Congratulations on managing to do what many of us find almost impossible to achieve. Wardrobe nirvana. A closet full of items not just reflective of your personal style, but that you’re *actually* excited about wearing. Even the “boring” bits.
Wearing The Curated coat (alternative here); Alexander McQueen belt (also here); Chloe tote bag (also here); Timeless Pearly earrings
Our personal style is transient. So it goes without saying that for many, feeling that your wardrobe “complete” might seem an impossible task. And that’s okay too.
One of the best parts about having all the basics down, is that you can finally stop the search. You know, for the “perfect” button down. The “perfect” pair of jeans. The “perfect” dress that’ll transition for play, work, and dinner.
So what’s next…?
Discover *new* style uniforms | We all know how handy it is to have a handful of outfit combinations – unique to our personal style – which make us feel good. We can instantly put that mix of items on, and know our outfit will be a reflection of how we want to dress. But it can just as easily lead to outfit fatigue. Especially if you only have a few permutations you like wearing. So spend some time playing around with layering, and pairing together different elements. Break colour rules and basic tenets around proportional dressing. See what you come up with. You might just find some fresh new options or silhouettes which become your new “go-to”.
Upgrade your accessories game | A good accessory can make a big impact, and if you feel like your closet could do with a little refresh, perhaps consider what adding in a new shoe, belt, or jewellery accessory might do. Case in point is the Alexander McQueen belt I’m wearing above. It’s a statement piece, which acts to make those more simplistic outfits I’m wearing feel a bit more interesting. Another example are these loafers I recently added to my wardrobe. They’re chunky, which leans into that chunky shoe trend going around at the moment, and have a thick aged gold chain across the vamp.
Try the “hanger” trick | I’m continually assessing the items I have in my wardrobe. And perspective on how often I’m wearing something can be a funny thing to accurately judge. Usually it’s tied to my most recent memories. The hanger trick is a simple way to identify any items that you’re not reaching for. Basic premise? Turn all the hangers in your closet the wrong way round. As you wear an item, you turn it round the right way. At the end of the season, you can see what you actually wore. It’s a good way to challenge yourself to wear your entire closet, too. For folded items, I’d put worn ones at the front, perhaps using a piece of card to distinguish between worn and unworn.
Explore colour | With the basics nailed down, you have the freedom to be more playful with any future wardrobe additions. If you want, of course. On my own style journey, I’ve found myself slowly adding in earthy hues to my closet. It adds a nice warmth, and they pair back well to traditional neutrals of white, grey and black.
Love what you have | Feel comfortable with the fact that what you have is enough. As I’ve been saying over the past 18 months, just wear the clothes. That “newness” will still be there the moment you find yourself craving it.
