How Online Fashion Courses Helped Me Simplify Getting Dressed

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been taking some online fashion courses, and it’s been a lot of fun. I don’t usually spend much time deciding what to wear each morning, but I decided to be a little more intentional. The courses have given me practical tools and gentle guidance to make dressing simpler and more enjoyable.

Much of my learning has come from watching other women share their outfits of the day in a private Facebook group connected to the course. It surprised me how similar fashion and home decor can be: I’m naturally a “copycat” when it comes to decorating — always saving inspiration photos and trying ideas — and I’ve realized that habit translates directly to clothing. Seeing outfits repeatedly helped me notice patterns I like, and over time I’ve started to identify what suits my body shape and what feels true to my own personal style.

At first it felt awkward to photograph myself in outfits, but I pushed through. I now take daily outfit photos and plan to compile them on a single sheet to hang inside my closet door. When I’m unsure what to wear, that visual reference will save me decision time and help me reuse combinations that work.

Below is an inspiration photo similar to one used in the course:

Source

From that inspiration, I created a few variations using the same basic pieces as my starting point: jeans (Gap), a striped tee (Ralph Lauren Sport), a black tank worn underneath, brown riding boots (LifeStride), and a tassel necklace (Le Chateau). Small changes — a sweater, a scarf, or a different layering piece — can transform the entire look while keeping the foundation consistent.

Gray Sweater — Target. This is a cozy, neutral layer that softens the striped tee and creates a relaxed, put-together look.

Black Sweater — St. John’s Bay. A darker knit adds contrast and a slightly more polished feel while still being casual enough for everyday wear.

Striped Shirt with Scarf — scarf from RW & Co. A lightweight scarf introduces color and texture without overwhelming the outfit.

I’d really love your input. Do you struggle with deciding what to wear each day, too? Would you be interested in seeing weekly fashion posts here at Harbour Breeze — simple outfit formulas, layering ideas, and easy styling tips? If you have fashion questions you’ve been wanting to ask, send them my way. If I don’t have the answer, I can ask the friends I’ve met through the course. My comment section can be a little unpredictable, so if it’s not working for you, feel free to e-mail me directly at [email protected].

To give a clear sense of my approach: focus on a reliable foundation (well-fitting jeans and a basic tee), then add one or two interest pieces — a sweater, a scarf, a necklace, or boots — to create multiple looks from the same core items. Photographing outfits helps you see what truly feels like you and what flatters your proportions. Over time, this practice builds a personal photo library of go-to outfits that make mornings easier and reduce decision fatigue.

Have a pretty day!

P.S. While I was adding links to this post, I noticed the first course I took is still available and on sale. It was my favorite and I recommend it if you want a straightforward way to get outfits organized; signing up gives immediate access to shopping lists and styled outfits. If you’re interested, you can sign up here. {Disclosure: Affiliate link included.}

Linking Up: Get Your Pretty On, The Pleated Poppy