It’s not uncommon for me to scramble to get ready minutes before I am supposed to go out for the evening. I have a closet filled with clothes, yet I never seem to have anything to wear. Or rather, I have plenty of clothes hanging in the closet, but they are just not what I want to wear.
“Part of feeling like you have nothing to wear is about being honest with yourself regarding your evolving sense of style,” explains stylist Addie Stohler of Stitch Fix. That is true. I sometimes buy items that are more for the life I want to have — or used to have — rather than the actual events on my calendar.
Another issue is that many of us find it hard to let go of items. We feel guilty. Thoughts like But I spent so much on this blouse and it still has the tags on or If I hadn’t gained 10 pounds, I could still wear these pants will leave us with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.
So if you do have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear, it may be time to do an honest assessment and declutter. Stohler says, “Try on the pieces that you haven’t worn in a while and be real about pieces that are no longer your size or style.” Enlist a friend to help who isn’t afraid of giving you an honest opinion. Or put the clothes on and take a photo of yourself in the mirror.
· Do you like how it looks? Specifically, would you choose to put on this outfit in the next week or month? (Or will it land on the floor of your closet the next time you put it on?)
· Do you feel confident?
· Does it fit right now? (That is, without constant pulling or adjusting or having to put on two pairs of control hose that cut off your circulation?)
· Is this item in good, wearable condition — not stained, and with no rips or tears that you meant to get fixed but never did?
· Do you like how it feels? (Personally, I have realized that with age, items that tie at the neck make me feel like I am choking. There is no need to be uncomfortable for fashion at any age.)
If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” make like Princess Elsa from Frozen and … let it go!
Now here is the best part. Once you have purged your closet of the items you won’t wear, you are ready to start shopping. But this time, do so with a plan in mind. You don’t want to unclutter just to clutter again and return to square one.
The goal is to have a wardrobe with solid, reliable staples mixed with a few fun, trendy pieces. With that in mind, here are five must-have items to buy for fall.
A great pair of jeans
Stohler suggests stepping out of your skinny jeans and into new denim silhouettes. “Think about adding a cropped, wide straight-leg boyfriend or a high-rise bootcut to add a new dimension to your looks while still giving you comfort with an effortlessly casual vibe,” she says. “If you are not ready to say farewell to your tried-and-true silhouette, then take a chance on a new denim wash or detailing such as ’90s-inspired light wash, unique cargo or pocket placement, or a rich fall-toned hue.”
Ankle boots
Time to kick off your sandals, stop worrying if you have a pedicure and slip on a pair of boots. “The beauty of a boot is that it can literally go with just about any outfit,” explains Stohler. “For a dressier fall look, try a sleek, modern block-heel boot styled with a midi skirt and textured knit pullover. A chunky lug-sole boot is a casual option that offers comfort without sacrificing style. Style with your go-to denim, a classic crewneck tee and a patterned shacket for a coffee date or apple picking.”
A warm, cozy sweater
In the words of Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph in an infamous Saturday Night Live skit, it’s “finally sweater weather.” Stohler says, “A pullover sweater in a cozy texture, pops of jewel tones, or fresh necklines will make a statement. You can also play with proportions — such as cropped, tunic length or high-low to find a style that flatters your body type.”
Bold scarves
“Scarves are a fall wardrobe must-have that is easy to take on and off as the weather gets warmer and colder throughout the day,” says Kimberly Mayhew, CEO of House of Colour. “Scarves can also be a great way to show off your personality with various options from length, material, pattern and color. Scarves are versatile and can be dressed up or dressed down, perfect for almost any occasion for fall.”
A pleated skirt
Erica Ball, a personal stylist and fashion blogger, suggests adding a pleated maxi-length skirt to your wardrobe this fall due to its versatility. Ball explains, “For work, a long and pleated skirt looks stylish with a tailored blazer or textured fitted knit. Worn with a simple fitted tee, a slightly cropped cardigan and your favorite sneakers is a chic way to make it work for a casual weekend. While pairing it with a sequined top, which we’ll be seeing a lot this fall, and your heel of choice makes a long pleated skirt perfect for an evening out.”
The Girlfriend Staff
