Are you frustrated searching your closet trying to find something to wear? Your clothes look boring and old. Your body screams when you try and squeeze into a pair of jeans that fit just fine last year. You have too many tops and not enough bottoms, and on and on it goes.
So what’s a girl to do when you have clothes in your closet, yet nothing seems quite right?
First of all, take a deep breath and know you’re not alone. As a new season hits it’s only natural to desire a whole new wardrobe yet realize that’s not very likely. Here are five pro-active things you can do so the current state of your wardrobe doesn’t depress you.
1. ORGANIZE. Remove items from your closet that you only wear in Summer. Even if you live in warmer climate all year, there are still some pieces that don’t work in October or November. Box these pieces so they don’t take up room. Organize your closet by style; all pants together, tops, jackets, dresses, skirts.
2. TAKE INVENTORY OF WHAT YOU HAVE. When you know what’s in that closet of yours, you’ll find all kinds of new options and outfit combinations. Sometimes less is best because a cluttered closet can clutter your options. Here is a list of basic things you should have in your Fall wardrobe. If you find you have too many of one thing and not enough of another, make a list of what you need to fill in the gaps.
You should have:
- 2-3 pair of jeans or slacks
- 4-5 tops in flattering colors
- 2 pullover sweaters
- 1-2 blazers or cardigan-type sweaters
- 1 party dress (the holidays are coming!)
- 2-3 skirts to wear with boots
- Coat in your best neutral or pop color (if this applies)
- 2-3 patterned or solid colored tights
- Comfy flats or wedges for everyday wear
- Boots (same color as your hair for best coordinating)
- Sassy Heels
- 3-4 Trendy Accessories
- Handbag that suits your coloring and proportion
3. PHONE A FRIEND OF SIMILAR SIZE AND COLORING. Tell her what you’re up to, pass along the instructions above and ask her if she’ll swap some things with you. Trading with a friend will have you feeling like you have some new things without breaking the bank.
4. BE GRATEFUL. Donate your unused fall/winter shoes, boots, coats, sweaters, etc. to a local women’s shelter. Giving to those in need will help you see that your wardrobe isn’t so bad after all! (Notice I said to donate fall/winter items…they can’t use your summer things now either.)
5. SHOP ON PURPOSE. After surveying and inventorying what you have and you’ve made a list of what you need, don’t buy anything that’s not on your list. Follow it and shop on purpose, not on impulse. This way you’ll always have what you need to make dressing a happy experience each morning and not a depressing one.
I’d love to hear from you! What do you have too much of, or not enough of? And what’s your state of mind when you look at your existing wardrobe? Does your thought pattern need to change?
In Fashion and Faith,
Shari Braendel