In the last year or two, I have embraced having a smaller wardrobe and stuck with it while continuing to refine and downsize. There are many benefits to having a smaller closet, including getting ready quickly in the mornings and saving money. With that said, I wanted to discuss the topic of shopping your closet. I first wrote about the subject in this post, but focused on the benefits versus the “how.” The purpose of today’s post is to provide you with actionable tips you can incorporate into your routine.
What I’m Wearing – Vest: Thrifted (via thredUp) | Blouse: J.Crew | Jeans: J.Crew | Brooch: Vintage | Ring: Rebekah J. Designs | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Shoes: Eastland c/o | Lipstick: Burberry Bright Plum No.49 c/o
But first a quick story — since retirement, my mom has become quite a socialite and frequently attends some type of function, event, or party. She also does a lot of traveling with her significant other, and they love visiting the annual jazz festival in Florida. Before going to an event, she typically spends time running around town trying to find the perfect outfit. This year, however, she instead decided to shop her closet and found she had exactly what she needed.
Choosing to shop your closet doesn’t mean shopping is off limits. In my mom’s case, she found everything she needed without shopping, but unfortunately, this is not always how it goes —especially during wedding season or if you’re attending a formal event. I encourage you to look to your closet first, and if you can piece together most of your look, it’s better than having to buy an entirely new outfit.
Shop Your Closet Like a Pro
- Get Organized. You need a solid foundation prior to shopping your closet. You wouldn’t put on your makeup without washing your face, and this mentality is the same when assessing your closet. You need the foundation or framework to make your experience seamless. Check out this post for the “how.”
- Fix Damaged Goods (including accessories). Anything with a hole under the arm, stain, rip, or missing button can be repaired and made new. I have a handful of jewelry items that have fallen apart — they need a new jump ring or a stone replaced. I know fixing clothing and accessories can be tedious, but in the long run, you will be grateful you set aside your time.
- Make Sure X Items are Ready to Wear. I know many of you don’t like to iron and/or avoid buying clothes that need to be dry cleaned. If you have tops, blouses, or dresses that are wrinkled, set aside 15-30 mins to iron or steam all of these pieces at once so you don’t have to do it on the go. This will save you time and energy and allow you to focus on choosing your outfit.
- Get Clothing Tailored. This is another tedious task but also a game changer. If you have a jacket, dress, skirt, or favorite pair of jeans that are slightly off, take them to a tailor to have them properly fitted to your frame.
Create and Style!
- Curate Things Like a Store. If you have space, put liked items together. For example, put all accessories in the same area, organizing them on shelves or in baskets. The same goes for your clothes. I always like to put camisoles, button-down shirts, blouses, cardigans, sweaters, jackets, pants, and denim together. I also group items by color.
- Capsule Wardrobe. This is a great way to challenge yourself to do more with less. Visit this post to get started.
- Remix your Favorite Pieces. I created this series to share how to re-wear what you already own and to inspire your outfit choices. Give it a read and start putting together your own outfit combinations.
What tips do you have for shopping your closet?
Shop the post:
Vest: Thrifted (via thredUp) | Blouse: J.Crew | Jeans: J.Crew | Brooch: Vintage | Ring: Rebekah J. Designs | Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Shoes: Eastland c/o | Lipstick: Burberry Bright Plum No.49 c/o
*c/o: courtesy of or gifted
Photography: Nicholas Mercado
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