by Shai Thompson – House of Lily Koi –
A well-dressed life starts in a well-organized closet. So many of us have a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear. Sound familiar? We go to the same combinations day in and day out without taking time to assess the opportunities that lie within our wardrobe.
At this point I frequently ask my clients: “Are you working for your wardrobe or is your wardrobe working for you?” Most reply they don’t wear half of their wardrobe because they don’t know how to put it together.
How to begin is the question when faced with what can seem like a daunting task. Here are a few steps to get you ready to face your fashion picks and turn them into your personal style. Remember: style is about how you wear your investment.
Getting Ready
- Make a commitment to yourself by picking a day and time.
- Tell a friend; this will give you accountability. I also suggest challenging a friend to the same task. It’s great to chat after and share in your discoveries.
- Eat a good meal before you start trying on your clothes. It’s surprising how much energy you can exert in two to four hours. You need to be up for the task.
- Put on some great music. I personally rock it to some killer disco.
- Make sure you have a few bras that are of different colours to use as you try on different fabrics and necklines.
Get Organized
- If your closet has no swinging room for your hangers you can’t see what you own. If you can’t see what you own you will not wear it.
- Break your wardrobe up by season twice a year.
- Merchandise your clothes by colour and type. This will give you a chance to see how many items you have in a particular colour.
- Try them to on ensure they fit, feel good and you love them.
- Repair, tailor and clean all items that are waiting for your attention.
Visualize Your Style
- Search Pinterest for style inspiration and other fashion sites; create your own style board.
- Key in what you have, like a brown leather jacket, and gain ideas on what you already own to make that look happen.
- Make a Vision board … this is a fun and stimulating.
Create the Look
- Put monochromatic items together and add bold accessories. Pull out your grandmother’s broach and celebrate her!
- Layer items that you would usually only wear for one season.
- BE BRAVE and remember to play dress up.
- Take pictures of each look you love for your reference.
- Opposites attract; this is true of colour as well.
Most closets are filled with exciting combinations that are waiting to be tried. Once you get happy in your closet you are more likely to wear it. Remember style is about how you wear your investment.
