Shop Your Closet

Effortlessly mix and match key separates to create different looks. The FLOTUS created two distinctive outfits using her marigold J. Crew cardigan by swapping out a print skirt and shell for bright cobalt-blue denim. Here are a few quick and easy ideas that can take your closet to the next level.

Rihanna and her Erva Tote

Take inventory of your closet so you know what’s in there. Take out the top pieces in your closet that you love, not necessarily things that you wear all the time. Let go of pieces that are outdated, the wrong size, or unflattering for your skin tone and body type. Try to lean more toward things you’ve had and loved for a while, not just your newest and trendiest acquisitions. Imagine your closet as the perfectly edited boutique where every item fits and flatters just you.

Kim Kardashian in her Plastic Island Blazer

Set aside the pieces you’ve held on to for a while but never wear. Make a "maybe" pile of things you might be able to re-work with minor alterations or update with new items. For instance, a mid-calf length skirt can take on a second life with a little hemming or crop an outdated jacket for a modern take. Removing a superfluous ruffle, replacing buttons and hemming jeans are a few things that take mere minutes to complete and can turn something drab into something a little more “hell yea!” All of these things would be fixable if you just bite the bullet and learn just a few simple sewing skills.

Nicole Richie in her Paige Denim Jacket

Once you have edited down your closet, make a list of new items you need to complete your wardrobe. Have an event coming up? Need more clothes that work for day or night? Head to the stores with a list of what you really need and start shopping! You will buy much less than you would in the past.

Remember, Smarter Choices = Smarter Style

Sarah Jessica Parker in her Nicholas Kirkwood "Kasia" sandals

Organize your closet by category and color so you can see exactly what you have. Once you do, you'll become inspired and find new ways of putting different pieces together and creating new outfits. If you can't see those shoes or that top, you'll forget about it. Out of sight is out of mind. If you don't have a lot of room in your closet, think about using boxes and containers with pictures of the item(s) on the front of the container.

Halle Berry and her Thomas Wylde bag

Get more style miles out of your wardrobe by only purchasing exactly what you need. Do some homework before you head to the stores. Look up your favorite brands' websites to get a feel for what's available, on sale, or for styling ideas. When you get to the stores, look for versatile items. Don't worry about buying head-to-toe outfits. Think about purchasing individual items that can be worn different ways. In other words, pieces you can wear from the desk to dinner or from work into the weekend. Whenever I see an item I am interested in, I try to think of at least 3 different ways I can wear that item utilizing what I already have in my closet before I make that purchase. Layering pieces are great, like lightweight cardigans, that can be stretched from one look to the next. Belts on just about anything - from jackets and sweaters, to blouses and coats too. Wide or thin.

Rihanna and her Rosena Sammi Ring

One great way to stretch what you already have is to take pictures of the looks you get complimented on, creating your own mini look book. It might give you new ideas to wear what you already own. Flip through magazines for inspiration and tear out your favorites. For example, a photo of a celebrity whose style you admire wearing dark jeans, a white button down, and a navy blazer can easily translate into a look you might have in your closet.

Ashley Olsen in stretch-leather mini and gray top both from The Row

Figure out what you love. Ponder your choices and think of a few words that describe your aesthetic. Next time you go shopping, try to choose items that will enhance and round out the strong aesthetic. But don’t be too strict for too long. Always allow room for your style to evolve. Choose your trends carefully and don’t let them rule your style. When in doubt sneer, strut or just grin and no one will ever doubt your style choices ever again.

They call it personal style for a reason.

xo,

Jana-Lynn