Slightly Coastal: How To Create A Wardrobe That Reflects You

Have you ever stood in your closet and exclaimed “I have nothing to wear!”  Worse yet, have you had the total guilt that accompanies hauling away a huge bag of clothes to the local thrift because you just don’t like them?  Well, I am in the process of doing that right now.  Let me tell you, I can literally see dollars stuffed in that garbage bag of clothes I once “LOVED!”  I decided I was unwilling to make this mistake again in the future.  I researched how to create a wardrobe capsule, which I found to be too limiting.  I also read articles about what every woman should have in her closet.  It just felt like I would be lost in some standard formula.

I decided the key was to create a closet of things I have a history of loving (and wearing).  I found my style mixture and figured out how I could stick with it.  I’ll never waste money on clothes again because I have created a closet that reflects me.  You can have a closet that reflects you too.  Click through to find out how.

The first thing I did was scour Pinterest, saving images of outfits I really loved.  After I had saved quite a few I started to look for patterns in what I liked.  Then I started to sort the outfits into different categories.  I decided I like more than one style (as most of you will too).  I counted how many of each category I had and decided to come up with a formula for my closet.  Here are the steps I took.

1.  I chose one style as my “major” style.  This style will make up the bulk of my wardrobe.  If you are a numbers person, it came out to be about 60%.  For me, my predominant style came out to be the Classic Style. Manufacturers of Classic Style: Talbots, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor

2.  I then chose my “minor” style.  My minor style is the Preppy Style.  It is similar to the Classic Style in many ways but just gives a freshness to my wardrobe.  So about 30% of my wardrobe has a preppy twist to it.  Monograms, anchors, and preppy pinks, navy, green etc… Manufacturers of Preppy Style:  Lilly Pulitzer, J.Crew, Vineyard Vines, Land’s End

3.  I reserved just 10% of my wardrobe for just a pop of something different.  I also really love the Chic Style and can create some Chic Style looks by using my Classic Style clothes for some monochromatic looks like all black or all white.  I will use this 10% for the stunning coat or unbelievable fly away sweater.  Manufacturers of Chic Style:  Ellen Tracy, Donna Karen, Eileen Fisher, Calvin Klein

I decided to put together a little collage so you, my lovely readers, don’t have to go through all the trouble of searching through Pinterest to figure this out on your own.  Here is a collection of different styles.  Look through the photos and see if you can identify the one you love the most, then the next favorite, and finally one you “wish wish wish” you could pull off.

So?  Did you figure out your major, minor, and pop style?  I hope this helps you create a wardrobe that reflects you.  How do I use this valuable information?  I was able to create a wardrobe filled with pieces that fit my major and minor styles.  If it didn’t fit into one of these categories and I didn’t totally love it, it was donated.  I took some pieces to the monogram shop just to make them a little more special.  Now, when I go shopping I pick up an item of clothing and identify what style it falls into.  If it is part of my major, minor, or pop style I move forward and try it on.  If it isn’t in one of these three categories I tell myself it’s cute and hang it back on the rack.  You can use this method to change your current style, or, you can use this method to streamline your closet and make your purchases more purposeful.  In the end, my money goes further and I am able to identify what I need to create a wardrobe that works for me.  I don’t go to the mall and “browse” without a purpose.

I know for me, at this stage in my life, I want to convey a certain image.  I want to look put together.  By having one main style, I know every day I will look the way I want to look.  I’m no longer at the mercy of my wardrobe and faulty purchases I have made in the past.  Remember, just because they make it doesn’t mean you should wear it.

I would love to know what you identified as your style.  Please leave a comment and let me know if this was helpful.  This is the first “fashion” post I have ever done.