Before you start your wardrobe over, read this
When your closet feels like a mess, it’s tempting to throw it all out and start fresh. The idea of a clean slate sounds SO TEMPTING — no more second-guessing, no more frustration. Just new, exciting possibilities.
I know because I did it.
A few years ago, I looked at my closet and thought: burn it all to hell. So I got rid of almost everything. Don’t worry, I donated and consigned. And for a moment, it felt liberating.
Naturally, I went about the next step in the most Type A way you can imagine.
I spent thousands replacing the gaps. I shopped based on what I thought my style should be - the opposite of what I got rid of. I grabbed anything neutral, minimal and casual that influencers were linking.
And then something funny happened.
My outfits started feeling …basic. The personality was entirely missing because I was chasing a narrow idea of versatility instead of understanding WHY I wanted a fresh start in the first place. It had little to do with clothes and a lot to do with a shift in priorities and how I saw myself evolving.
Here’s why “burn it down” doesn’t work:
You don’t actually know what’s missing until you define your personal style.
The problem isn’t always the clothes, it’s how they fit together (or don’t).
A blank slate creates pressure to get it right immediately, leading to rushed buys.
What to do instead:
Find your personal style first. Before you toss anything, get clear on what you actually want your look to say. Close Pinterest and reflect on WHY it’s important for you to show up pulled together. Be your worst 5yr old and ask why again. And again. One more time.
Notice what already works. Chances are, some pieces in your closet do fit your style (or at least hint at colours, fits and textures you love). Keep a running note on your phone about these details - you’ll start seeing patterns.
Curate instead of replace. Add one piece at a time. Find at least 3 ways to style it before you even take the tag off. See how many different occasions it fits. Get weird with it. PLAY.
If you’re feeling the urge to start over, let’s make sure you do it right.
And by ‘right’ I mean, don’t just burn money and waste months shopping with no direction.
