Fashion Sense and Dolls

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
It is based on their personalities as well as some things I'm personally interested in (I did come up with their characters after all). If something is inexpensive, then that's great! I have gotten some very reasonable priced yet nice things. However, I'm willing to pay a little more to get what I really want, and I want their clothing to have a certain level of detail to it -- in other words I don't want them to look like they are wearing cheap doll clothes.

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
No -- I don't base things around what other people do. However, owner pics can inspire or just help figure out what looks good on a particular sculpt. If you aren't sure what will fit or flatter your doll's sculpt, owner pics really are the way to go.

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
Not exactly. Sometimes it takes some experimenting before I get a doll's look 'right'. Some are more difficult than others. However, when it comes to being fashion-savvy, to me it's not really about being savvy or having good fashion sense -- it's simply about putting together outfits in a way that I feel looks good. This may or may not line up with what other people think of as good fashion sense, but that hardly matters

Go with what you like the look of, what inspires you. Just do some 'window' shopping on-line and see what outfits catch your eye -- try not to over think the process. If you're really stuck and you're one of those people (like myself) who do have characters or at least personalities attached to your dolls, you can use that as a good starting place. Ask yourself 'what would this character like to wear?'

 

-How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear? Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?

Personal preference and vision for the doll. I go hunting for clothing and accessories that get that idea across.

-Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?

The only reason I look through owner pics is to see if what I'm thinking of is out there somewhere. I'll usually shoot a PM asking where they found it. Regardless, the overall look I'm going for is still one I came up with on my own.

-Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?

No. My personal preferences are for classic staples so my dolls all generally look cute and well dressed.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?

I base the fashion on the personality the bjd has. Sha has an Aristocrat taste and background but I learn he likes other styles as well but not to many. I tend to look for the right look that he likes. So, no on the last part of that question.Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?

No. I have a love for fashion before I was introduced to bjds and sha's particular taste and personality helped me form what he loves to wear. I do love seeing people's creativity in the fashion threads and other galleries.

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?

Not at all. I learned how to express myself through fashion and the same applies with Sha. I express Sha's personality through his clothes with his help of course.Just give yourself a break from bjd clothes and just think about what you like now. Then, when you are ready, look at some places that will suit you more. There is not rush in this hobby at all!

 

I have 10 tiny bjds and I dress them mostly in Spampy clothing ( a little quirky but not too far out for a tiny doll) or maisiedoats (May Hall in Australia) who knits the most amazing tiny clothes. She's on eBay and Etsy. They are just perfect with accessories for the right dolls.

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?

Since they are tinies, they have their own fashion sense based on their personalities. I never buy cheap clothing. It always looks cheap no matter what I do to it.

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?

Sometimes I am inspired by other owner's clothing ideas or from the doll manufacturer's original photos. I also look at magazines and other fashion pics on the web.

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?

Most of my tinies have cute or interesting personalities based on their sculpt. I try to go with that and staying current at the same time.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
I have a lot of favorite styles that I can't wear on a regular basis, usually because they're too expensive both to buy and make. So it's almost completely based off what kind of clothes I like XD I don't really like punk clothes, so even if I ended up with a girl who WOULD wear them she wouldn't.

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
In all honesty, their personalities are often based around a style of dress. But it varies, Cephied wears cutesy clothes because she's overcompensating in appearance for how dirty her personality is. Caroline, on the other hand, is a quiet, socially awkward circus girl BECAUSE I wanted a doll who wears dark circus costumes and heavy theatre makeup. Erin pretty much exists because I wanted a fashion-obsessed boy XD

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
Not really, no. Florence I plan to dress very similarly to her company photo's outfit, but I actually have a feeling that'll change if I get her. I have sort of an endless stream of clothing ideas in my head, so I don't really need much inspiration xD

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
Nah. They all have a very set style that falls into place very early in their development. I'm very interested in fashion, which may help XD I also like to think that your clothes should look like who you are, which sounds silly in real life but I think helps for doll style figuring out-ing XD

 

my dolls don't necessarily have a specific style. they are like me and change what they are wearing depending on how i feel at that time. this allows me to have greater variety and not be bored. also i hate type casting and saying you have to dress in just one style all the time. but then i've always been a bit of a rebel that way

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
Each doll has a style depending on its character. Charlie's a gothic/ghost type, so I usually dress her in black and grey. Gothic lolita or punk etc. Beet's my 'tomboy' so I'll dress her in casual boy clothes. Mostly, I just go by my tastes. And usually I make their clothes myself, so it also depends on my ability and my fabric.
Whatever's cheapest?Yeah, sometimes. I find it a bit difficult to buy doll clothes that cost the same or more than my own clothes, especially if they're handmade and I cannot see them in person. I'm afraid if being disappointed, or simply never using the clothes, so I usually buy cheap.
Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?Yes, I do get really inspired by other owners. That's how I got so into long-sleeved sweaters. And mis-match outfits.
Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?Yup, it's more difficult than being fashion-savvy myself, because my dolls have much less clothes than me. And because I have tinies, sometimes it's really difficult to find specific styles other than children's clothes.For example, it's pretty much impossible to find dark, gothic clothing for pukipuki size, so I end up having to sew it myself, which limits how extravagant the design can be.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?

I love all kinds of fashions--mostly elaborate costume-like stuff. Street-wear, I can appreciate on others, but I prefer something more different than things I see every day... I like fantasy, historical, and various fashion trends that mix a lot of stuff up like aristocratic/elegant/goth/prince/whatever...

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe?

My dolls are only sometimes based on personalities. Even the ones that do have more of a story will get that all sacrificed for whatever fashions I feel like putting them in, though! I do try to keep it somewhat close to what their personalities are like, but those that are fantasy elves will get those clothes, but will also dress in historical stuff and pirate gear or Steampunk or whatever... and those who are Victorians in story will get those outfits, but will ALSO get whatever I feel like dressing them in!!! Poor kids!

Someone mentioned that they look at their dolls as actors who assume a lot of different roles--and I think this applies to my dolls also.

Whatever's cheapest?

Nah. I like a bargain like anyone else, but I figured that if I was getting dolls that cost THAT much, I should at least get outfits that were comparable... And I just LOVE amazing outfits, so I'm willing to pay for that. Besides, my dolls don't wear regular street-clothes, usually. I only have maybe one pair of jeans and over 20 dolls. Same goes for t-shirts and sneakers--maybe one.

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?

If I see some great clothes on another doll--sure, I'll be inspired by that. Or if I see stuff that I like sold anywhere...

Actually, I'm GLAD when I'm not seeing doll clothes I like, because I won't have this urge to want to buy doll clothes... I have plenty of clothes for them already!

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?

Not really. So many cool clothes available...

How do you people with any sort of fashion sense DO it?

I don't have an amazing fashion sense, but I do have some sort of one... I just dress them in what I like... Unfortunately for me, I like a LOT of different styles.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
I went through a lot of clothes, and finally calmed down around certain clothing genres. I find a dealer who I really like and base most of my doll outfits on what this dealer seems to make.

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
If I base it, it`s more based on their personality. Though I`m one of the "dry" owners, who don`t have a huge story behind the dolls and how they came to be. I` definitely not the cheapest, I splurge on clothes when I can.

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
A bit. My favorite dealer`s dolls are so gorgeous I wish my dolls look that way.

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
Not really. I have many many ideas with clothes, If I can`t find it, I can always make it too.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
I go by character, I have a varied group so if I want to buy an outfit badly enough usually someone will wear it. I greatly admire when other people have the dedication to make elaborate historical costumes, but it's not for me. I like quirky everyday clothing.

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
I go by personality and story. I used to always go for the cheapest clothing, but after getting a few nicer quality pieces I really did see the difference. Now it's worth the extra cost for me to get good looking clothing.

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
I won't follow dolly fashion trends, but I've gotten lots of great ideas I wouldn't have thought of and I will always hunt down clothing if I see something I like on someone else's doll.

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
Sort of. I'm not a very fashionable person myself, I sometimes wonder if people think I'm insane with the outfits I put together for them. The nice thing about bjds though is that they have such nice bodies and perfect skin they can wear almost anything and make it look good

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
For me it depends on the doll's physical look. Some sculpts and body shapes look good in period clothing, some in fairy-like tattered clothings and some (like mine) naked lol! Most of my boys are from Dollshe. They have these super thin bodies, so casual wear I find looks best and fresh on them. Having them all from the same company makes it easier for me when I shop for their clothes I just buy 1 size and 1 style.

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
Actually it's the other way around for me. I start with the doll, then figure out what clothes look best on them and from there their stories will develop. Most people start with a character/story in mind then try to dollify this character, it's hard for me to do this..dunno my brain's just uncreative or lazy I think...

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
Yeah sometimes! Specially if they have their dolls wearing the sort of casual menswear I like. I love the look of dolls in those awesome period costumes, unfortunately my guys look like complete flopsies in period outfits lol!

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
All the time!!! I love fashion and I love wearing strange things, but it's hard to find these thing in 1/3 scale specially for male dolls.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
It's based on their characters, mostly, but if I can't find something specific for them, I get quite antsy. For example, Cain's character has to have a -particular- white coat, and it took me forever to find something similar in dolly form. Elphaba, when she comes in, will be dressed in black, form-covering clothes, which will eventually be replaced with her final Witch of the West outfit. (Which I will have to make, when I can find the right material)

I also try to strike a balance of quality/price. I'm fine with getting something of slightly less quality if it is significantly cheaper. For this, my go-to places are 9nine style and Alice's Collections. I have some Luts and Soom clothing, but I actually like the cheaper stuff a fair bit more.

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
Nope. My characters have had their outfit/eyes/hair decided long before I got into this hobby. Now it's just a matter of playing 'matchup'.

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
See above.

 

I dress my dolls in what looks good on them. I dont care how expensive the clothes are, price doesnt really matter. something cheap or expensive might look great or look bad.
I do like the clothes to match their personality though, or if Im telling a story it might clash.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
I always decide based on their personalities... For instance, Jasper is loud and obnoxious and so therefore her clothes reflect that. xP Scout is girly and so she wears girly clothes... -shrugs- Jehn and Quinn, however, are both quite quiet and shy so their clothes don't exactly reflect their personalities... They just wear what they happen to like. (So for Quinn that's suits whilst for Jehn that's usually casual, yet fashionable, clothes - jeans, etc).
Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
Yeah, their personalities, as I tried to explain above. xD Sometimes price comes into play, however. Quinn had to wait until his second birthday until I finally bit the bullet and bought him a nice suit! And Jehn's still waiting on a few pretty dresses to come her way...
Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
Nah. Or, at least, I don't outright copy them. Sometimes I'll see dolls and think "Oh, that's kind of like what so-and-so would like to look like..." and maybe try to find out where those people buy their doll clothes. I don't do it to copy, however, it's just because they also happen to have the same taste as one of my dolls.
Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
Eh... I'm not particularly sure any of my lot really care if they're fashion-savvy. XD I just dress them in the type of clothes I know they like. -shrugs- Sometimes I can't find exactly what I want (or if I do find it, it's too expensive) and so then I'll just try to make it myself...

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe?
My dollies are based on characters from my Arthurian comic, which in terms of historical background and fashion starts in the late fifth century and ends up in the 1300s. They get to wear clothes based on historical costume. Their clothes are supposed to reflect their social class - and preferably also their personalities (in terms of colours, jewellery etc).

Whatever's cheapest?
Well, um. Because of the historical aspect, I am more or less forced to make the clothes myself. Trouble is, I'm hardly an accomplished seamstress. So yes, I have to admit that I don't immediately go for the most expensive fabrics. I look for cheap(er) ones that don't make me too nervous about cutting and messing them up :P. That, and I also look for fabrics that aren't especially difficult to work with. Ideally, though, I'd like to use fabrics that are as historically plausible as possible (colours etc).

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
Fashion decisions, not really - but I do look at other owners' dolls for inspiration. Since I am new to the hobby and to sewing, I look at how other people solve particular problems, how they accomplish a certain style and where they find their materials.

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
I'm very bad with colours, I think. I mostly wear black, red and grey myself, but I can't very well dress my dolls the same way - it doesn't suit their characters at all. Finding fabrics that match can sometimes be a challenge for me. Also, I need to learn to think of the little details that really 'finish' an outfit - stuff that real people would wear and that goes beyond just clothes and shoes.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
I generally take some time and go through different clothing store websites and see what would fit the character the most.

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
Usually based on personality but there have been times where I got a doll earlier than expected so I had to find something quick and cheap until their regular clothes come in.

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
Not really. I generally base my fashion decisions on what I see at clothing stores.

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
Yes. It seems that most of the clothes I want for my dolls are expensive and that severely limits what I have in their wardrobe.

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
Well I don't really decide they do. Its whatever looks good but fits their character. I have character that will wear whatever u put her in...she is blind and she just looks so darn cute in almost anything.

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
I go with whatever works for their personalities, and their story. I never worry about the expense...which is not really the best for my pocketbook. Luckily for me I have a couple of friends who also have BJD's and sew. So that helps. I tend to collect Dollheart outfits...because I love their stuff.


Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
Um sometimes I guess I guess I do to a degree but usually i have the idea and then see it on a doll from someone else then usually tweak it to my tastes.


Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
Fashion savvy hum well I don't really care about fashion so...I let them dictate what they wish to wear or what I know for sure what they are going to wear and I don't really care what others think about their clothing. I love them. That is what matters right?

 

How do you decide what style of clothes your dolls wear?
When I have a doll incoming, I tend to start to develop a personality, if not a huge elaborate backstory, for them. Very rarely does a doll arrive that something doesn't solidify in mind for me before they arrive. I now and then try to 'force' a doll to be a runway model for me that will wear whatever I fancy and change wigs and eyes to suit my whims, but it never works. These sculpts have too much personality!
While I have four SD dolls and they can share some casual things, I hate to see the same outfit twice, so I like a lot of layers so that I can mix it around and hopefully never feel like they "wore that already" or have worn something that another doll has worn. It's pretty challenging.

Is it based on their personalities and/or story/universe? Whatever's cheapest?
Always based on their personalities. Unfortunately sometimes this means they sit around for a long time waiting me to find something right for them. :P

Do you ever look at other owners' pictures and base your fashion decisions on those?
I have a folder of images I save whenever something makes me say "oh that would look great on ___!" but rarely have I acted upon those images.. it's just sort of an inspiration folder if I need ideas. But when I sit down to design an outfit, rarely do I ever end up with what I intended. For example, I wanted an outfit to show off the twigLimbs2 body that my Caldera has, and wound up designing something that hid her from crown to toe. Whoops!

Do you ever find it difficult to be fashion-savvy with your dolls?
I don't really worry about it. I dress them in the way that seems to suit them, and I worry more about what will make a great photo or will show off their personalities or is an interesting design (to me, the costumer). Zooka has a lime green dress that I commissioned - it's covered in fish scales, with a skirt made of bubble wrap. It's perfect for her, but when I was "between Zookas" it was listed on the marketplace and there was nary a nibble. It's pretty much Zooka-only. I brought her home again and am very glad I still have the dress!