Recently, I'd been feeling like I was in a bit of a style rut. I'd cleaned out my closet multiple times, thinking the problem was I just needed to re-evaluate what I had in there. This seemed to work for a bit, but then I'd feel like I needed to do it again, like something just wasn't right in my personal fashion world. And I finally think I found the problem; my fashion sense is changing ever so slightly, and my closet isn't a reflection of that. I am in need of re-defining my personal style.
Something that sparked this realization was a post-Christmas shopping trip to Macy's with my mom. While searching the racks, I came across this dress, and decided to try it on. After all, I love stripes, recently I've noticed I gravitate towards more neutral colors, and the jeweled neckline was a sweet accent. Turns out, it was too sweet. It fit perfectly, but I felt completely awkward in it. As I stood in the dressing room pondering it, I realized that yes, it has stripes and neutrals, but the cut was not my style. The puff sleeves felt too girly, too young, too... not me. But what is me?
Searching for answers, that night I researched a variety of different articles on finding or defining your personal style. I then developed a series of steps to take, to help me get back on track and redefine my style. While these are slightly specific to how I work and my current situation, they can certainly be applied to your own closet!
1. Find Your Style Inspiration. Head on over to Pinterest! I have multiple fashion boards on my Pinterest, and I went through all of them, deleting any pins I didn't like any more. This may seem silly, but I knew that getting down to the pins I actually love would help me to have a clearer view of what I like. Surprisingly, I deleted a lot! What I had left was a better reflection of my current style. (If you don't have a Pinterest, I highly suggest setting one up. Or, you could go through fashion magazines and cut out the things you like.)
2. Narrow It Down. I went through my boards and took 2-3 images from each one that were my absolute favorites. Using PicMonkey, a free online collage software, I compiled my images together, so that I could see everything at once. (You could also stick the images into a word document, or affix your magazine cut outs onto one piece of paper.) Here is what I came up with...
3. Put It Into Words. Break down elements of each picture, and put it into words. These words will help you stay on track when editing your closet, and when you go out shopping. My words are...
Stripes Neutrals Classic Leopard Print Classic Cuts with a Modern Twist
Pops of Color Pattern Mixing Jeans Cozy Accessories
These words are the back bone of my personal style. It's important to look at the images you chose with the words, because the words alone can be misleading. Take classic, for example. Classic can mean preppy, but I would not consider my style to be preppy (bows and blazers are not really for me, and these images have just a little edgy-ness to them).
4. Evaluate Your Closet. Go through your closet piece by piece, and ask yourself if each item reflects one of these words. Keep the images handy (I printed mine out so it could walk into the closet with me) so that you can reference those as well. If an item doesn't match your images & words, think about if you really want it in your closet still. Perhaps you need to keep it around until you find a replacement that does reflect your style. Or maybe it's just time to say good bye. Just because you once loved an item doesn't mean it has to stay in your closet. If you are unsure, try a trial separation, and put items you are hesitant about letting go of in a bag or bin in another room or somewhere outside your closet. This is also a great time to make sure everything still fits, and to make plans to fix anything that needs repair. Make piles for keep, toss (either sell or donate), and unsure. I had 16 items to either sell or donate, and I put 10 in the back of my closet for a trial separation.
5. Make Lists. Using a notepad app in your phone, make a list of your words and a list of things you need to shop for. This will help you to stay true to your style next time you go shopping, and remind you of anything you needed to replace in your closet. Here are mine...
I actually have already purchased the navy tights and the black skirt, because those were the most crucial for the winter months, and I'm excited to add the rest! I also really would like a new pair of boots and a new purse, just to freshen things up, but I cannot decide what kind or style. And let's be real, I am the last person that needs more shoes or bags!
This process really helped me diagnose my style problems, and helped me to re-define my personal style. Hopefully it works for you also! Please let me know in the comments! Have you ever had to take a second look at your style? How has your style evolved over the years?
--Caroline
