How to Organize Your Style
Eliminate decision fatigue by knowing what’s important to have in your wardrobe.
Creating a capsule wardrobe is something that's become popular in recent years, but not all fashion is created equal, and what works for one body, doesn't always work for another. Over the years I've discovered there are five major components to creating an organized, well-rounded wardrobe for almost any lifestyle.
Here you'll find five ways to dress well, keep your closet organized, look stylish, and stop agonizing over what to reach for when you get dressed every day!
Basics
As the foundation of your wardrobe, basics are essential to any well-rounded style. They’re the pieces you can wear with almost anything and help build a solid foundation for your outfits.
They include white tees, black pants, denim jackets and more—basically anything that goes with everything else in your closet. These items become staples in your closet because they're so versatile; when you want to look polished but not overdone, throw on a basic top (think: t-shirts) or pair an all-black ensemble with neutral accessories like nude sandals or a watch.
MUST-HAVE, ALL-SEASONS SHOE BASICS
Dressy
This category is the most formal, and therefore more expensive and elegant than casual or even business clothes.
You may be wondering what exactly makes something “dressy”? While there are no hard-and-fast rules for this category of clothing, we can say that dressy items tend to have a few things in common:
Can be worn for a formal occasion such as gala, charity event, evening dinner, ballet or opera, recital, formal date, wedding, cocktail party, Holiday party.
Is made with a fabric such as silk, satin, brocade or velvet.
Features a dramatic detail such as puffed sleeves, deep neckline, high slit, trailing skirt or embellishment.
Casual
Casual clothing is the easiest to put together. Casual clothes are perfect for everyday wear. The key to casual wear is dressing appropriately for the occasion and weather. Looking 'put together' when casual includes being polished while also relaxed and comfortable. Pair tailored jeans with a loose button down blouse, tucked into the front or your pants, a fitted blazer, and flats or boots. To tie your looks together, have a color analysis done of your skin tone, hair color and eyes, and go with colors that compliment your unique coloring. The key to looking classic and chic is dressing smartly for YOUR body.
Formal Wear
Suits (for men and women)
A suit is a classic outfit that can be formal or casual. It's an important item to have in your closet, especially if you're going to job interviews or other formal events. You'll need the following pieces:
Dresses
Matching skirts + blouses
Skirt suit
Jumpsuit
Dresses and jumpsuits are versatile and easy pieces to wear, but they're slightly less professional than suits if you're interviewing for a job or attending an event that requires more formality than usual. You'll need the following pieces:
Skirt and Blouse (or Top)
Mix-and-match pants and blazers and sweaters or blouses
Business
Business casual is a genre of dress that denotes professionalism while still allowing you to express your personal style. Business casual looks can vary depending on the industry, but in general it involves a combination of slacks or jeans (stay away from rips, excessive discoloration or embellishment) and collared shirts.
Business formal is a traditional look that requires more elegance than business casual. In general, business formal attire is appropriate for any situation where you would wear a suit or a more conservative, tailored dress. This includes interviews, meetings with clients and colleagues, presentations or other important events where you want to make an impression.
Good style is all about how you put things together.
The five components of a well-rounded wardrobe are:
Basics. These are the essential items in your wardrobe that you wear every day, feel confident in, and don't get tired of. For example, a white v-neck tee, tailored jeans in a dark wash and black pumps would be considered basics because they're staples that transcend the passage of time. A woman will look just as stylish in these pieces today as she will 50 years from now.
Statement pieces. These are the items that make you feel good when you put them on because they help to express who you are as a person and what you like to do outside of work or home life. Think about the last time you felt amazing wearing something bold—like an eye-catching necklace or bold color—and use that experience as inspiration for styling your statement pieces. If you're looking for a subtle, elegant look, choosing an heirloom as your statement piece such as a gold watch or Chanel jacket is an excellent way to build a stylish, elegant appearance, but also showcase your personal taste.
Knowing how to dress for the occasion. There's nothing that says "disorganized" more than someone who shows up wearing the wrong thing. Be aware of dress codes, weather, comfort factors, and avoid wardrobe malfunctions by always prepping your outfits BEFORE momentous occasions. This will help you avoid stress and keep your confidence intact because you'll know you look and feel good about what you're wearing.
Dressing for YOUR body type and coloring. Remember that trends are just that... passing fancies that don't always need to be recognized. Coco Chanel famously said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”
Sticking to an organized system:
Keeping track of which items match each other so that you're not lost and make poor decisions when shopping
Categorizing accessories, shoes and bags and regularly ensuring that these items are in good repair
Regularly cleaning and pressing your investment pieces
Having a rule that you always put clothes back where they belong after wearing them
Never been confused over what to wear when you open your closet or what to buy when you go shopping by having a clear vision of the version of yourself you wish to present to the world through your personal style. Once you’ve figured out the aesthetic you’re going for being able to say ‘no’ to items you don’t need or want that don’t align with that aesthetic becomes easy!
Get more tips for organizing your lifestyle with my first book HERE.
