How to edit your closet in under 30 minutes.

We all have to get dressed every day, so let’s have fun doing it. Whether you are well versed in fashion, or have no experience at all, putting together an outfit to live life is something we all have to do every day. Even if your outfit choice is workout wear, you are still choosing and putting together a look that works for you. As a stylist, I enjoy helping people refine their personal style by choosing items that they already have and creating unique outfits.

In my virtual styling sessions ( you can book here) we work together to refine what pieces work best for your lifestyle, and what don’t. Before any session I always ask my clients to review what they have at home so our sessions are successful. Here are a few tips to take you through the closet editing process.

Step 1: Create space in your calendar for 20-30 minutes. Finding a dedicated time and committing to that time will make this more effective. Put on your favorite playlist, pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage( my go to beverage right now is watermelon juice, and sparkling coconut water with mint, try it!), and make sure you have great light and a mirror. If you have a wardrobe rack, you are a stellar student, if not laying items on a bed or floor works great too. Make a list of your upcoming events; dinner, play dates, vacations, etc and come prepared with what you need to put together.

Step 2: Pull out your go-to items. What do you find wearing week after week? What is your favorite outfit? What do you feel best in? Start with those pieces, and create a few outfits and new combinations for your day to day activities. If you always wear a tank and jeans, try trousers, or a skirt. If your favorite shoe is always a sneaker, what shoe from your closet can you pull out and mix in with your favorite looks? Start with where you feel comfortable, and with what you already have. If you begin to play and find that you are missing something, make a list. Maybe you need a great black skirt, or a pair of shorts, or loafers - jot this down. Keep this list on hand the next time you go shopping, or visit your favorite store.

Step 3: Take out 5-10 pieces that you haven’t worn in awhile, and see how you can mix these pieces in with the items you wear regularly. Try them on with outfits, and alone. What do you like? What do you not like? Do you see yourself wearing this item? Does it work with your current lifestyle? If not, put it in the donation pile and get rid of it. Chances are if you have not worn an item in 6 months to a year, you most likely won’t wear it. There are always exceptions to the rule, so try things on before an immediate edit.

Step 4: Take photos of yourself in the outfits you created. Ask a friend, spouse, or child to help you with this - I often take mirror selfies, or you can lay the outfits on the ground - make sure you add shoe combinations and accessories. You can create an album on your phone, or if you sign up for a session with me you receive access to my styling app where you can store your outfits. This way, when an event comes up you have access to a catalogue of outfits to wear, and don’t need to go shopping every time something pops up on your calendar.

Step 5: Make this a regular calendar event. Once a week, once a month, or before a big trip, whatever works for you, but if you make time to create outfits, you will be set up for success every time you get dressed.

I would love to walk you through this process, and create outfits for you. You can book a one hour styling session, and we can walk through your closet and create looks together in real time. And that shopping list we create? I will send options following our call. I can’t wait to style you!