Last year on the blog, I shared a lot of style advice from shopping your wardrobe to finding your style and assembling a thoughtful wardrobe. This year let’s start by answering some questions. Answering the questions below will lead you to your current style and a supportive wardrobe. Remember, great style isn’t created from random shopping trips or trend panic. It comes from clarity.
Before you buy anything new this year, take time to reflect.
1. Who am I dressing for right now?
Your style evolves as you evolve. I see a lot of closets that hold many reminders from the “five years ago” version to the “someday” version of my client. Consider what your life is like today. Are you working from home? Going into an office? Running after kids? Social more than ever? Retired? Traveling more? Your clothes should match your real life. If your closet is full of fantasy outfits that don’t fit your life, you will struggle to put together outfits that make sense.
2. How do I want to feel in my clothes this year?
As I shared in my blog post last year about Allison Bornstein’s book Wear It Well, she asks her clients to identify their emotional word – this word describes how you want to feel in your clothing. So, answer this question. How do you want to feel as you walk out the door for your day? Confident? Relaxed? Polished? Creative? Powerful? Style is emotional before it’s visual. When you name the feeling, you stop chasing random trends and start choosing pieces that support your mood and mindset. The right clothes help you step into the energy you want more of.
3. What did I wear on repeat last year?
Your most-worn pieces tell the story. Actually, this is another tip from Allison Bornstein, which leads you to another one of your three style words. As she explains, your “realistic word” describes the looks you wear all the time. So, what are your closet repeaters? I bet they are not the impulse buys and the sale rack “maybes.” Build your dream wardrobe around what already works.
4. What did I avoid wearing — and why?
This is where you will find the pieces that need to go. I call it wardrobe editing, some call it purging. There is always a reason you bypass an item. Is it uncomfortable, a poor fit, or the wrong color? Does it not work for your life today? (See above.) Sometimes an item does not feel right, though you are not sure why. Work towards a wardrobe that feels supportive, like a good friend. The other stuff that brings you down is taking up mental and physical space. Ditch it.
5. Where am I settling?
Ooooo. You weren’t expecting this one, were you? Everyone keeps clothes that are just okay. Most of the time, these pieces were purchased in a rush. They might be shoes that hurt a little, or jeans that almost fit, or a blazer that kind of works. We aren’t going for an “okay” style this year. We are going for GREAT. Where do you start? Ditch the “okay” pieces and upgrade slowly to ones that look and feel fantastic when you put them on. Take your time.
6. Which wardrobe gaps actually matter?
After taking stock of what you have, you might realize you don’t need more clothes. Perhaps you just need a few specific pieces. You might need an everyday coat, better layering basics, or shoes that work with most outfits. Don’t replace everything you edit out. Allow the additional space in your wardrobe to provide the breathing room you’ve needed to create great outfits and enjoy what’s there.
7. Does this purchase support the wardrobe I’m building?
This is your main style question for the year. After you have reflected on the questions above and you’re ready to start purchasing wardrobe refreshers, be sure the new item is worthy to be in the wardrobe you are assembling. Before buying, make sure the piece is a style upgrade, not a repeat of what you have already done.
The Bottom Line
Great style isn’t about having more. It’s about having clarity. When you understand your life, your preferences, and your goals, getting dressed becomes easier, faster, and more satisfying. This year, let your wardrobe reflect who you are now and the direction you are going.
I’m Here for You
Need help? Email me at bethany@bethanysiggins.com. I can assist you with identifying your style words, editing your wardrobe and creating your wardrobe wish list. This is your year to dress for exactly who you are.
Photo of me by Dahlias and Daisies Designs shot on location in Highland Park Village.
Bethany, what a wonderful post. I appreciate your attention to detail, not only in the wardrobe advice you give but the organized structure of your writing. And with no typos! Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much, Cindy. I appreciate you taking the time to read it and to post this lovely comment.
This was very thought provoking content. I feel more prepared and motivated the “thin the heard” in my closet!
That’s so nice to hear, Anne. Thank you for reading it, and let me know how you do!