A new year is a great time to clean out your closet and organize your wardrobe. This can be a daunting task. A great place to start is by trying things on. We often hold on to clothing that we have sentimental attachments to, or that we anticipate will fit us in the future. Maybe we are waiting until we lose a few pounds. Or perhaps we are just waiting for the right occasion. In the end we will benefit most from creating a wardrobe that fits the body we have today for the lifestyle we live in the present.
Over the course of our life our bodies will change. After pregnancy, your body will change. Perhaps you’ve had a surgery that might also alter your body. Maybe your weight has fluctuated over the years. Maybe gravity is taking over. There can be a number of different factors that impact how our bodies change over time. As a result, even if you hung onto clothes for 5 years, chances are they don’t fit you the same way today as they did 5 years ago. That’s not to say that we can’t hold onto investment pieces. We just have to be aware of how our bodies change and what that means for our wardrobe.
When organizing your wardrobe, be critical of your clothing. If something doesn’t fit you, don’t hold on to it. You want to create a wardrobe full of clothes that you can wear now. You can do this. But you need to be honest with yourself about what looks good on your body and fits properly.
When it comes to retail, we have more choices than ever to find clothing that will fit our bodies. Most retailers will carry petite, tall, curvy, short, slim, straight, flare, high-rise, low-rise and many other styles. With so many choices, you can quickly be overwhelmed. By starting with your own wardrobe, you can begin to identify how things fit and how that fit can be improved upon. For example, perhaps you try on a pair of low-rise skinny jeans that no longer support or flatter your post baby body. You can quickly identify that you want something with a higher rise and maybe a loose fit. Instead of skinny, slim might be a better choice.
Perhaps you own a pair of jeans that fits great all around but needs to be taken in at the waist. This type of fix can be handled by a seamstress. If your clothing item just needs a small adjustment to fit that’s where it’s worth taking to a seamstress to have it tailored to fit you. There’s a good chance that even an item you purchase off the rack might not fit you perfectly. Every body is different and you might require a little tailoring to have an item look tailored to you!
To make the most out of your closet cleanout, consider inviting a friend to help. Getting someone else opinion on how things fit is invaluable. As much as we look in a mirror it’s still only a two dimensional view. Another person can see the fit all around and offer a third party perspective. If you must be on your own, considering taking pictures of yourself in a full length mirror. (Be sure to always use a full length mirror to see your entire outfit.) Looking at a picture will let you be a little more critical of how you look.
As you build a wardrobe that reflects your current needs, start thinking about what items will compliment what you already have to create a full wardrobe that provides options for all your upcoming engagements.
Below are a few items that you might find to be welcome additions to your current wardrobe staples.
J. Crew Sophie Open Front Sweater Blazer
A blazer is a great layering piece and can work as a jacket in warmer temperatures. It instantly elevates an outfit and provides structure to your style.
J. Crew Quilted Downtown Field Jacket
New England weather requires us to wear a jacket most of the year. Chances are if you live here you own multiple jackets. These require a closet cleanout every once in awhile as well. They get worn and won’t fit like they use to after awhile. Look for a neutral color and classic style when shopping for an everyday jacket so it can get you through more than one season and still look on in style.
J. Crew Pointelle Crewneck Sweater
A simple crewneck sweater is universally flattering but watch out for the details. Where do the sleeves fall? Is it too short, too long? Color matters. Find the one that best compliments your complexion.
Anthropologie: Puff Sleeved Sweatshirt (RD Style)
The puff sleeves give this sweatshirt a little added detail that makes it less gym staple and more weekend chic. Look for these types of details in your clothing choices to add personal style to your wardrobe.
Anthropologie: Cassia Buttondown (Cloth & Stone)
A simple classic buttondown is a versatile piece to have your closet. With the right accessories you can make this basic piece work for any number of situations.