The Best Place to Shop
Spoiler Alert: It's Your Own Closet
Have you ever stood in front of your closet, feeling like you have nothing to wear despite it being full? It’s a common dilemma many of us face, especially when the allure of new trends and fresh fashion seems just a click or a shopping trip away. But what if the best place to shop is closer than you think? Instead of heading to the store or scrolling through endless online options, maybe it’s time to shop your own closet. After all, it's the only “store” curated specifically to your taste because you picked out all the clothing in it. Shopping your closet and rediscovering pieces you already own can be a fabulous and sustainable way to refresh your style.
In our fast-paced, consumer-driven world, it’s easy to overlook the potential treasures hidden within our own wardrobes. The convenience of online shopping and the constant surfacing of new trends can make it seem like the only way to stay stylish is to continuously add new items to our collection. However, this mindset often leads to extremely cluttered closets and a sense of dissatisfaction with what we have, no matter how much we own. By taking a step back and revisiting the clothes and accessories you already possess, you begin to think more creatively and broaden your personal style.
As a semi-recent college graduate, I've had to get creative with the clothes I already own. While this has been driven by a limited budget, it has also given me the opportunity to test and expand my personal style. Now, I can confidently say that I've worn about 90% of the clothes in my closet at least once, and about 75% have been styled in different ways and worn multiple times. In college, I wore the same pieces every day and every weekend, so I would say this is a big improvement. This journey of creativity and style experimentation has taught me why the best place to shop is my own closet, here are some tips on how you can do it too.
Successfully shopping your closet starts with Pinterest. Pinterest is going to be your best friend throughout this journey. I seriously believe that it’s the most helpful app ever created. For example, if you’re starting this journey in the summertime, use Pinterest to find inspiration for summer outfits you love. Search for terms like "summer outfits," “summer outfit aesthetic," or specific styles you enjoy, and pin the outfits that you resonate with. This will serve as a visual guide for your style journey.
Next, analyze your board to identify common themes such as colors, patterns, and types of clothing. Make a list of the key items and styles that appear frequently in your pinned outfits. Then, go into your closet and take inventory, pulling out items that match or resemble these key pieces. Be open-minded; the pieces don’t have to be identical. Remember, they are not always going to look the exact same, and that is okay. You don’t want to look like everyone else, so think about how you can mix and match what you have to achieve a similar look.
Now for the good part. It's time to recreate the outfits. Experiment with different combinations of your clothes, layering and most importantly, accessorizing to enhance your looks. Scarves, belts, jewelry, and shoes can seriously make an outfit. As you put together outfits, think outside the box and repurpose items by wearing them slightly differently. This may feel weird at first, but remember, there are no rules in fashion.
Something I have started doing recently is documenting my outfits. I personally keep a Notes document of some of my favorite outfits and refer back to them when I need inspiration. Take photos of the looks you create and keep a lookbook, either in a notebook or digitally—whatever floats your boat. This will help you remember the combinations you like and include notes on what worked well and what didn’t.
Once you start getting comfortable with this rhythm, try new combinations and don’t be afraid to experiment with styles you haven’t tried before. Mix patterns and textures and incorporate statement pieces like interesting jewelry, fun shoes, or unique handbags to elevate simple looks. Confidence is key; don’t be afraid to try something new! Never lose sight of what makes your personal style unique. As long as you embrace the differences and wear your outfits with confidence, you will always look fabulous!
By regularly revisiting and reimagining your wardrobe, you will become more in touch with your evolving style preferences. This process can help you identify what truly works for you and what doesn't, making future shopping trips more intentional. You'll learn to appreciate the value of each piece in your wardrobe, understanding that style is not about quantity but about how you wear and combine what you have.
So, the next time you find yourself thinking you have nothing to wear, remember that your closet holds countless possibilities just waiting to be explored. So open the door, get creative, and enjoy the adventure of finding new ways to express yourself through the clothes you already own. Happy closet shopping!
P.S. If you're considering a career in styling, your own closet is an excellent place to start testing your skills. Challenge yourself to create as many different outfit combinations as possible using just a few key pieces. Even something that seems simple not only enhances your creativity but also provides valuable experience that can boost your resume pushing you closer to a career in fashion. You got this.
XO,
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆