The Guide to Reinventing a Wardrobe
It happens time and time again, I’m shuffling through my closet looking for the perfect article of clothing for an event, scouring the drawers until I turn around to see not my floor, but a mountain of clothing that no longer suits my fancy. I’ve found myself here countless times over the last year, always ending in a desperate attempt to salvage an outfit that accurately portrays my newfound style (as in I just saw another get dressed with me Tik Tok of an outfit that resembles nothing from my closet and I’m ready to entirely switch it up.) So I’ve decided it's time to reinvent my wardrobe- and I’m taking you with me. If you’ve found yourself in familiar predicaments I think you’ll find these steps to be a digestible way to reinvent your own sense of self when it comes to style, and not get sucked into a rabbit hole of whatever new thing is on the internet at the time.
The first thing I need to do is get the dirty work done. Dig through every piece of clothing I own and judge it Marie Condo style- does it spark joy? Are these pieces I’m going to wear forever? If they don’t excite me, I’m tossing them. And I’m being harsh this time. No more holding onto that sentimental sweater you haven’t worn in 4 plus years, and let’s face it- isn’t even that sentimental. We’re tossing the torn, the too-tight, the fetch that we keep trying to make happen. If it’s not an absolute yes, let go. For this step it’s back to the starting grounds. Things haven’t been working for a reason so it’s time to cut ties and build from the ground up.
I find that everytime I do a purge, whether material or mental, I feel lighter and receptive to new avenues of life, not just with clothing, but with new adventures, new perspectives, and new mindsets. And I’m at a transition in life that is beckoning me to release those items that are no longer elevating me. My closet, most of all, needs a desperate flip; from post-pandemic sweats to candid-ready pieces that translate my taste accurately.
As I make way through my wardrobe- taking inventory I have; 3 knit sweaters, a handful of sweatshirts with varying stains, 4 trousers I bought in the search for the perfect fit, 2 denim jeans, and a slew of t-shirts that are either ill fitting or reserved for sleeping. Looking at the pieces I own I realize I’ve lost sight of my style over the years, unsure of what fits, what looks good, what I actually like. I’ve lost the fun in getting dressed up and expressing myself through clothes. I’ve resorted to chunky sweatshirts and athleisure wear- a staple for quarantine, but not quite the defining fabrics for 2023.
In order to ditch the leggings and sweatpants, I’ll need the basics. The perfect white tee, a distressed black wife pleasure, blue jeans and trousers fitted and tailored. Casual enough to lounge with friends, but pop a leather blazer or coat on and I’m ready for a night out. For this step, I’ve compiled a Pinterest board of outfits that match the look I’m going for. I’m also creating a Google document of the basics I have and the ones I need. This helps to keep track of what you already own, cutting down on overconsumption, while a Pinterest board will have you brimming with inspiration for new combinations and potential pieces.
Narrowing your style sense down to three words is life changing when you’re looking to reinvent. I’ve narrowed my style sense to; effortless, playful, chic. When I look at a piece I’m thinking of these words combined with my Pinterest board accumulation and comparing it to what’s already in my closet.
Lastly, my emphasis for a new wardrobe is centered on conscious spending and refinement. Shopping second hand, whether online or in stores, is a great way to curate unique pieces for less without contributing to fast fashion. It gives you that individualism while letting you be expressive. And as for refinement, I like to think of every new piece as an older, more sophisticated version of me speaking from the other side. The version who has a consistent sleep schedule and orders cappuccinos. She’s not real, but sometimes her guidance helps. I envision her scolding me or giving me a subtle nod when I pick up a new piece.
With these newfound tricks and a little new years cleansing, my wardrobe will be tailored and ready for any pieces heading my way. If you’re feeling stuck in your own style, try these out for yourself. Create a Pinterest board, take inventory, and develop a foolproof style sense. Don’t worry about switching it up immediately. Over time your style will reveal itself and you’ll find those one-of-a-kind pieces to give your forever home to.
