Dark wash jeans, white cardigan and grey t-shirt - neutral, neutral, neutral, story of my life.
I’ve identified my personal style, or at least what I’m aiming for, so the next step in the process is to go through what I currently have and eliminate anything that doesn’t fit that style.
I have a secret: I’ve been trying to make this change for years; ever since I started this blog which is back in 2008. For some reason I’ve always got to the point of cleaning out my closet, possibly even bought a couple of items, and then never really gone any further. In fact I’ve done it so many times that I have a really lean wardrobe.
Once I did get to the point where I started putting together a cohesive wardrobe, which I really loved. It was right before I get into a relationship with my partner, which was a fairly massive change got to say, but shortly afterwards I had another major life change in that I left my business and took on full time work.
My stress management theories are not so great and I ended up gaining weight. Actually I ended up gaining back the weight that I had lost from dieting along with a little extra and that led to rethinking dieting, but that’s a different story.
I gained weight and the pieces that I had managed to accumulate no longer fit. I cannot tell you how much of a blow that was.
CLOTHING AUDIT
I’m committed to changing my style though, so what the hell I did it. I got rid of anything that:
- No longer fit well
- Had stains, rips, stretches, marks or whatever that couldn’t be saved
- Doesn’t reflect the style I want to achieve
- Just basically didn’t make me feel great
I was pretty ruthless. Well actually I still have a few things in there that I should, and will get rid of, but in the mean time I have to have something to wear!
What I’ve got left to form the basis of my wardrobe is:
- 1 x pair straight leg jeans in a dark wash
- 1 x pair flared boyfriend jeans in a mid wash
- 1 x denim skirt in a straight cut (will possibly go later)
- 1 x maxi skirt in a leopard print (will definitely go later)
- 3 x work uniform skirts / pants
- 3 x knitted tanks various colours
- 1 x sparkly top
- 2 x checked shirts
- 2 x coloured cardigans (both will go later)
- 2 x patterned maxi dresses (both will go later)
- 1 x light bolero wrap
- 1 x Chanel cut jacket (winter weight)
- 1 x booties
- 1 x nude flats
- 2 x wedge shoes
- 2 x fabulous black heels
- 1 x brown heeled loafers
- 2 x thongs
- 2 x work shoes
- assorted jewellery (most of which goes)
- assorted handbags (most of which goes)
That is my entire wardrobe. I have more shoes than anything else, because shoes are easy and it’s always possible to find things that fit.
It’s scary. Now when I go to the wardrobe I can say with no irony what so ever that I have nothing to wear. It’s annoying and frustrating to be in this position but I’m a person who drags things out and I would never have done anything about it unless I actually put myself into a situation where I basically have to.
SO NOW WHAT?
Lets go shopping!
Only, I’ve been looking and well, its not going well. I see a lot of things but can’t make up my mind whether or not it’s going to fit in with what I want to achieve.
My next step is to get really clear about the looks I want to achieve and from there to start incorporating them into my wardrobe design.
Better get on with it then, hey, because, damn, I have nothing to wear.
About Lisa
But a really, really awesome pair of shoes that are comfortable but not neutral, that make you feel awesome, that don’t have to go with anything because they are so da bomb that they don’t need to bow to the rules of matching. I’m thinking something in purple suede or sumptuous red leather, something with beads, something that zips… something just so awesome you could wear them naked and nobody would even realise you’re naked, the shoes are so fabulous.
Then build from there. 
The shoes must lead…
That is a fabulous idea, and you know my boyfriend will totally go for it. He thinks I wear far too many clothes as it is.
… and if the shoes are a fortune you can always point to the fact that you saved on the rest of the outfit!
Hi Lisa! Your site is great, this is what I was looking for so long! It’s pretty frustrating not finding anything that could really help you find the right clothes according to your body type, so now I’m gonna follow you hehehe!.. I still have so much to read (I’ve started trying to define my body shape, I’m still very confused!) I can swear I feel like I have all the types of bodies just by reading the descriptions of them LOL.. ;P
On the other hand, wow! I don’t think I still have the courage to throw away a lot of clothes as you did (though I need it so much!), I bought tons of clothes I haven’t even used once, that’s pretty frustrating, now, by reading one of your articles I understand why some clothes look great at the stores but when you try at home they look like a bag lol! Thank you and the best for you!
Hey Mist
Thanks for the feedback, its much appreciated. I’m feeling fairly regretful about being so brave at the moment, but I’m sure in the long run it will be the right thing. I guess we’ll find out!
Lisa
I understand what youre talking about in the article! I just have a few clothes left. And there are still clothes that have to go. I am analysing my body now and in two weeks I have an apointment for a colouradvice. I’m so exciting about that! But it’s hard too. I have bunions on my feet and special soles for it. I fail all the time finding shoes that are comfortable and elegant. And I have no budget for buying clothes. I have a lot of motivation, that’s a good startingpoint I think. And I am beginning to understand and love my bodyshape. Good luck with your goals!
Thanks Froan
I’m still struggling with this. I buy stuff all the time and think, yeah that’s cool, then a few weeks later I can’t find something to wear. Yikes.
LISA