AHHHH, ladies, can I get an AMEN from the ones who stand in front of their closet and either scream out loud, or silently in their head, “I have nothing to wear!” Well, stick with me and those days will be over before you know it!
LET ME GET THIS STRAIGHT, YOU HAVE NOTHING?
More often than not, when I’m working with women and their wardrobe, what they mean whey they say they have nothing to wear, is that they have nothing that they really love. We want our clothes to match our moods. Help us feel beautiful and confident. Maybe feel a little unique and fun. Those old faithfuls may have had their day; but we are just so darn used to them, we keep going back, because they are “good enough”. Hmmm, are they though? And, let’s be real, “good enough” is far from confidence boosting or empowering.
It’s time to look at what you’ve got with fresh eyes and make combinations you never thought of before. If you need some inspiration, I’ve taken a series of photos with outfits I’ve made from shopping my closet. I’ve kept one anchor piece and tried to create different looks, from dressy to casual.
ONE DENIM, FIVE LOOKS
Here is a bunch of looks with my favorite denim. You might remember this picture from my post about the 80-20 Rule; but I thought it was worth sharing again….but not only are the jeans the same; but check out the other pieces. The cream tank finished off in two very different ways. The necklaces, jacket and scarves become the focal point, not the same clothing pieces. The black booties add edge to a sweater and printed scarf, or a dressy top for heading out to a concert.
Scarves can be super lightweight and a really reasonably priced addition to your accessory wardrobe. An easy-to-add pendant necklace adds texture and shine to a neutral, or any style, of look! For me, I have always loved a good arm party as well, and if you notice, it’s almost the same set of bracelets with my watch in 4 out of 5 of these looks. It’s just a nice way to add details to your look, and once you find your favorite combo, wear it as often as you like!
I DON’T HAVE TIME TO DRESS UP
Oh yeah….I challenge you on that. What if you took a plain grey sweater you’d normally wear with leggings or your skinny jeans to run through the day; but fun plans came up that night? Check this out. Same top, added a statement necklace (ladies, you should all have at least one in your accessory collection, it’s adds instant glam). Throw on your dark denim (in this case I put on my black coated denim so it reads like leather), cute leather booties with a heel, and a black leather clutch. Let your hair down and gooooooo!
ONE SWEATER, FOUR LOOKS
This time, the sweater is the anchor piece that I attempted to wear differently. This top has some pretty great details that might make it seem too memorable to be creative with. I call that a challenge!
First way was the most obvious…skinny jeans, leopard booties and a neutral bag. The snake skin belt might be my favorite detail to add to it. When you wear something as boxy as this, you need to find a way to show that you have a waist in there. Front tuck and belt to the rescue. It always helps to make the legs look longer. YES PLEASE! The colors are very similar; but the prints and textures make the outfit show my personality.
Second way was a business casual look I wore to a conference I was invited to, as a guest, by a friend. I wasn’t about to suit up; but my awesome navy pinstripe pants from back in my office days made an appearance. Paired with a killer statement necklace and dark green heels, it definitely felt like my style, in a room full of suits.
Next is with a faux leather pleated skirt, and over top of a summer dress on a fall day, both paired with boots. I can’t wear that white striped dress enough so it made me SO happy to find a way to wear it another way! Maybe you have something you own you feel that way about too?
BUT ENOUGH ABOUT ME…THIS IS ABOUT YOU
I really want these examples to inspire you to take some of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe, and pair them in a VERY different way than you are used to. Ok? Like, get creative. Layer some things, add accessories, be bold in your choices! You never know girlfriend, you just might have your new favorite outfit already hanging in your closet!! And if not, then you need to put it on that intentional shopping list; but also try to think of what something new to your closet, would work with, that’s already there. The more you have to pair it with, the more you will wear it.
xo -Taryn