As you know, I’ve been in the process of refreshing and rebuilding my wardrobe. It’s been an ongoing project the past couple of months but is slowly paying off. I wanted to give you an update and some insight into how I pick new pieces that I know will stand the test of time.
This may be obvious, but to start, figure out your style preferences. It might help to create a board on Pinterest, and spend hours pinning outfits and looks you see online to get a feel for what you gravitate towards before you start the process. I love things that look high quality, effortless, and I love detail as well. I’ve learned through years of trial and error what works for me, and what doesn’t, but I also will always try a new style I’m not familiar with – because you never know! I never thought I could wear a backless dress until last year when I found a perfect Reformation number at a sample sale and couldn’t say no to the price tag. Seriously – what the hell did I do in life before I tried a sticky bra? I am all on board the backless train now! Here are the steps I’ve been taking to rebuild a closet I’m proud of.
Clean Closet Slate
This isn’t our first rodeo. We’ve all sifted through in the past and tossed things here and there, but this time, I took it a bit more serious. I didn’t let pieces hang there or make excuses… if I haven’t worn you in 6 months, bye-bye! Obviously, I kept in mind the season, and looked back to spring or summer last year for certain items, but stuck true to the main goal of this… to be happy and proud of what I put on each day. I suggest you do this de-clutter when you’re in the mood. It’s beyond helpful to be in the spirit, so maybe after reading something like this will help, haha.
Make a List
After the big clean out, it was easier for me to see what I needed. It will be clear to you what’s lacking when the clothes you wear are all hanging, visible in front of you. Go through your dresser – I tossed old socks, pj’s, denim, everything I haven’t touched in ages.
{ how good you’ll feel at this point, even if your closet is slim pickings, I promise. }
Start with The Basics
Basics are the building blocks of our wardrobe; I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it all day, every day, it’s true! Plus, if you’re like me and dwindled away things to wear with the mass execution, you’ll need versatility while you slowly rebuild. Invest in a nice tee shirt that will last, a pair of denim in each shade, and a couple of everyday accessories.
The Fun Part
Once you have a few things to mix and match with items you already own – it’s time to keep an eye out for new spring staples. What I usually do is scroll through ‘new arrivals’ on my favorite retailers and save pieces that really captivate me. Having a board full of options to continue to review and see what things you decide you can part ways with and what items you feel 100% about.
“Should I Buy This?”
My thought process goes something like this: How will I feel while wearing this? How many times will I wear it? Is it easy to care for? How can I wear this in a versatile way? Will I feel proud and excited to reach for this? Will I get sick of this in a month? If I can’t think of a reason not to, then I will make it official.
I will continue to share my progress as I post, but always feel free to reach out in the meantime if you have questions! Happy shopping! xx
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This post made me SO happy! Thank you for being so responsive to and communicative with your readers! You’re the BEST! Xo ?
I hope this was helpful! I’m planning to add more next week that dives deeper in my wish list, and thoughts behind pieces I added recently. Have a good day lady! x
I need to do a closet purge so badly but you’re right that you HAVE to be in the right mindset. Lately all I can seem to do is get sentimental about my clothing — not healthy and something that inevitably leads to an over-packed closet!
Thanks for the tips and encouragement!
Xoxo,
Ashley || Sed Bona
It’s tough! I’m happy to hear I may have helped encourage a strict clean up 🙂 xx
Love this, I’m going back through your others posts to check them out now. There’s another blog I follow who is detailing how she’s doing the 5 Piece French Wardrobe which sounds great in theory but pretty difficult to pull off. Yours seems more doable!
Ow, interesting! I do love Parisian style! I’ve been so much happier with getting ready – I highly recommend doing the big purge and building off what you love. 🙂 xx