I asked AI to revamp my wardrobe – date dress was sexy, but I looked like Mr Bean’s girlfriend in outfit for Gran’s 80th
FROM Burberry and Chanel to Asos and M&S, fashion brands are increasingly using artificial intelligence to help us shop smarter.
Changing room queues and ill-fitting online purchases are being stamped out thanks to AI-powered personalised size charts.
Virtual assistants can analyse your age, body shape and favourite shops to help you get the perfect fit. But can they tell us what to wear, too?
As a 5ft 7in 32-year-old with big hips and a barely-there chest, I have enough trouble finding clothes to suit my pear-shaped frame, let alone things that are in line with current high street trends.
So I decided to ask ChatGPT to pick me an outfit for eight different occasions, requesting shapes, colours and styles for each.
From my gran’s 80th birthday party to a Love Island audition, would AI make me a style icon, or turn me into a walking fashion fail?
I decided to find out, and Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend gives her verdicts on the fashionAIsta choices.
Gran’s birthday
A SHAPELESS calf-length frock and chunky cardigan paired with bland nude ballet flats made me look more like Mrs Doubtfire than a decently-dressed granddaughter.
ChatGPT suggested this frumpy get-up in a matter of seconds, declaring the boring beige handbag and twee-patterned dress “appropriate and respectful for a family gathering”.
While my granny would doubtlessly coo in delight at her dream outfit, I feel like me and my thunder thighs are heading out on a date with Mr Bean.
CLEMMIE’S VERDICT: Don’t upstage your gran by dressing like her on her big day.
I’m all for tribute dressing but this will just look like you’re taking the mickey.
Airport style
FOR me, nothing says “I’m going on holiday” like a mismatched tracksuit and a pair of sunnies on your head in the departure lounge, but AI has different ideas.
“Layers are key,” it said, suggesting a pair of cotton drawstring black trousers, a relaxed white shirt and a cosy cardigan for when the air-con kicks in on the plane.
“My first thought on trying this new look was, “Will this get me a first-class upgrade?”
But aside from that, I was comfy, I was cosy and I actually looked half decent.
CLEMMIE’S VERDICT: Cosy enough for chilling air-con, comfy enough for small seats, this airport outfit looks like a winner to me, but she may need a handbag for her passport.
Bottomless brunch
AN afternoon of unlimited booze with the girls needs clothes with a bit of stretch and a touch of modesty. AI understood the assignment.
The chatbot claimed “you’ll want to choose an outfit that is comfortable and appropriate” for bottomless brunch – that means no unintentional flashing when you get up for the loo.
The chosen outfit? A flowy bohemian drop-shoulder maxi dress complete with a stretchy denim jacket and a pair of trip-proof platform heels. It’s not ‘me’, but it’s not bad . . .
CLEMMIE’S VERDICT: If you’re not going on from brunch, a floral midaxi dress works.
You are free to go about your day without looking like you just stumbled out of a night club.
Car boot sale
EVER noticed what people wear to car boot sales? Me neither, but my AI-selected outfit would make Del Boy proud.
The key, said the chatbot, was to look “more smart than casual” in order to bag the best bric-a-brac deals.
It suggested an oversized white shirt with wide-leg blue jeans and a green jacket to fling on and off as the weather changes.
I was sad not to have a stereotypical bum bag to carry my fivers in, but nobody was going to fool me with overpriced items in this get-up.
CLEMMIE’S VERDICT: Being on your feet outside all day means you’ll need something a little more substantial than a PU bomber jacket, but denims are always a safe bet.
Supermarket shop
NO one dresses up for the supermarket, so you can imagine my surprise when AI suggested a chic ensemble for my weekly Aldi shop.
My usual casual get-up of black gym leggings and an oversized grey sweater was swapped for trendy black trousers, a cropped cream knitted jumper and a khaki blazer, plus a pair of white platform trainers and a black faux leather tote.
I looked a million miles from the swathes of fellow shoppers still in their pyjamas on a Sunday morning, and felt much better for it, too.
CLEMMIE’S VERDICT: A quick dash to the shops doesn’t warrant dressing up but layering is key for the refrigerated section so a blazer you can pull on and off works.
Soft play
BALL pits, sticky slides and sugar-addled kids warrant the stretchiest, stain-proof outfit money can buy and, much to my surprise, AI delivered.
The chatbot urged me to wear “comfortable and practical clothing that allows you to move around easily”.
I was transformed into a millennial mum-of-three in baggy blue mom jeans, a floral Gap hoodie and white Converse.
It is no wonder all mums dress so similarly – it is not the height of fashion, but I have never been comfier.
CLEMMIE’S VERDICT: I’m sure most mums would like to avoid getting in the ball pit to fish out a sinking child, but if the occasion should arise this look is practical enough to suit.
Love Island audition
I CAN’T think of anything worse than baring my wobbly bottom on Love Island, but AI seemed to know how to calm my nerves.
Burnt orange pleated trousers and a cute cropped T-shirt were a far cry from the cellulite-framing bodycon dress I’d expected – and, actually, I didn’t look that bad.
The statement orange straw bag will make plenty of appearances this summer, but after tripping over my own feet in the strappy shoes, I’m afraid they’ll be staying in their box. Still, I don’t think I’ll be a bombshell any time soon.
CLEMMIE’S VERDICT: Sunset shades are synonymous with Love Island outfits, but if Kirsten were auditioning they’d likely want her a bit less covered up.
Date night
DATE nights have fallen by the wayside after 12 years with my better half, but if AI has anything to do with it, that spark could soon be reignited.
I’m absolutely not a sexy dresser, but the chatbot pushed me way out of my comfort zone with a tiny mini dress and metallic gold strappy stilettos.
I needed a blazer over my shoulders to feel less exposed, but the ruching on the dress covered my unsightly spare tyre perfectly.
I felt like bambi on ice, but I looked like a totally different person. Comfortable? No. Sexy? Yes.
CLEMMIE’S VERDICT: Sophisticated and glam with minimal fuss makes for the perfect date night out look, but if spindly stilettos aren’t your thing, swap for a chunky heel or platform.