During these uncertain times I find myself vacillating between worry, panic, positivity, emotional shutdown and oddly, extreme productivity. One of my productive activities is to sort my wardrobe out. It helps me feel grounded and even hopeful in a time we all can use a little hope.
I created a simple (home shopping) guide with the intention of offering some help and inspiration toward how to expand style(ing) options within your existing wardrobe.
Step 1: CREATE A GOAL
What are your needs? Do you crave a uniform? Need new ways to wear old styles? Simply want some new looks in which you feel great? Before you start looking online for a bunch of new things, take a shopping trip in your closet, you might be surprised how much newness you can create. This will also help you solidly determine any holes you have in your existing wardrobe.
(Note: This is different from a closet clean-out. I suggest you do these two things at different times, as I find they each occupy very different headspace)
Step 2: GET INSPIRED
image: PINTEREST
Getting dressed for work can become habitual or even boring. Often, as a result, we reach outside our existing wardrobe to fill in what we perceive as having “nothing to wear". Applying outside influence (inspirations) onto yourself is a great way to break out a wardrobe rut and even evolve your look or personal style.
I suggest you head to Pinterest. (Alternatively you can also use Instagram if you prefer)
Start with a simple search (phrase or key word) that resonates with you & reflects your goal.
Save everything that grabs you, then, if need be, later go back edit or put them on categorized boards.
Pin (or screengrab) at least 20 images.
Now take a step back and notice specifically what you liked about these images or the person’s style…. Look at the hair and makeup, shoes, tailoring, pant fit and lengths, layering, accessories or lack of accessories…. Note how these components all play key parts in “completing” the look you have gravitated toward. This board will be your inspiration guide.
Step 3: TO YOUR CLOSET
Take a look at your inspirations….
What can you use, from within your closet, to start to build looks similar in style, shape, color to the images you pinned? Look and think this through carefully. Colors might not be the same but you might have similar shapes and styles, allowing you to build looks similar to the inspirations you pulled.
Image: Pinterest
If it feels overwhelming, focus on one element at a time. For example:
Silhouette (Strong shapes and good tailoring)
Color palette (Notice various shades of tonality or mixing colors & patterns )
Hero Piece (Feature an item by keeping the supporting players simple)
Mix interesting drapes, fabrics & textures (break your self imposed rules here)
Shoes (Pay attention to shoes in each look you pinned and notice your themes)
Step 4: RETHINK KEY PIECES
The JACKET
Throwing a structured blazer, denim jacket or coat on or over your shoulders can add a ton of gravitas to ANY look. Try unexpected layering or tying jacket at shoulders or at waist.
THE PANT
A little ankle goes a long way. Think about how you might be able to use tailoring to change some of your old pants into new. If there is even one element of pants that work for you, can adjustments be made to give them a new life? Can they be tailored (shortened or lengthened) ? Waist released or taken in? (if you can’t wait until the tailor opens back up, try Stitch Witchery for hemming or cut and fray your jeans)
SHOES
…can make or break an outfit! And always a great place to start when building a look. Try stepping it up (wink) in the shoe department. The greatest outfits begin & end with your shoes. Really use your inspirations here to see what you gravitated toward & try some unexpected pairings. Try a little heel with something casual. Make sure your shoes are the right amount of substance for your outfit.
HANDBAGS
Don’t forget to bring your bags to your “shopping” experience! Like a shoe…. a fabulous bag paired with a simple outfit can be a homerun.
Step 5: BREAK OUT THE GOOD SILVER.
Don’t ignore your “special occasion” pieces. Pair your favorite designer shoes with denim and a t-shirt. Style down your “dressy” pieces for less fancy occasions.
Step 6: PHOTO EVERY OUTFIT YOU TRY ON!!
Even if you think you don’t like it. It will be good for you to review later. There may just be a hidden gem in there. Keep your pictures in a designated lookbook album, in your phone for easy access.
Step 7: PHONE A FRIEND
Still unsure? Enlist a trusted friend to give you some FaceTime feedback or review the photos in your “lookbook”.
Step 8: TAKE IT OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE.
As soon as the world starts to open up again, start trying your new looks out on low pressure outings. I’m talking grocery store or UPS drop off. Even if you are uncertain… act “as if”…. chances are your uncertainty is just a slight lack of comfort rocking a new silhouette or style.
Most of all, HAVE FUN.
xKelly