It’s time for a style overhaul when that dress you loved 2 years ago, while still in great shape, just doesn’t do it for you anymore. Have you noticed that every couple of years, your personal style changes just ever so slightly? Think back to the last time you wore that dress you used to love. Did you know walking out the door that it wasn’t what you wanted to have on? Trust me, I’ve been there … but, there was no time to change, so you headed out to work, dinner or your date – and while you were out you saw someone who was dressed exactly the way you envisioned dressing in your head but you didn’t have the right stuff your closet. And then it hits you – duh, it’s time for an style overhaul.
In my previous life as a fashion stylist for busy professionals, the first step in my process of working with clients was to do a style overhaul or closet assessment. My tips detailed below are what I routinely used to help my clients begin to think about themselves, their clothes and their wardrobes in a completely new way.
I’ve noticed during the past few weeks of the coronavirus quarantine that lots of people are doing closet clean outs. A little advice, before you clean your closet out, do a style overhaul assessment. Since we all have a little extra time on our hands, this is a great time to do a style overhaul assessment. Change is hard and let’s be honest, a new wardrobe is costly, but, there is a way to go about re-vamping your closet that won’t break the bank.
Key Components of A Style Overhaul Assessment:
- First, figure out the direction you’d like to head in. Ask yourself: (1) Who’s my style icon?; (2) What do I want to feel like in my clothes? Take some time to pin down your new style direction – The Bohemian, The Prepster, Mommy Dearest, Ms. Fancy Pants, The Rockstar, The Hipster, etc.
- Now, go through your closet and figure out which items fall into this category and which do not. Obviously, you cannot get rid of all of your clothes, but you know the golden rule – pull out anything you haven’t worn in two years. Then go back through and re-assess.
- Next, go through your shoes and accessories employing the same tactics. Truth be told, I am an accessories whore and I rarely get rid of accessories, because I can gain weight and accessories never become too small and even when they go out of style, they generally come back in vogue at some point. However, if you have serious space constraints, then cull to your heart’s content!
- Organize your discards and determine which are consign-able and which should be donated. The Real Real is a great designer consignment option – they’re doing virtual video consignment appointments and free UPS pickups so that you can ship your items to them easily. Soon you’ll have money coming in that can go towards a few of your new purchases.
- Now, think about the 4 or 5 items you’ll need (based on what you have left in your closet) that will help you begin to transform your current wardrobe to the one you desire. For example, the trend is platform heels; are you still rockin’ your Jimmy Choo’s from 7 years ago? If so, you my dear may need to buy a new pair of shoes or two. I’m not advocating trendy here, I’m advocating stylish. Now, if you work in a corporate office, 5-inch platforms may not be the most efficacious purchase. But, there is a middle ground. Take some time to go through magazines, Pinterest and Instagram – the ususal suspects – to scout items and new designers that will work for you and your lifestyle.
- Lastly, armed with your list and budget, you’re ready to shop and begin your metamorphosis.
The best advice I can give you is to give yourself time and know that unless you have an unlimited clothing budget, your metamorphosis is not going to happen over night ….. a style overhaul will take at least a year. Just keep your eyes on the prize and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. New clothes are an investment in you and your personal brand. Trust me, the lightness you’ll feel from shedding unworn items will allow you to spread your wings and soar just like a butterfly.
Oh, and as you’re going through your closet and thinking about the style direction you want to head in, don’t throw out any t-shirts without out reading this first.
I can’t wait to hear about your style overhaul!
Stylishly yours, Kalyn
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