floral patterns and colors, which is the point. This look is all about subtle intentionality.

Items to look for in your closet:

• If coordinating based on ‘VALUE’ -  choose a dark and light shade of a certain color such as: charcoal & heather gray or navy & chambray. 
• If coordinating based on ‘FORM’ - choose items that create a distinct silhouette like peplum, shoulder pads, tulle, or bodycon.
• If coordinating based on ‘TEXTURE’ - choose a texture i.e. rough or smooth then search your closet. For example: one of you has a satin tank and the other has a satin skirt - that works! 
• If coordinating based on ‘PATTERN/PRINT’’ - get creative here! It's pretty rare to have the exact same pattern but you might have something similar in a different color or size i.e. large polka dots and tiny polka dots. Other items to look for in your closet are: stripes, gingham, florals, animal prints…

PRO TIP: Finalize your look together, either in person or on a video call. Show each other the items you found based on the shared design element or principle. Try them on to see which ones are most cohesive. It’s crucial to try them on. Your eyes will tell you which ones ‘click’.

Whatever theme you decide - it’s a memorable way to appreciate the women in your life and make sure to take lots of photos! 

P.S. If you get stuck, try my VIBE class - in this class I walk you through step by step how to recreate any outfit from your shopping wishlist with clothes already in your closet.