Write down your goals- values and mindsets
What is your reason for finding your style? (ie. saving money, cohesiveness, wanting to own less, confusion/stress about what to wear or what it is you like/don’t like)
Assess and declutter- what pieces do you already have that you love and turn to the most?
- Bring everything out of your closet (sort out 3 piles: keep, maybe, donate)
- Try on your maybe pieces and see if they truly make you feel comfortable and confident in yourself
Be responsible with your decluttered choices!
- Pass it on to a friend, sibling or other family member who you know will love and enjoy it more
- Sell anything that’s still in great condition (try out Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, etc.)
- Donate to a local drop off center
- Recycle
Slowing Down Consumption
Gain inspiration: Sometimes, browsing through stores online or in person can lead to impulsive decision making if you’re not in the right mindset. This isn’t to say that impulse shopping is wrong, but it does lead to a lot of waste if you don’t know what you’re doing. Using other mediums for inspiration like Pinterest, magazines or even remembering your favorite style icons (this could be anyone in your friend circle, family members, characters from movies/TV shows or celebrities).
Once you’ve gathered up inspiration, take some time to reflect:
1. Is there a specific pattern in what you see with the images you’ve chosen?
2. Which core pieces (basics) stand out and remain consistent?
3. Which colors remain prominent?
Make a List!
A. Needs vs. Wants: refer to your style goals and identify what your missing gaps are.
B. Dressing for comfort: if you value comfort first above all else, then one thing to consider in your list is which fabrics and materials feel the best against your skin. Keep in mind that comfort/quality doesn’t always equal cheap, so if your top priority is saving money, try opting for brands or companies that are within your budget, or just simply wait until a certain item or brand has been discounted, or until a store-wide (or site-wide for online stores) sale arrives.
C. Fantasy self vs. reality: I’ll be honest here and say this is a mindset I still struggle with sometimes, and so as content as I am with where my wardrobe is at now, I realize that I will never be someone who wears cocktail dresses, tight-fitting clothes or anything with rips or holes in it; that’s just not me. I also have to remind myself sometimes that my job situation right now is not formal; I don’t have an office job, and so dressing with comfort in mind should be what’s most important. Speaking of comfort however, one thing I would also suggest is that you be realistic when it comes to your lifestyle. How often do you attend fancy outings? Do you go out with your friends or significant other often for late night events? How many weddings do you actually attend on a yearly or monthly basis?
Understanding color theory: All I can tell you in this aspect of style is that if you know your skin tone well enough, try to find colors that will enhance or complement your natural tone instead of washing you out. When it comes to choosing a color palette for your wardrobe, there are no rules and you don't need to spend any money to find those perfect color combinations. Some things to think about when it comes to styling is contrast, texture and patterns. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut where you wear the same combinations over and over again, and so if you need help with finding new ways to style what you already have, here are some YouTube channels I would recommend:
1. Signe Hansen from UseLess (link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCafauFSnOFOfZG0ZMLQvpcw)
2. Audrey Coyne (link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdF5QXMUx1tT7odhtBdDyEA)
3. Alyssa Beltempo (link: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlyssaBeltempo/videos)
**You can also follow me if you would like! My style is a bit different from the women I’ve listed above, so here’s a link to my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyli_27/
Shop the sales or go thrifting!
Buying things second hand can go a long way not just for your wallet, but also for the planet. You can find lots of different clothing styles and trends for much less than what would be sold in retail stores, but if for some reason there aren’t any thrift stores within your area, there are two other options you can choose from:
1. Online thrifting- websites like ThredUP, Poshmark, Vestiaire Collective (they have a lot of designer goods on this website), Mercari or Depop can be easily accessed through your mobile phone or computer
2. Shop the clearance/sales racks at retail stores- If you’re someone who still enjoys certain retail shops because you love the quality of their products, then that’s okay. I’ve found some high quality clothing items at certain boutique outlets within my local mall. Also, never underestimate the low prices or markdowns at resale shops like TJ Maxx or Marshall’s. It also never hurts if you want to support local resellers or business owners who make their own leather goods, accessories or other clothing items.
2. Shop the clearance/sales racks at retail stores- If you’re someone who still enjoys certain retail shops because you love the quality of their products, then that’s okay. I’ve found some high quality clothing items at certain boutique outlets within my local mall. Also, never underestimate the low prices or markdowns at resale shops like TJ Maxx or Marshall’s. It also never hurts if you want to support local resellers or business owners who make their own leather goods, accessories or other clothing items.
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