(Re)building Your Wardrobe

It takes years to find your personal style and after you find it, it can be a bit overwhelming finding clothes that fall into that style. I am currently in the process of rebuilding my wardrobe and it is no easy task. It is a lot of searching, browsing, saving, styling, and sometimes even returning. The hardest part, however, is dealing with the clothes that are already in my closet. The most sustainable option is always using what you already have, but sometimes we have to accept letting go of clothes that aren’t doing you any good.

I think it’s important to remember that clothes should only stay in your closet when they are serving you. Those jeans that don’t fit you anymore, donate them. The shirt that you like but never have an occasion for, to the thrift shop it goes. Those shoes that are worn out all the way through the soles, toss them. Don’t keep clothes just because they’re hard to part with. Appreciate what they gave you and part ways with them. There was a time when they were serving you, but that is no longer the case, so it’s time to replace them with clothes that will refresh your style and give you confidence.

Now that you got rid of all the clothes that you no longer wear, it’s time to look into replacing them. Personally, my first step is always getting 1-2 pairs of shoes, depending on your budget. Shoes are meant to last years, even decades, so make sure you get a pair that is built to last. If your budget allows, get a sturdy pair of shoes that you feel attractive in and make sure it is made with quality materials and quality craftsmanship. If your budget is tight, check sale sections and off-price retailers like T J maxx. The same applies for jeans, coats and jackets.

After you get the heavier clothes out of the way, the fun part begins. It’s time to search thrift shops, local stores, online shops, small businesses, etc. This can get overwhelming, but remember, there’s no rush. As long as you have clothes on your back, you don’t need to buy everything at once. You want these clothes to come to you authentically and you want to be sure you truly love them. It will take a long time, but patience will be your friend in this process.