building an intentional wardrobe!
so you have decluttered….
and emotionally unpacked your feelings from your clothes! Now it’s time to either rebuild or just fill the gaps. Let’s get into some important steps that will guide you in the Rebuilding Process
Get some Style clarity- as we grow and transition through life we can all agree our style evolves. You need to be clear on how you want to express yourself. This may not be a issue for everyone but it’s very important to know your style personality . If you tend to be more classic there’s no need to have the trendy puffy sleeve shirt , instead opting for a white crisp button up. If you’re like me a bit more tomboy chic, heels will NOT be a priority lol. In this case you may have 1-2 pair for necessary occasions.
Ask your self :
What type of core items will secure my style? Do I currently have these items in my closet and what’s left to add?
Not sure of your style? Take My Quiz!
Use Pinterest to the Max. Your inspo Style board will reveal your style consistencies! Check out some Style Boards HERE
2. Do a lifestyle Audit. This honestly should be a major factor in any buying decision. The top 3-5 things that consume your life will typically be what you will dress for. . Are you in corporate America , or travel for work and leisure. Are you spending your free time off with friends and family? . Based on your style preference and/or required dress code you may have more suits, a few pair of jeans, and some athleisure items that are travel friendly.
Ask yourself:
How does this function with my 3/5 main activities. Does this work for work and social engaging?
Make your list of what you need to achieve your style goals and lifestyle goals . Use Pinterest .
3. A Closet Review Now its time to see if what you have aligns with your style goals and lifestyle. You want your clothes to reflect where you are and where you are GOING! Do a try on session.. Go through the FIT, Function, and Feel Rule when adding or removing items in your closet
Ask yourself:
Does this fit my body type and proportions.? Does it fit in or function with my desired style goals and lifestyle ? Can I wear it with everything else in my closet? How does this piece make me feel.? Am I excited about this item. Does it spark joy . Do I feel powerful and confident?
4. Now that you have revisited your current closet …what’s left? Execute A plan of action .What do you need to refill more skirts, dresses, suits, jeans? At this point you may want to consider a Capsule wardrobe. ( a wardrobe that has the ability to circle back. All your items can seamlessly work together). A Capsule wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring but it does have to make sense. Now I can’t tell you what exact items you should have... or what every woman should have, because we are all different. But the amount that you have for each thing should not be massive. I try to keep a rule of thumb of no more than 5 of each item (wardrobe at least for me).
Ex. I tend to have a more relaxed lifestyle where jeans and tees are my go to. I will keep up to 4-5 pairs of jeans and 5 tees that vary between plain and printed. I own 0 suits , 0 slacks , and 2 pairs of heels.. no big heavy coat because my life just doesn’t call for such things.
Ask yourself :
What’s the season or typical climate of where I consume most of my time.
Make your list and Pinterest shopping board
5. Where to Shop? Let’s keep in mind on where we are in life, our budget, and our style goals. We want to focus on items that will transition and stand the test of time. So you want to know what to splurge on and what to save on. If you travel year round to different parts of the country you will want to spend a bit more on a quality coat . I love to travel but I tend to
avoid colder climates, Furthermore, I live in Houston,Texas so I am good with one wool coat that’s fair in price but timeless because it’s not something I plan to use often nor buy often. Also, think about the stores you consume. Discover smaller brands and try to remove yourself from the fast fashion arena. These brands will constantly entice you to shop frequently, price points will cause you to buy more, but get less in quality and overall value in return. When you shop with a smaller/ sustainable brands, it makes you feel good and socially responsible. The items you consume more than likely will be great in quality and add a sense of value.
Do your research! Find those one of a kind brands and designers and slowly curate a signature look. It’s about developing individuality. It’s ok to love how someone else looks, but that’s their look! You have to discover your voice . What you may see in that celebrity or influencer, isn’t necessarily the outfit.. it’s how she or he is wearing the outfit? ( more often times than not.. they have a personal stylist dressing them! )
Envoke your own feeling!
Lets Chat!
Let me know if this helped in the comments below
-written InSTYLE!
-The ArtYstictype
