how to: shop your closet
I would have to say the number one request I receive from clients is to style their wardrobe. For some clients, that’s all I do. They shop, I style. Styling requires knowing how to arrange elements in an interesting way. If you’ve ever read Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers he has a theory that proves putting in 10,000 hours in on anything will get you to expert status. I can safely say, I am an expert at styling.
“Shop Your Closet” is the practice of using what you already own to create looks. Working in retail requires knowing how to merchandise clothing and accessories. There are two key components to a well merchandised boutique: organization and inspiration. When executed well, this offers customers a pleasing way for customers to shop. Take the same approach to your closet, and getting dressed can take on that same feeling as being in a boutique. Here are a few tips from my merchandising days along with how I find inspiration…
ORGANIZATION
1. Arrange like items together (tops, skirts, dresses, bottoms)
2. Start with color -hang lightest to darkest, left to right
3. Within each color grouping, hang lightest fabrics to heaviest fabrics
4. Hang tops over bottoms when possible
5. Tops ~ start with sleeveless, then short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, and then long
6. Skirts ~ shortest to longest
7. Dresses ~ hang lightest to darkest, and then by sleeve length
(More on organizing accessories.)
INSPIRATION
Pinterest is my go-to inspiration source these days and it’s due to the fact that I can follow all the great style sources under one app. Sometimes I use books (I have collected a variety of books on fashion from photographers, models, designers, and icons). Movies are another great source of inspiration. Do you have a character from a movie whose style you covet? Use them as a source to invigorate your own style (one of mine has been Gwyneth in Great Expectations and when I was younger, Demi Moore in No Small Affair).
I suggest first looking at your clothing and selecting some key pieces.
- striped t-shirt
- white t-shirt
- white button down
- maxi-dress
- cropped denim
- white denim
Next, go to Pinterest and do a search on these items and put “style” behind each item like so, “striped t-shirt style”, “white button down style”, and so forth. Take a look at what you can find on Pinterest and ideally start a board that archives the looks you like. If you have the Pinterest App on your phone, this makes it easy for you to find your inspiration for your activities. If you want to follow any of my style boards, I’m including a link.
Then take some of your favorite pieces – the ones you feel great in every time you wear them – and come up with 3 different ways to wear each one of them. Make sure to document the looks with your camera phone. Having the ideas at your fingertips is being prepared – it’s putting in the time before the occasion arrives.
The items you are not choosing for this exercise are indicators – ask yourself this crucial question,“If I were shopping right this second, would I buy this item?” Therein lies the the answer of what to do next! If all of this is seams exhausting, get in touch with someone who knows their way around building looks; someone who’s already logged in the time and energy, and maximize on their expertise! It could be more valuable that you realize.
BOOKS
