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Artificial Intelligence has infiltrated many aspects of our lives, from curating playlists and creating grocery lists to assisting with school correspondence. But when it comes to solving the age-old question of “What should I wear today?” can AI step in and provide genuinely helpful advice? Fashion journalist Alexandra Fullerton recently explored this very question, and her findings revealed some surprising insights.
The Rise of AI in Fashion
AI’s role in fashion is rapidly expanding. McKinsey & Company reports that AI could contribute $275 billion in profits to the fashion and luxury industry over the next five years. Several companies are already leveraging AI for practical applications. For instance, Aistetic, a University of Oxford spinout, uses AI to build “sizing confidence,” reducing the pain of inconsistent sizing across brands. Meanwhile, Amazon’s “Fit Insights” tool aims to eliminate the environmental and financial waste caused by returns.
However, while these advancements may streamline the shopping experience, AI’s ability to offer credible and stylish outfit suggestions remains questionable.
Putting ChatGPT to the Test
Fullerton tested ChatGPT’s fashion advice capabilities by seeking outfit suggestions for different occasions. The results? Mixed, to say the least. While the AI provided serviceable options, the suggestions often felt generic and outdated.
One glaring misstep was ChatGPT’s recommendation of skinny jeans as a staple—a style that has long fallen out of favor. Despite this fashion faux pas, Fullerton gamely squeezed into a pair for old times’ sake. Footwear suggestions ranged from ballet flats to heeled sandals, leaving her to navigate the proportions on her own without clear guidance.
Adding age into the equation only highlighted the AI’s biases. When Fullerton identified herself as a millennial, the recommendations were more or less neutral. However, at age 65, the tone shifted to emphasize “style, comfort, and a touch of elegance,” with a somewhat condescending preamble: “How wonderful that you’re planning a date night!” Meanwhile, for a 20-year-old, the AI suggested “fun, flirty mini dresses” and bodycon looks.
Creative Challenges and Corporate Missteps
When Fullerton sought advice for “edgy professional” attire, ChatGPT fell short by recommending a “tailored leather skirt” and “a blouse in a bold, geometric pattern.” These highly specific elements made it difficult to source suitable pieces, and the suggested brands—like Reiss, Theory, and Banana Republic—catered more to City-office workers than creative professionals.
Switching to “powerful and elegant” yielded equally uninspired results: a “well-tailored dress,” “neutral-colored heels,” and a “structured bag.” The ensemble left Fullerton feeling like she was “cosplaying corpcore,” rather than heading into a creative office.
When AI Got It (Almost) Right
Fullerton’s final challenge was styling the fashionable barrel-leg jeans. While ChatGPT initially stumbled by offering generic advice, its suggestion to “balance volume” made sense. Fullerton assembled an outfit with a neutral turtleneck sweater, tan barrel-leg jeans, tan block-heeled ankle boots, and a statement handbag. Despite some limitations—like the impractical suggestion of layered gold necklaces over a high-neck jumper—this look came closest to a win.
Why ChatGPT Can’t Replace Human Stylists
The experiment highlighted a crucial point: AI lacks the nuanced understanding of personal style and fashion trends required to be a reliable stylist. Fashion is inherently subjective, and a great outfit often requires a deep understanding of proportion, color theory, and individual taste—elements that AI struggles to grasp.
Duncan McKay, founder and CEO of Aistetic, emphasized that “AI needs help. It needs to understand what you’re looking for.” While AI can be a useful tool, it often requires users to input highly specific information and refine queries to get satisfactory results. Even then, the results may fall flat.
Alternatives to AI Styling
So, what should you do when your fashion brain is flummoxed? Here are some tried-and-true alternatives:
1. Phone a Friend
Sometimes, a trusted friend who knows your wardrobe can offer invaluable advice. They might suggest combinations you hadn’t considered.
2. Browse Pinterest
Pinterest is a treasure trove of outfit inspiration. Create mood boards for different occasions and revisit them when you need ideas.
3. Consult a Stylist
If budget permits, consider booking a session with a personal stylist. Services like Wrapp10 connect shoppers with stylists for bespoke outfit suggestions.
Sara Parker Bowles, co-founder of Wrapp10, noted that “whilst everyone was launching AI fashion advice, we went the other way by putting emphasis on human advice.” Despite being a digital service, Wrapp10 prioritizes real-life interactions and personalized recommendations.
The Future of AI in Fashion
While AI may never fully replace human stylists, it can be a helpful tool for certain aspects of fashion, such as sizing assistance and trend analysis. However, when it comes to personal style, human creativity and intuition remain irreplaceable.
Final Verdict
Fullerton’s experiment underscores the limitations of AI in the realm of fashion. While ChatGPT can provide a starting point, it’s up to the user to steer the conversation and exercise discretion. Until AI develops a deeper understanding of style nuances, your best bet is to rely on human connections, creative exploration, and a bit of sartorial experimentation.