From A Closet of Chaos To A Wardrobe Of Outfits
For anyone new here, my first career was in fashion buying, followed by a short stint in image consulting, before finding my true passion for organizing. In the past I loved getting dressed and dressing up at any opportunity but, after a child, a change of careers, and 2 years of a pandemic that has left me with very few places to go, I needed a jolt to get my own sense of style back.
In the past I loved getting dressed and dressing up at any opportunity but, after a child, a change of careers, and 2 years of a pandemic that has left me with very few places to go I needed a jolt to get my own sense of style back. Let’s be honest for the last 2 plus years I have been sticking to jeans and a tee, jeans, and an oversized sweater. I know I’m not alone here so I’m sharing a few things I’ve learned to make it easier for you to turn your pile of clothes into a wardrobe of outfits.
First things first, a wardrobe edit.
As we age and have babies, our bodies change and things that looked good on us 5 years ago sometimes don’t work anymore, even if you are the same size. Instead of making yourself feel bad, acknowledge all that your body has done for you and let go of the clothes that no longer suit you.
4 things to ask yourself when going through your closet:
Does it fit?
Does It make me feel good?
Is it Comfortable?
Does it suit my lifestyle?
Get the things you’ve decided to let go of out of your closet, if you’re donating them get them out of the house ASAP. if you’re selling them put them in a secondary closet and get them posted.
Give your closet the organizers treatment after you’ve purged what you no longer need. Read about how to organize your closet here.
Part 2: With the things you are keeping, it’s time to make outfits!
You want 3- 5 elements in any outfit. Elements include tops, bottoms, jackets, Jewellery, Headbands/ Hats, Shoes
A good outfit is all about proportion and balance. Overall you want to play to your strengths and create the shape you want. If you think of your body as 2 parts your top half and bottom half, start creating visual interest by chopping it in 3rds. A top tucked into high wasted trousers or a midi skirt with a longer jacket automatically becomes more interesting than an untucked top into a bottom.
You want to create some interest without adding too much. add texture, sparkle or a bold colour with something plain to balance the interest. Overall simplicity to your outfit is what makes it look effortlessly stylish.
You also want to make sure you balance cuts, there’s nothing better than a mini skirt but with a low-cut top, it can look a little over the top. Pair your mini with a tee or sweater to keep the top half covered. If you’re showing off your bust cover your legs. If you’re wearing a crop top pair it with a high-waisted midi skirt or jeans.
Part 3: Experiment with Colour
Colour combinations for effortless dressing
Pop of colour
This is usually best paired with neutrals add a bold lip, a pair of blue shoes or a colourful bag.
Monochromatic
The same shade of a colour head to toe- head to toe black, camel, or white are classic ways to do monochrome. Another option is red but it is a little trickier to find the exact shade.
Tonal
Wearing the same colour in different shades- Shades of red that could be combined in an outfit are pastel pink, magenta pink and bright red. These are different tones- lightness/ darkness of red.
Complimentary colours
Are colours that are completely opposite on the colour wheel They contrast each other making the other seem more vibrant when paired together.
Analogous colours
Hues that are next to each other on the colour wheel. The colours are similar to each other- they blend together when paired. Ex. Pink and red, blue and purple or orange and burgundy.
Above all, fashion should be fun so don’t think about rules or trends around dressing, instead, dress in what you feel good in; the confidence will show through and that will make any outfit great.
To schedule a closet organizing session book here
-Jocelyn