The Appeal of AI in Fashion
The idea of using artificial intelligence to visually try on clothes before buying them is particularly alluring in a time when internet shopping is common. Since I enjoy the tactile aspect of in-store shopping, I couldn’t help but wonder if artificial intelligence might replicate the feeling of trying on clothing in person AI in fashion now. Could this technology lessen the cost of costly returns and the sorrow that sometimes follows rash purchases?
Exploring AI-Powered Outfit Generators
With a quick search, I discovered The New Black, an AI-powered fashion platform used by designers and brands. This tool offers a range of features, including a virtual try-on function, AI-generated models, and even a digital stylist assistant. While some features require a subscription, new users receive free credits to test the platform.
Setting Up My AI Wardrobe
The platform allows users to experiment with AI-generated outfits in two ways: by using a text prompt or uploading an image of an existing garment. Excited to put it to the test, I chose both methods to see how accurate and reliable the virtual try-on feature could be.
Test #1: Trying on a Dream Jacket
A Free People jacket that I had been eyeing for a while was the subject of my first experiment. I wanted to make sure it fit me before making the purchase because it cost more than $200. In order to discover how effectively the AI could match the jacket to my physique, I uploaded a picture of myself and the jacket.
Unexpected Results and AI Quirks
The initial outcome was amusing yet flawed. The AI seemed to recognize key elements of my image, even capturing my tattoo correctly. However, it also removed one of my arms and altered the jacket’s colors, making it lose its original appeal. Additionally, the AI randomly added a scarf that wasn’t part of the original outfit.
Refining the AI’s Understanding
Determined to improve the accuracy, I decided to refine the AI’s input. The platform had preselected my age and nationality as a 30-year-old Italian—an interesting guess! I corrected this to Australian and used ChatGPT to generate a precise description of the jacket in hopes of getting a more accurate result.
Upgrading to a Paid Plan
After exhausting my free credits, I opted for a $5 package to continue testing. This investment paid off, as my next attempt yielded a much more realistic result. The AI-generated image still had minor inconsistencies, such as an awkwardly positioned hand and slightly off-color striping, but it was much closer to reality.
Test #2: Matching an Outfit I Already Own
For my second test, I used an image of a BlankNYC jacket that I already had in my wardrobe. I paired it with a photo of myself wearing the jacket to see how accurately the AI could replicate the look. The results were better this time, though the AI struggled to match outfit components perfectly.
The Limitations of AI Outfit Generators
While AI outfit generators offer an exciting glimpse into the future of fashion technology, they are far from perfect. The tool often misinterprets key design elements, leading to inaccurate representations of clothing. Additionally, the quality of the final output heavily depends on the images and prompts used, making consistency a challenge.
The Importance of Personal Style
At the end of the day, personal style is about more than just matching colors and shapes—it’s about how an outfit makes you feel. No AI can replace the instinctive joy of discovering a perfect piece on a store rack or the serendipity of an unexpected fashion find.
AI in Fashion: A Work in Progress
While AI-powered outfit try-ons are a fun experiment, they still have a long way to go before they become a reliable shopping tool. Until these models improve, trusting your instincts and trying clothes on in real life might remain the best approach. AI can assist, but personal style isn’t something that can be fully outsourced to algorithms.
