Burgundy slacks, striped top, grey pumps, leather jacket.
How many times have we gone to our closets full of things we love, but we still have "nothing to wear"? In my experience this is because the items can't be used together. So it's super important that we have wardrobes filled with items that can be mixed and matched. You don't have to stick to one style if you don't want to, just remember that the more styles you have the more closet space you need.
This week we finally get to figure out our style. Now our preferences may change over time, but this gives us a place to start. Besides you might find that some things stay the same. You might go from cowgirl, to rocker chic, to romantic, but over all you've loved solid color items, or patterns, or lace.
Still sounds overwhelming, right? So let's break it down even farther.
For me personally, Pinterest has been a BIG help. If you aren't into social media, don't worry. This can also be done by creating a physical lookbook. Just grab a scrapbook or notebook, start cutting pictures out of magazines and such, and tape them in!
So here's the step-by-step:
Step 1. Sign up for Pinterest if you haven't already!
Step 2. Create a board that is ONLY for outfits that you love. I call mine "Outfit Inspirations."
Step 3. Pin away! Pin from blogs, or just search "outfit inspirations" or "outfit ideas" in the Pinterest search bar. As you're pinning, make a note on each pin what you like about the outfit. If you don't know, it's ok. You can always come back to it.
Step 4. Once you have at least 20 pins, start going through them and find similarities. Do you see a lot of skirts? Take note. How about NO skirts? Take note. Do you see a lot of ruffles or leather? Common colors? Take note. These are the things that will define your style.
Step 5. See what pieces you already have from your fave outfits. Then what pieces you need in order to complete them. If an item (say ankle boots) shows up multiple times but you don't have any put that on the top of your priority list to get. And be as specific as you can. For example don't just write "ankle boot." Instead write "grey ankle boot with a chunky heal." That way you don't end up with a black stiletto bootie then realize you hate stilettos.
Ever heard of cost-per-wear? If you have a $40 dress that you wear maybe 4 times in a year, that dress is costing you $10 every time you wear it. Where as if you have a pair of $40 jeans that you wear 100 times a year, they're only costing you $0.40 every time you wear them.
In other words, get the most out of your wardrobe by purchasing things that can be worn with multiple things and in multiple ways.
Step 6: Make a budget. Acquiring your dream closet doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Once you've got your Wish List together, decide how much you're willing to spend on each piece and how much you can afford to spend per month. For example if you need those ankle boots and you can only spare $50 / month, then ONLY get the ankle boots. You can get what's next on the list the next month. Remember, you don't have to get everything all at once.
Step 7: Go shopping!! Be sure to take your list with you EVERY time you leave the house (mine stays in my wallet), because you never know when you're going to have those couple extra minutes to pop in somewhere or when someone will stop you at church or a family gathering and give you stuff. Just because it's free, doesn't mean you can bring it home (like puppies). Be SURE an item fits your color, style, size, and versatility standards. If 85-90% of your standards are met then that baby can come home with you.
TAH-DAH!!! You've got this, girl. It sounds overwhelming at first, but break it down and you'll do fine. Don't labor over decisions. It will only make the task last longer, make you mad at your clothes, and make you need coffee to get rid of the gigantic headache. :)
Any thoughts or suggestions? What tips do you have for finding your style? Leave a comment below or on Facebook! I'd love to hear what's worked for you!
Til next time!
<3, Mandy
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