Do your wardrobe choices look boring and make you feel uninspired? Are you tired of reaching for the same few outfits over and over because you don’t like the rest of the pieces in your closet? Or maybe you haven’t been shopping in a while and your outfits look decades old. If any of these scenarios are true for you, it may be time to overhaul your closet.
How you dress can give insights into your personality and influence how others view you. If your wardrobe style doesn’t match who you really are, you might feel like you’re being disingenuous. Others might get that impression about you, too! Updating your wardrobe can give you the freedom and confidence to express yourself more authentically. Here’s a no-stress guide to updating your personal aesthetic and letting the true you shine through.
Purge Your Closet
Before you can reinvent your look, you need to get rid of anything you don’t like to wear. Purging your closet can be an overwhelming process, but it can also be exciting as you make room for clothing that better matches your aesthetic. Give yourself at least an hour to analyze your entire wardrobe – right down to the socks in your sock drawer.
While looking through your closet and drawers, take time to really examine each piece. Ask yourself if the item brings you joy, if you feel confident when you wear it, and if it fits your current style. If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” it’s time to get rid of it! You should also plan to donate anything you haven’t worn in the last 12 months. If this feels wasteful, just remember that the items you don’t love and choose to donate may perfectly match someone else’s style.
Merge Comfort With Style
Too often, people choose clothing that looks stylish but may be extremely uncomfortable to wear. No matter how attractive something looks to you, don’t buy it until you’ve tried it on. Others, you could end up with a closet full of trendy, but unused clothing. As a rule of thumb, don’t purchase anything that scratches, squeezes, or doesn’t fit quite right.
This is an especially important rule when it comes to bras and underwear. No matter how amazing that tight push-up bra makes you look, you’re not going to wear it if you can’t breathe in it. Many women find that wireless bras are much more comfortable for daily wear, and it’s possible to find supportive options. The same is true for underwear. Choosing brands that prioritize comfort as well as style will help keep you cozy and relaxed all day long.
Replace Outdated Accessories With Timeless Options
Are you still wearing the same jewelry pieces you wore a decade ago? If so, you might unintentionally be showing your age. While some pieces may pass as classy “vintage,” others may look a bit tacky and gaudy. Replacing outdated accessories with updated, timeless options can help you feel more confident whenever you go out.
Unless you’re OK with replacing all of your accessories every few years, it’s best not to go with highly fashionable pieces. Instead, stick with a few simple, classy pieces that are unlikely to go out of style anytime soon. Ideas include high-quality gold hoops, simple but chic leather belts, and elegant evening shoes.
Shop at Second-Hand Stores for Unique Pieces
If you feel like you’re stuck wearing the same clothing for the next decade due to a limited budget, think again! You can update your style without spending thousands of dollars on a brand-new wardrobe. Shopping at second-hand stores is an excellent way to save money while creating an inspirational, true-to-you wardrobe that feels new to you.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed when you step into your neighborhood thrift store, create a shopping plan in advance. Write down a few pieces you’re looking for and make a beeline to those sections. You should also know your measurements in advance so you don’t waste your time trying on items that don’t fit you. While thrifting, it’s best to look for items made with natural fabrics like silk, cotton, and linen. These materials tend to last longer than artificial materials and are much more affordably priced at the thrift store.
Find Inspiration on Social Media Platforms
What if you don’t like your current style but you aren’t exactly sure what new style you want to adopt? If this is the case, you’ll want to find inspiration for your new style before you replace your current wardrobe. Social media is a great place to look for outfit ideas and styling advice.
For example, you can find fashion influencers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. Many people love Pinterest because it makes it easy to create inspiration boards full of their favorite outfit ideas. It also makes it easy to pin your favorite outfits and try to recreate them later. Look for wardrobe inspiration on various platforms until you find a style that resonates best with you.
You’re a distinct person with a unique personality and interests that are all your own. You deserve to have a wardrobe that reflects your style and helps you be your most authentic self. Use these tips to overhaul your wardrobe in a way that’s easy, stress-free, and enjoyable.