Guest Post: Using The Pres Method

From Siepres:

Have you thought of trying The Pres Method on your existing wardrobe? Earlier this year, I had a massive list for all the different things I needed to make my wardrobe
"complete," but when I tried the Pres Method on what I already had, I saw just how many great outfits I had, and it was easier for me to narrow in on areas that needed improvement (like shoes). I was also able to find what was "missing" from my closet in order for me to achieve the look I wanted. I get a little weary when I hear "pick up a couple of these and one or two of that." I have a strong tendency to do this myself (and was this close to doing it again this Fall), and the Pres Method brought me back to my senses, lol!

Pres, I basically tried the method exactly as you described it. I started with Spring/Summer (since I believe it was late Feb at the time), and I pulled out my newly purchased suit. I made a perfect outfit around it, and then took the skirt and made a perfect outfit using that. Then I took another piece and made a perfect outfit, and so
on. I did all of this from the clothes in my closet. As I was making outfits, I paid careful attention to making sure the outfit was perfect, not okay, but perfect. If an outfit was nearly perfect and just needed a small tweak (a new belt, for example), I would put whatever the "tweak" piece was down on my list. I also looked for inspiration at NM and JCrew, as you advise, and added a piece here or there.

About two weeks ago when we started to see some early Fall stuff, I tried the method again. I think the reason the method helps me is because I can zero in on pieces that will either make a perfect outfit that is dissimilar from what I already have (like a cobalt blue dress)or pieces that will bring nearly perfect outfits into existence (like
a new belt). This season I need to make a few replacements, too (like jeans). The method works great for building your wardrobe from scratch, but it is also perfect for making sure you don't overbuy and wind up with pieces that don't see a lot of wear.

Also, I prefer to "buy and wear." I don't want to wait around for a month or two in order to wear something, and I find the Pres Method helps me with this as well.