SHOP YOUR CLOSET

Shopping your closet is an easy, cost effective and creative exercise that allows you to see what you have and helps you discover new outfit combinations. Let’s get started.

Before you can shop your closet, it needs to be well-edited.

Clean it out and decide that if a garment doesn’t fit, is damaged, dated or no longer fits in your life style- out it goes. Donate, re-sell or recycle, but do not put it back into your closet. Curate your closet. The expression, “less is more” really apply to your wardrobe. Having too many things stuffed in your closet makes the space chaotic and confusing.

Create a style or image board for ideas.

Start pining or selecting images online or from catalogues that you like and you feel would reflect your lifestyle.. This exercise is really helpful after Covid because many of us forgot how to dress. . Collecting pictures of styles that you enjoy will help inspire you to create some of your outfits- especially when you are having a blah day. Be realistic, though. If you are on the shorter side, the clothes on a 6′ model will look different. With that in mind, you can still gather inspiration from the pieces- you just need to think scale.

Use a rolling rack to start.

This is a good way to stay organized and be able to “see” what you have. You want to avoid piling things on the bed. Separate your basics, focus on things you haven’t worn. Often something isn’t worn because you don’t know what to do with it. Make sure you have your accessories and scarves out in the open and don’t forget about your shoes. Creating a space where you can try on and explore different looks is key to your success.

Start out with something you like, but don’t know how to wear.

A pair of shoes, a print blouse- something that you like, but don’t know how to style. Then add something you do like- a favorite pair of jeans. Add shoes and accessories and I bet you have a picture worthy outfit. Then take this look and swap out the blouse for a stripped tee. Keep creating multiple looks from your basic pieces.

Photograph your outfits.

Having pictures of your outfits really reduces stress when you are in a hurry. It’s an instant reminder and a good way to remember what goes with what at the beginning of a season. Create an album on your phone.

Your personality should be reflected in your clothing.

Your outfits should reflect you. There is not one size that fits all. The use of accessories is a great way to express yourself. If you are a sparkle girl, wear your sparkles in your accessories or tees. Example, a plain jean jacket will have more life than an embellished one.

Perfect fit is a must.

Fit goes way beyond the size printed on the tag. Just because you can zip up a dress or button those jeans doesn’t mean they fit correctly. Why? Because not all size 4’s (or any size for that matter) are created equal. My suggestion? Forget about the number and hire a great tailor to make your clothes flatter your curves and shape. Clothing should flatter.

Break things up

It’s easy to wear the same thing over and over. Once you break up the combination, you can see other possibilities. Start wearing things you save for special occasions. Re-think and re-imagine your jewelry and fancy pieces. It doesn’t do you any good to save things “for later”. Celebrate every day by wearing your special earrings with a simple pair of jeans and a tee shirt.

Your clothing should work with your body.

Always consider the longevity of the fabric, how it drapes on your body and if the style enhances your best “parts”. Some bodies are better in a certain look rather than what is in “style”. An interesting fact: 45% of women are banana-shaped, 25% pear-shaped, 20% apple-shaped; and only 10% hourglass-shaped. I am a banana!

Make a list of what you would like/need to add.

Put the list on your phone so that when you are out shopping, so that you can stay focused. It is always easy to get distracted by the “bright shiny object”.