You've probably been hearing the phrase "shop your closet" recently, and there's no better time to do it than now! Inspired by working with my clients through our "closet clarity" sessions, it dawned on me that all women can benefit from having a fresh perspective to get the most mileage from what they already own.
Face it, most of us have way more clothes than we actually need and are bound to have few gems that get pushed to the back of the closet and forgotten. So next time you find yourself saying "I have nothing to wear!", step back, take a deep breath, and
shop your closet.
Shopping your closet can be fun. The main factor that will make it a success is the ability to see your wardrobe through fresh eyes. Here are my tips to make the most of shopping your closet and maximizing your wardrobe:
1/ Distance Yourself - You're all too familiar with the old friends who hang in your closet, staring at you day after day and begging to be worn. Forget their sordid past (the sweater worn during big argument with hubby or the top worn when you last caught the stomach flu) and pretend you're looking at someone else's clothes. Things may pop out that you've never really noticed before. Get inspired!
2/ The Big Break-Up - Brad and Angelina may be inseparable, but your twinsets and suits certainly don't have to be. Take them apart and place them on separate hangers. View them individually, not just as a couple, and see how they each have a personality all their own!
3/ Mix and Match - Forget the term "match". It does not belong in your closet. Instead, use the term "coordinate". Matching is what your grandmother did with her hat, her purse and her shoes. Coordinate is what modern women do when they wear things together that aren't in the same color, but play well together. Your purse does
not have to match your shoes - ever!
4/ Seeing is Believing - Remember the phrase "out of sight, out of mind"? Well, that's pretty much how your wardrobe works, too. Your goal is to have as many of your items in clear view as possible. Hang as many pieces as you can, store your scarves in a basket in your closet, hang your jewelry up on hooks or keep it in dishes where you can see it, keep your shoes where you can have easy access to them so you can try on several pairs if you need to. If you can't see it, you won't wear it -
trust me!
5/ All's Well that Mends Well - Take an afternoon (or even just a few minutes) and go through your closet. Does anything need repairs? Are buttons missing? Do your shoes need repair? If you keep your clothing in good repair, mended, ironed, dry cleaned, and nicely hung, getting dressed will go so much more smoothly. You'll make your mom proud!
6/ The Icing on the Cake - If you just can't resist all those sales going on right now and need to buy
something, add a few good accessories. By just adding a pretty scarf, a chic bangle or a new pair of textured or colored tights, you can breathe new life into your basics and not spend a fortune.
Got it? Great. I'd love to hear what new outfits you come up with, made from items you already own!
* Reprinted from
One Chic Mama.
