Last week during a closet edit I made over 40 “NEW” outfits using what was already in someone’s closet. Every closet I go in has more potential than it’s owner can see. The trick to shaking things up in your closet is playing dress up. Walk into your closet and force yourself to find an outfit you’ve never worn before. An easy way to do this is to pretend like you’re putting an outfit together for someone else. It takes the “I could never wear that” feeling out of the equation.Dress up is a powerful exercise. (And a common occurrence in my house.) You played dress up completely uninhibited as a kid and wore only what you liked and what made you feel fun. Here’s the secret…It’s the same thing as an adult. Read on to learn the formula for putting together the perfect outfit. Dress up! Have fun! And here’s to your style! |
There are rules to follow to make sure your new cashmere sweater is an investment that will last you for years to come.
Rule #1: Look for the best fibers.
The best fibers are those that come from the Kashmiri goat (from the chin and belly) and are harvested only once a year. These fibers are the reason cashmere comes with an expensive price tag but with proper care your cashmere garment can last a lifetime. When you decide to invest in cashmere take the time to feel many different kinds and price points. All cashmere will feel soft to the touch but you will know when you touch “good” cashmere. Lower quality cashmere will sometimes feel scratchy.
Rule #2: Good cashmere will have loft.
A great cashmere sweater will have loft. Loft if the spring of the fabric. Gently pull the sides of the sweater away from each other. When you let go, a high quality garment will spring back to its original shape. A loosely knit one will not and will probably stretch out after wearing a few times.
Rule #3: Look for Bright Colors.
Vibrant colors are an indication of top quality cashmere because of the wool and dying process. It is more difficult to dye cashmere in vibrant colors so often times a lower grade is used. If you are buying darker colored cashmere check to see it is the same softness as some of the other lighter colors.
Rule #4: Check the labels.
Check the labels. Only sweaters of pure cashmere can be labeled as such. The way the garment label is sewn on will also indicate the quality of the cashmere. The best cashmere is hand knitted and is usually made in Scotland or Italy.
Rule #5: Consider the price tag.
Cashmere has become much more affordable, but be weary of great deals on cashmere. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Rule #6: Make it a wardrobe staple.
The right cashmere sweater can become a staple in your wardrobe. Cashmere can work for all seasons depending on its ply and gauge. Invest in a garment that stays true to your personal style, is figure flattering, and can integrate into your wardrobe in a versatile and stylish way.
Need help with your personal style? Not sure what to wear to flatter your figure? Let Charleston Style Concierge help you with all of your style needs with our Virtual Style Consultation.
No, a closet edit is the foundation to great style and serves as an educational tool. The fact that your closet is neat and tidy when you finish is an extra bonus. Editing your closet regularly is the key component to making your clothing function for you and your lifestyle. You should edit your closet on a seasonal basis. By working seasonally, you will find items you forgot you had, think of new ways to wear what you already own, and keep your closet neat and organized.
A closet edit can be done on your own, or with a professional. A professional stylist will help you learn the best way to dress your body and is instrumental in making you feel put together and confident every time you walk out the door. No matter if you are doing an edit on your own or with a stylist here are a few tips to get the greatest benefit out of your closet.
FACT: We wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time.
That fact makes it clear why so many of us stand in their closet staring at a sea of clothes wondering why they have nothing to wear. You do not have to be part of that fact. Set a goal to develop a wardrobe that meets your style goals and functions for you.
Ask yourself a few questions about your lifestyle. On a typical day, where are you going? What are you doing? What percentage of time is spent doing those things? Which of those activities cause you the most stress while getting dressed? Your answers will uncover your wardrobe needs and challenges. For instance, if the largest percentage of your time is spent in a jean-free workplace, do you really need 50 pairs of jeans?
Begin by focusing on one category within your wardrobe. I typically recommend pants or bottoms to my clients because most people have fewer bottoms than tops. Bottoms are important basics that will be used over and over to make different outfits. Start wherever you like and examine each piece of clothing. Does it fit? Don’t know? Try it on. Have you worn it recently? Does it fit with the categories you determined for your lifestyle? Does it meet your style goals? I realize this is a lot of questions to ask about one little piece of clothing, but it is necessary to create a fashionable wardrobe that functions for you.
As you work through your wardrobe create three piles; give-away, throw-away, and to be repaired. Make notes as you edit your closet to help you determine where you may have wardrobe holes, and what pieces you may be missing to complete your style goals. Continue working through your entire closet until you have given each piece proper attention and put it back into the closet in an orderly fashion.
Now sit back and reap the rewards of a job well done. Getting dressed is now easier because you know what you have, where it is, and how it fits. Take your closet edit notes with you on your next shopping trip. Use those notes to make smart shopping choices that can be incorporated into your existing wardrobe and lifestyle.
Find a time to edit your closet. Be honest, be creative with new outfits, and have fun! For more information about editing your closet, or to learn more about hiring a professional to assist you, contact the Charleston Style Concierge.
I recently read a magazine article that inspired me to start this blog. The article asks the question, “Can we be comfortable in our clothes, and at the same time, feel attractive and happy with the way we look?” It went on to wonder how the average woman could ever find style and happiness with themselves if a woman like Oprah is guilty of forgoing comfort in the name of fashion.
I believe every woman can feel confident, comfortable, and stylish in her clothing. Often we hide behind frumpy clothing in the name of comfort. What most women don’t understand is they can be both comfortable and fashionable, it just takes a little bit of effort and is far from impossible. My services help women find a balance between comfort and fashion that makes them feel happy and self-confident.
This blog will provide great style tips and tricks. Look and feel great every time you walk out the door. Don’t settle for anything less.
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