How To Refresh Your Wardrobe
A step by step guide to revamping your style.
Unpopular opinion, but I love the month of January. There’s just something about having some time after the holidays to reset, write down my goals, make plans, and get all my little ducks in a row. It feels like a breath of fresh air (literally, as I brace myself for the freezing cold every day). Maybe not everyone loves January as much as I do, but I think most of us can agree that it’s the perfect time for a fresh start. I’ve spent a good chunk of this month helping clients with closet edits and making space for a fresh start to their wardrobes. If you’ve been feeling the urge to cleanse your closet or revamp your style but feel overwhelmed, I’m here to help you get started.
Step 1: Edit Your Wardrobe By Section
First things first, time for a closet cleanse! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by your current closet situation, and some decluttering is in order. I promise, once you get rid of the excess clothes that aren’t working for you anymore, you’ll be in a new headspace with a sense of peace and clarity. Think about how flustered you feel when your workspace is full of chaos—it’s hard to focus and easy to get distracted by the mess. Your closet is no different. It can be hard to see the clothes you have to work with or put together an outfit when everything’s in disarray.
So, let’s tackle this one section at a time, instead of dumping everything on your bed. Unless, of course, you’re Marie Kondo, who finds joy in the mess (I’m guessing most of us aren’t). Sorting through the chaos of your entire closet in one giant pile will likely be paralyzing. Plus, it’ll be much easier to take inventory and decide what stays and what goes if you edit by section. Start with sweaters, move on to denim, and so on.
While editing each section, take inventory at the same time. Look through your denim—do you have a variety of cuts and washes? What about your staple items? Do you have a solid collection of basics that you can rely on to tie outfits together? Think a little black dress, the perfect white t-shirt, or a go-to blazer.
A few things to keep in mind while you’re sorting…
Organize everything into piles: 1. Donate 2. Re-sell 3. Repairs 4. “Maybes”
If you haven’t worn an item in the last three months, try it on and see if any fit adjustments need to be made. The tailor is your new best friend.
Be mindful of wear and tear. It’s a sign that you’ve shown that item a lot of love—and that’s what you want to see! While you’re getting to know your tailor, add a cobbler, dry cleaner, and pilling comb to the group chat. Sometimes, all you need is a little repair; other times, it’s beyond saving.
Step 2: Revisiting The Maybes
Now, let’s tackle "The Maybes." Why aren’t these items a definite “yes” for you? Ask yourself these questions:
Am I bored of it?
Does it flatter me?
Where am I wearing this?
What pieces do I have that I can wear with it?
If your answer to most of these is “I don’t know,” it might be time to donate it.
But what if there’s a solution to some of those “I don’t know”s? If you love a piece but haven’t figured out how to style it, hang on to it for now. Let’s find some inspiration.
If I’m struggling to style a specific item, I’ll search for outfit ideas on Pinterest (e.g., “barrel leg jean outfit”) and save the ones I like. Then, I’ll see what pieces I need to re-create those looks, starting with what I already have in my closet. Sometimes, all it takes to turn a “maybe” into a “100%” is a little style inspiration that clicks.
Step 3: Make A Shopping List
Who doesn’t love a list? Another way to bring some peace of mind to your wardrobe refresh is to jot down all your style necessities in one place. During your closet edit, you may have noticed a few gaps—maybe you need a pair of shoes that’ll go with a dress you haven’t worn yet, a fresh white t-shirt, or a pair of jeans to style with sneakers. Don’t forget to add any items you need to recreate those Pinterest looks. Remember, building a beautiful wardrobe takes time. Don’t stress if you don’t find everything right away—it's on your list, so you’ll make it happen!
Step 4: Create Looks!
As you add new pieces to your wardrobe, start playing around and putting together outfits. Take photos of your looks and create a little album on your phone. This way, you’ll have a lookbook at your fingertips, ready to go when you need a last-minute outfit while commuting home from work!
I’m so excited for your wardrobe revamp! Soon, you’ll open your closet and feel a sense of calm as you get dressed. If you needed a sign to refresh your wardrobe—this is it! The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll enjoy the getting-ready process—taking your time, sipping your coffee, and getting dressed with ease.
xoxo,
Rachel