Even if you love shopping or checking out the latest trends, you probably wear the same outfit quite a few times. You have more control over your wardrobe; more than you think. Since you were gifted with a wardrobe that has everything imaginable in it, there are several ways to turn your existing wardrobe into a fashion statement. Once you de-clutter and take note of which items you own, you can learn new ways to improve your closet without spending money on a new wardrobe, according to Caitlin Craig Lawrence.
1. Don’t Wear Something Just Once
Celebrities can wear something once and forget it, but you’re not a celebrity. You’re probably guilty of buying something for a special occasion such as a wedding or a graduation party. Attending an event makes you feel as if you need something to wear, but no matter how much you like the piece, you don’t wear it more than once.
Instead of purchasing an item for a specific event, look for dressier items that you already own. These items are way more versatile since you can wear them for more than one occasion. If you wear something that’s classic and never goes out of style, then you’re likely to wear it more than once. When accessorized right, it’ll never look like the same boring blouse or party dress.
2. Don’t Keep Something That Doesn’t Fit
Most people keep items that no longer fit them. That’s because they hope to fit into them when they lose weight or gain weight. There are others who purchase something that’s two sizes too small as an incentive to lose weight. Or, maybe you bought it on sale, but it wasn’t in your size.
Keeping these items that you’ll never wear is one of the biggest fashion mistakes you can make if you’re trying to clean out your wardrobe. Be honest. Are you ever going to fit in it? Will you ever wear it? If something doesn’t fit, then donate it.
3. Organize by Color
This is one of the best strategies for organizing your closet. Once a week, wear a new color from your wardrobe. For example, you could wear green one week and yellow the next. Then you put those items back in the same color pattern. This allows you to go through your wardrobe and try something that you’ve never worn before, or make fresh combinations. There’s nothing like wearing a flattering new color that makes you feel good inside.
4. Follow the First In/Last Out Strategy
Eighty percent of time, people wear 20% of their wardrobe, according to Dr. Jennifer Baumgartner. The First In/Last Out strategy can prevent you from wearing the same pieces over and over. Instead of wearing the first items in your closet that you see, hang the outfit that you want to wear in front of your face. So, when you open your closet, you’re forced to wear it. If you’re not feeling that piece, then you need to make the decision to keep it or not.
Another method to this approach is to organize all of your items by type. That means keeping all of your blouses together, all of your dresses together, and all of your skirts together. Hang an item inside-out or throw it in the hamper after you wear it, so you’re not tempted to wear it again. This allows you to determine which pieces you’ve already worn, and which items you haven’t worn yet.
5. Don’t Keep Something You Don’t Like
People tend to hold onto something even if they don’t like it anymore. Maybe you’re one of those people who purchased something just because it was on sale or it’s trendy. Maybe you saw someone else wear that same top and you had to have it. But just because it’s on sale or trendy doesn’t mean you should own it. If you don’t feel comfortable in a piece of clothing, then it shouldn’t be in your wardrobe. Donate it to charity or give it away to a friend who will appreciate it.
6. Don’t Buy Something Because It’s on Sale
It’s easy to get excited by a clearance or a big sale. While you should keep track of huge sales, you should only buy something if it’s going to add to your wardrobe. Don’t just buy something because it’s a good deal. It doesn’t matter how cute that top is. If you never wear that item, then it’ll be a waste of your money.
7. Write Your Wardrobe Down
If you want to transform a large wardrobe into a capsule wardrobe, then you’ll benefit from this strategy. Document everything that you own. Go through your list of items and think about how it makes you feel.
Do you like your wardrobe? Do you want a wardrobe upgrade? This can help you determine which fabrics, shapes, and styles best reflect your lifestyle and prevent you from buying something that’s not for you.
You should keep this list around for years and notice how your wardrobe changes and evolves. Over time, you’ll better understand what you should and shouldn’t purchase. As cute as that mini skirt was, and as silky as that fabric may have been, you realized that the style didn’t make you feel comfortable and was a waste of money.
These realizations will help you change your shopping habits.
8. Get a Friend Consultation
According to Caitlin Craig Lawrence, sometimes all it takes is a second opinion to help you out. Maybe you can arrange for your stylish friend to visit you once a week for free fashion advice. Be sure to return the favor by cooking your friend dinner. Your friend can take a good look at your wardrobe, match outfits together, and take pictures for reference. You’ll end up with more outfits that you otherwise wouldn’t have come up with by yourself.
You’ll walk away from this experience a whole new woman. You’ll be able to pull together outfits at the snap of your fingers.