While working on my fashion blog, I've been going through my closet and coordinating different looks that I think are stylish. After I've achieved a certain look, I take a photo using my tripod and timer. I got inspired to photograph my looks after looking at Pinterest, where I found a young lady who took a "selfie" photo of herself every single day for a year, showcasing her very stylish looks.
In looking at photos of myself, I've discovered an extremely valuable tool- the mirror might lie, but the camera DOES NOT. Some of the outfits I always assumed were fashionable turned out to be ho hum. The biggest reason? FIT, FIT, FIT. So here are my suggestions for your own style journey and how to increase your fashion potential by cleaning out your closet (I recommend twice a year- March and August, as the seasons change).
1. Keep What Works
What do I mean by "clean out your closet"? First of all, NEVER put a time limit on clothes, especially if they fit you well. I have a suit from the Limited that I purchased in 2003, and I still wear it to work. In fact, it's so comfortable, that some days I wear it as my "I'm too tired to care" look. I had a student one time laugh and say, "Ms. Kanehl, you're the only person I know who would wear a suit on a dress down day!" and it's true. But the suit FITS, and as long it continues to do so (and doesn't get moths), I will keep wearing it.
2. Donate What Doesn't
So what SHOULD you toss? Anything that doesn't fit AND you don't want to tailor or cannot be tailored. For example, if you have a pair of pants that are too long, but otherwise fit great, consider having them hemmed if you can still wear them. I recently tried on two blazers, and when I saw the photos, I immediately realized the blazers were just too big, so instead of trying to make them work, I listed one of Ebay (we will see how that goes) and put one in the Goodwill pile.
I also tried on my puffy vest. Now, for some reason, the puffy vest came back in style last year- and some versions are SUPER cute. Mine? Target, 10 years old, and apparently NOT so cute. When I saw the photo, I realized that my vest was way too shapeless, and I looked like a tissue box with zero figure. Because it was so old, I put it in the Goodwill pile.
You should also get rid of anything that makes you feel less than fabulous. You know what I mean! Those pants that have always been a bit snug (manufacturing error, definitely not you)! The bulky, ugly sweater you're saving in case it snows (I have a puffy vest I can lend you instead!). Either way, if you feel less than fabulous, why keep it? Wear the clothes that make you smile, not the ones that make you want to cry.
3. Take Photos of Yourself
It's scary, but it's honest. Grab any camera (not a cell phone), figure out how to use the timer, set it on a counter, and take pics. It might not be "America's Next Top Model," but you will get a good feel for how an outfit looks. Be prepared for a dose of reality, but you will feel better when you're done. Consider filing the pics in an easy accessible place, so that when you need fashion inspiration, you can quickly access them. Don't forget the accessories! How many of us have jewelry that we never wear? Don't let it sit around- pull it out, find an outfit for it, and get to work! (Alternate idea: ask your kid. They don't lie. I've avoided a few fashion errors when my daughter has told me the honest truth. On the flip side, she will be the first to tell me if an outfit looks good).
4. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
When going through your closet, give yourself plenty of time (I would say 2-3 hours, first thing in the morning when you're fresh). Personally, if I'm going to try on clothes and take pics (remember, the camera doesn't lie), I go ahead and do my make-up.
5. Get inspired
I am constantly perusing Pinterest, InStyle, People Style Watch, Lucky Magazine, and the J. Crew catalog for fashion inspiration. Often times, others will put together an outfit or color combination that I wouldn't have considered. Many times, I already own similar pieces to the ones featured, so it's not like I'm going out and purchasing new stuff. Just yesterday, I saw a Pinterest look that was based on a summer dress I own, but this look was styled for fall. I copied the look, took a pic (and got a compliment from my daughter in the process), and figured out a way to extend an $11 Gap Outlet dress into the fall that I would have normally packed away in a couple of weeks.
Good luck on your
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