Rate my outfit: a 1-minute self-check

What makes an outfit "work"?

Stylists tend to judge an outfit on three things, and this check scores each one.

• Fit. Clothes that fit you, or are oversized on purpose, always look better than expensive clothes that pull or swamp you. Lengths matter too: trousers that bunch at the ankle or sleeves that cover your hands make an outfit look accidental.
• Colour harmony. The easiest formula is two or three neutrals plus one accent colour. Repeating a colour somewhere, such as shoes and bag or a top and earrings, makes the whole look feel intentional.
• Occasion and weather match. The "best" outfit is wrong if it is far more casual or more formal than the event, if you will be cold, or if you cannot walk in the shoes.

Quick fixes for a low score

• Fit: try a half-tuck, roll the sleeves, cuff the jeans or add a belt. These take ten seconds and change the shape of the outfit.
• Colour: swap one bright piece for a neutral, or echo your accent colour in a small accessory.
• Occasion: add a blazer or swap sneakers for loafers to dress up, or switch to a tee and sneakers to dress down.

Want a fresh idea instead? Use the outfit picker to get three complete outfits for your weather and plans.

How to do a 30-second mirror check

Stand back far enough to see your whole outfit, shoes included. Sit down, raise your arms and take a few steps: anything that rides up, gapes or pinches will bug you all day. Then squint at the mirror. If one piece jumps out more than you want, swap it for a neutral or repeat its colour once elsewhere. Finally, look out of the window or check the forecast. The best outfit in the world is not worth being cold or soaked in.