Today, I’m taking a departure from the wedding world to blog about your wardrobe. Recently, so many clients and friends have told me they feel stagnant and uninspired by their wardrobe. Which brings up the age-old problem of, “having a closet full of NOTHING to wear”. The truth is, building a cohesive and easy-to-wear wardrobe takes time and effort, it doesn’t just happen by buying a few cute tops and the season’s “it” boots.

Here are 5 steps to building a solid wardrobe that will create stress-free mornings and effortlessly chic outfits!

 

Step ONE : Out With The Old

Like anything else, starting with a clean slate is really important. We all have clothes in our closet that we bought years ago because it was “so cool” and “the best deal”. But, if you’re being honest with yourself, it never really fit and you never actually wore it. It’s time to get rid of that piece, and all the other pieces like it. 

I know, I know, it’s hard to part with some of these clothes and you’re worried you’ll be left with nothing to wear. But trust me here, less is more! Clearing the clutter allows you take inventory on what you really have and prevents you from wasting time trying on clothes you don’t like!

Here’s my suggestion, start an “emotional closet” where you can temporarily store the items you’re not ready to get rid of just yet. If a month goes by and you don’t break into the emotional closet for that ah-mazing Vince sweater that (sadly) has seen better days, it’s time to part ways. 

The good news is, your ill fitting clothes might be someone else’s treasure! Take your unwanted items to a consignment shop, sell them on Tradesy or make a donation. You’ll feel really good about lightening your load and maybe even make some money!

 

Step TWO : Identify your style

Now that you have a clean closet, DON’T rush out and buy, buy, buy! Take some time to seriously identify your style and decide what you like and feel good in. If you don’t do this first, you will be pulled in 100 different directions and feel overwhelmed and exhausted while shopping.

Pinterest can be really helpful (and fun!). Start a new board (don’t use the one you’ve had since college) and pin things you would actually wear. Refer to some of your favorite style icons, blogs and magazines for inspiration. Once you’ve pinned a solid 25-50 outfits, try to identify your style. Are you classic, elegant, relaxed, boho, retro, glam or some combination? It’s important to clearly identify your style so you can build a cohesive wardrobe around it.

 

Step THREE : Make a List

Sorry, it’s still not time to shop! Making a list is really important. Your goal is to fill the gaps in your wardrobe, not buy more of the same stuff. Use your Pinterest board as inspiration and make a DETAILED list of the items you need to complete your wardrobe. Here’s an example:

• Black skinny jeans / pants (to wear with work tops)
• A *new* classic white oxford 
• An updated silk blouse (to wear with that red skirt I love)
• Work dresses (that can be worn from work to happy hour)
• Cute and comfortable flats (that can be worn with work dresses)
• Cool bomber jacket (to spice up work dresses and wear on the weekends)

 

Step FOUR : In with the new

Ok, now you can go shopping! But, proceed with caution! You have your style identity and your shopping list, before every purchase, ask yourself, “Does this fit with the rest of my wardrobe? Do I have shoes and a top to go with these leather pants?” If the answer is NO, you need to put the pants down and walk away! 

 

Step FIVE: Plan

Yay! You’re wardrobe is probably looking pretty awesome by now and if you’ve done your homework (step 1-4) this part should be easy! Spend a few hours putting outfits together. Mix and match as many variations as you can (psst, wine and music help!). Take pictures and save them to a folder on your phone (iCloud or Google Drive) so you can quickly access them when you’re laying in bed, dreading getting dressed for work. Next step? Enjoy your stress-free mornings and get a little more shut eye 😉
 

Phew! That was a lot of information! Still having a hard time building a cohesive wardrobe? Let me help! We offer wardrobe editing and styling services for non-brides too! Email me at lauren@trousseaustyle.com chat more!

xx,
Lauren

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