Wardrobe in Harmony

Wardrobe Imbalances

Too many of one and not enough of another. It's a common dichotomy. Often, this scenario is present in many closets I enter before a Wardrobe Audit.

"Elegance is usually confused with superficiality, fashion, lack of depth. This is a serious mistake: human beings need to have elegance in their actions and in their posture because this word is synonymous with good taste, amiability, equilibrium, and harmony." - Paulo Coelho

What's the secret to a harmonious wardrobe? It begins with purposeful shopping which leads to a wardrobe of coordinated pieces. Here's how to become a shopper with purpose:

1.   Go Explore
 Put on a comfortable outfit and shoes and visit 2 of your favorite stores for 2 hours. Browse the racks and select whatever catches your eye. Do this without judgment of fit or appropriateness. The goal is to learn what you like and dislike and what textures, colors, and silhouettes naturally draw you in. Take notes of how you feel. Snap a picture of the items you like. Most of all, do not purchase anything!

2. Take Inventory
Remove any items that do not make you feel great from your wardrobe. This includes items that are not a great fit and do not serve a purpose in the current stage of your life. Using the pictures and notes from your shopping trip as a guide, match up all the items aligned with your likes and dislikes.

3. Split it
Create 3 separate piles of your clothes. One for dresses, another for skirts/shorts/pants, and the last for tops. Count how many you have of each. If you can, match up at least 4 outfits that coordinate with your tops and bottoms. If you have any orphan tops or bottoms (you have already established that you like/love these items) that you find impossible to coordinate, place these in the front of your closet.

4.Go Shopping
Take the orphan items shopping to find their match! At your designated favorite store, pull tops that you feel will look fantastic with your current bottoms. Do the same for your current tops. Goal yourself to create at least 3 outfits in the fitting room. Note how you feel and think about the accessories and shoes your currently own that will complete the look.

The timeline works best over a two week period. Dedicate a Saturday or Sunday to Explore the shops if your professional life keeps you busy during the week. You want to feel refreshed and not rushed while you Explore. Remember: the goal is balance!

 Here's to a closet styled in harmony!