Rediscovering the Wardrobe Goldmine

Remember that time, about 8 years ago, when I had a client who had a closet overflowing with clothes but still felt the need to shop every time she had an event? She’d run out and buy something new, only to have the outfit collect dust after the occasion was over. Well, I was like her knight in shining – or rather, shining accessory – armor, and I rescued her from this endless cycle of shopping.

I taught her how to shop her own closet before going out to the stores. She was surprised to find that she had plenty of pieces that could be paired together to create new and interesting outfits – she just didn’t know how to do it. That’s how so many of my clients feel initially. Learning to shop your own closet is a total game-changer, and it means you can say goodbye to the days of shopping every time you have an event.

The key to successfully shopping your closet is having the right essential pieces. If you’re missing those foundational items, it can feel like you have nothing to work with. I’ve found that about 99% of my new clients are in this boat. They have plenty of clothes, but the building blocks that make a cohesive wardrobe are nowhere to be found. Once you have those workhorse pieces, you’ll be amazed at how many outfits you can create without ever stepping foot in a store.

The Closet Essentials

I’ve gone through my notes from the last few years to look at what pieces kept ending up on my clients’ lists, and I found some categories that repeated again and again. If 99% of my new clients were missing these pieces when I shopped their closets, then they’re probably what you need to shop your closet too.

Neutral Shoes

Let’s talk about that matchy-matchy shoe you bought for a specific outfit. You know the one – it’s so specific to that event that after the fact, it sits in your closet and collects dust, never to be worn again. Instead of going that route, invest in some neutral shoes like black or nude pumps. These workhorses will go back to just about anything you own, giving you endless outfit possibilities.

Versatile Suiting

Suits are great wardrobe building blocks, and I’ve talked about them a lot in the past. But don’t just wear the full suit as is. Get creative and break it up! Wear the jacket as a blazer with a t-shirt and jeans, or pair the pants with a blouse or leather jacket to give it new life. A bold pantsuit can even give you three outfits in one.

Updated Bottoms

With how much proportions have changed over the last few years, a lot of the tops we already own just need something fresh on the bottom. Look for higher-waisted, wider-leg pants to breathe new life into your existing blouses and tees.

Accessory Magic

A simple dress can feel a bit boring on its own, but with the right accessories, it can be transformed for any event. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and belts can take an outfit from casual to dressy in an instant. It’s like the parsley on the dinner plate – it just makes it that much more interesting to look at.

Versatile Tops

You need basic tops to go underneath all those interesting toppers in your closet. So many times, I’ve worked with clients who have the most amazing jackets, but they don’t have the right tops to wear them with. Solid-color blazers and cardigans are great, but try mixing it up with printed, graphic, and patterned tops underneath. It’ll elevate your basic topper in a “how’d she do that?” kind of way.

Putting It All Together

Now that you know the essential pieces to have in your closet, it’s time to put them to work. Maybe you’re on a shopping freeze, or maybe you’re just sick of shopping – either way, give your closet the benefit of the doubt and go shop it. You’ll be surprised by how many options you have.

Start by pulling out your favorite pieces, as well as the items you love but don’t know how to wear. Try them on and see how they can be paired with other things in your closet. Separate everything into piles: donation, selling, swapping, and items that need to be mended or upcycled. Don’t leave any unwearable items in your closet – they’re just taking up valuable real estate.

Next, it’s time for a styling session. Find some style inspiration on platforms like Pinterest or Instagram, and start experimenting with new looks. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – that’s where the magic happens. Try mixing genres and vibes, like pairing tennis shoes with a silk dress or heels with track pants. Lean into tonal dressing for an elevated, effortless look.

As you’re reintegrating items back into your closet, consider organizing by color and style. This will help you identify if you have too much of the same thing or lack options in a specific category. It’ll also make getting dressed a breeze, especially if you incorporate a system like the KonMari method.

Once you’re aware of everything you own, you can shop with intention and consume more responsibly. When you do decide to fill a gap, strive to integrate items that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also align with your values. This will help you curate a closet that you can feel proud of, one that encourages you to take better care of your clothes and hang onto the pieces you love.

Remember, the goal isn’t to just shop your closet – it’s to rediscover the wardrobe goldmine you already have. By embracing your existing pieces and getting creative with new combinations, you can give your style a refresh without ever stepping foot in a store. And who knows, you might just find your new favorite outfit buried in the depths of your closet.

So, what are you waiting for? Go Shop Your Closet First and unleash the stylish potential that’s been there all along.