Fashion 101 - Designing Your Own Outfits

By Katie Barger
Miss Rodeo USA 2011

Everyone has their own unique style. Designing your outfits is a good way to showcase your style and personality. The key to designing your outfits is daring to be different. Since my early years of high school rodeo, I have designed almost all of my rodeo queen outfits. Here are some tips to help with planning and customizing your rodeo queen wardrobe.

Keep a Sketch Pad Handy: Carry a sketch pad and pencil with you at all times. You never know when an idea might come to you or what might trigger your mind to think of an outfit. Ideas came to me at the most random times, anywhere from being in the middle of a college lecture to shopping at Wal-Mart. I always had my sketch pad with me and would quickly make a rough draft of what was on my mind. 

Start with the Basics: When you begin to put your ideas on paper start with the very basics. For instance, will it be a button down long sleeve shirt? Will it zip-up the back with a sweetheart neckline? Is it a fitted Jacket? Vest? Or how about a jacket and skirt set? First, draw the outline of what you are designing. Next, start with the bigger details and go down to the smaller ones. As your outfit begins to take shape, you might change your mind. Having your ideas not only in your head, but also on paper will help you see what 

This Michelle Wahlquist patriotic creation is one of my favorites that I designed.

works best and what may not work at all. Using a pencil during this process is very helpful, because chances are you will change your mind many times. This is perfectly fine though and all part of the creative process. Don't be afraid to play with different color combinations until you find what fits you. When you have your outfit drawn out, go back and write out the details so that the seamstress has a clear understanding of what you want.

Thinking outside the Box: When looking for ideas there are no limits as to what is available. Whether it be a Fashion magazine or the latest issue of Western Horseman, you can always find ideas for outfits. The main point to focus on is that your wardrobe should reflect you and no one else. If you like it, you will feel good in it. When you feel good, you do well. 

Color Choice: When choosing the color of the outfit you are designing, think of the colors that jump out at you or that you usually buy when shopping. You should try one of these because this is something you like. Also, take your skin tone, hair color and body type/build into consideration when choosing your colors. You do not want your outfit to wash you out. You want your outfit to make you stand out. There are certain colors that are more appealing and figure flattering on different skin tones, hair colors and body types. Figure these colors out to help you narrow down what color will work best for you. 

Conversation Piece: Your custom outfit is a great conversation starter in an interview. In almost every rodeo queen contest that I have been in, I have been asked to model and describe an outfit that I have on. It's a great feeling when I can say that I designed it myself.

There is no better feeling than when an outfit is completed and you get to see it for the first time knowing that you created it. The possibilities are endless!