Does this sound familiar? You’ve got a closet stuffed to overflowing … but nothing to wear?
A jacket can really pull together an outfit
It’s pretty common. Some experts say women wear as little as 10% of what’s in their closets. That’s a whopping 90% that isn’t getting used! That’s a big waste of money, and even worse is how frustrating it is to get dressed every morning, riffling through shirt after shirt and jacket after jacket to find the one you like and that fits and looks current.
Bracelets pop with a T-shirt and jeans
- A jacket can really pull together an outfit
This problem can be fixed but it will take a little bit of time and effort. Your best bet is to pick one or two pieces you love and that look great on you. Pull them out and then go through your wardrobe, piece by piece, to find the items that work with it. So, say you’ve got a blouse you love but you never wear because you don’t know what goes with it. Take a half-hour to build three new outfits around that blouse by finding a skirt or pair of trousers or jeans. And don’t forget the accessories — what jewelry, belt, bag, jacket, and shoes will you wear with this outfit? Experiment until you get an outfit that makes you look your best.
Botkier "Maddie": Don't forget the accessories
Once you’ve nailed that outfit, make sure to take a picture or make notes — you think you’ll remember it, but you won’t. Then move on to the next item in your closet that you love but don’t wear a lot. Repeat the process.
Sometimes you’ll see that the addition of one great, new piece will “connect” a lot of the pieces you already have: a leather jacket, a bag in a rich color, a textured shoe, a top in a pattern with certain colors. Start a list and resolve to look for those pieces.
And don’t expect yourself to blast through this exercise and create 20 outfits in 20 minutes! It takes longer than that. And a secret of many well-dressed, stylish women is that they put in a little time to get it right, so when they’re in a hurry, they can grab a great outfit and get out the door!
What’s holding you back from doing this? How much of your wardrobe do you think never gets worn? Leave a comment and let me know!
(Ketura Persellin is an image consultant and personal stylist in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. Need help with your wardrobe? I can help you get it in shape, so it works as hard as you do. Contact me to arrange for a complimentary get-acquainted session.)
