Slowing down the closet train
Don’t we all get a little BUZZ when we step into a store? All the clothes look so shiny and new! Each little item with its dangling price tag is a ticket to a fresh start. It’s called retail therapy for a reason, right? Well, depends. If shopping is entertainment, sure. But if your goal is dressing better, feeling more confident and being the best YOU- then turn around and go into your closet.
FACT: 30 MINUTES IN YOUR CLOSET is worth 5 hours in a mall. Why? Because shopping and purchasing new items is not going to elevate your style until you a) solidify your style goals, b) understand your body and coloring, and c) identify key gaps in your wardrobe. You’re going to keep purchasing the same things, having the same frantic fashion moments or outfit fails, and wasting your precious time and money. If your end goal is to elevate your look, you need to pull the STOP cord on the closet train for a pit stop.
Solidify your style goals: Knowing your goals is SO important! For example, if your goal is to look more modern in denim, you might want to update your skinny jeans with a flare or wide leg pair. But if your goal is to be more comfortable while you work from home, you might want to invest in chic but comfy trousers. If your goal is to look more youthful, you might want to add more sneakers to your wardrobe. But if your goal is to look more mature and professional, you might want to invest in blazers. You need to articulate the VIBE or aesthetic you’re going for to help guide your purchases. Is it strong or sweet? Sporty or elegant? Quiet or dramatic? If you’re going for a “strong” vibe, but you pick out another delicate, feminine top- it means you’re shopping without being mindful of your style goals.
Understand your body and your coloring: There’s a reason people hire professional stylists even though they cost 000s of $s. Because stylists know the universal style principles to make ANYone SHINE. A big part of that is highlighting someone’s natural beauty and hiding flaws. If you’re a pear shape- different clothes and accessories will flatter you vs. someone with an inverted triangle shape. If you’re warm-toned in your skin, different colors will make you “come alive” vs. a cool-toned person. The colors of neutrals, accessories, even the makeup you choose should be different! You HAVE to understand this to help you navigate the thousands of items we see while shopping.
Identify key gaps in your wardrobe: Once you have done the first 2 steps, this one naturally follows. It takes knowing your goals and body type/coloring, then seeing what doesn’t match up? I want to look more put-together in my casual everyday life, but I keep buying fancy dresses. I’m warm-toned, but I keep buying black and white (instead of brown and cream). I want to flatter my figure, but I keep buying new tops instead of replacing jeans that are too small for me.
Bonus step- purge: As you think about your goals- if you have items that are clearly COUNTER to your style goals, you need to get rid of these. Don’t confuse your brain- it’s already overloaded.
I guarantee that if you skip 1 shopping trip and spend time doing the above instead- it will pay off in spades. My new startup Style Coach can expedite and assist you in this process, but so can friends and family. Write down your style goals or tell a friend. Watch a video on how to identify your body type and coloring. Make a shopping list in your phone so you know what to shop for. And finally- drop off that bag of castoffs to Goodwill so that you don’t keep repeating the same mistakes!
Good luck and style on!!
With love,
Sai Patil
