Starting A Wardrobe Over at Any Age for Those Who Like A Challenge

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Starting a wardrobe over —

If anyone is an expert at starting over in life, It is me.

When it comes to the clothes you wear, it’s how they make you feel. 

That is an important aspect of life. It truly is.

It cannot be discounted. 

Honor that.

The way in which we feel about ourselves shows up in how we dress, and how we do our hair and makeup.

We are told not to judge a book by its cover, but we are mammals after all. Constantly looking for threats and safety.

How we decide to present ourselves in the real world matters a lot more than you may think. 

When To Know If It’s Time to Start Over

If you wake up and feel like you have nothing to wear. 

Take notice.

If you suddenly went through a life change.

Take notice.

If your body changed.

Take notice.

If some of your clothing gives you the ick when you look at it, but it is also a well-loved item, however, you avoid it because it has a bad memory attached to it.

Take notice.

Constantly Edit Your Wardrobe

Just because you have the perfect button-down, blouse, and trousers, does not mean you suddenly are off those items when shopping.

Know when it’s time to bring another item in, and when to let one go.

Notice Your Style Patterns

What are you gravitating towards in your closet?

Did you just invent your style uniform?

Do you need more or less of an item?

Take notice.

Find the Gaps in Your Wardrobe

You may have a pair of heels, but do you actually have the amount of heels that would support the outfits in your closet, while also giving you the freedom to have fun and exciting accessories?

Also, take note!

Know Your Body Type

Getting to know your body is the best way to style your body and buy clothes for your body.

My favorite style body system is the Kibbe system, because it teaches you the silhouettes that work best for your bone structure, while honoring your lines (and your Kibbe body type follows you at any size).

You can get consultations from seasoned professionals or learn the method for yourself. 

Find Your Essences

After you find your Kibbe body type, you may shake your head in disagreement. 

This is where you can mix and match the main frame of your clothing structure with items that support your essences, which Kitchner modeled from studying face shapes, and is a lot like personality mapping.

You can have up to seven essences I believe, but you will mostly have a big three, and you will want to lean into that. 

Ironically, your essences probably shape the way you already dress, so just match your personality to the essences after you whittle down the face mapping portion. 

Study Your Color Season

This will help you as you edit out your closet and shop for new pieces. 

If anything, it just makes you more aware of why certain things always sit in your closet, while others make you feel like a million bucks. 

The Base of Your New Wardrobe 

Below, I have offered a wardrobe that is modeled after how I rebuilt mine in my thirties. 

It has taken almost seven years to fully grasp — a lot of shopping, a lot of editing. 

It was work, and I have been dedicated, but now I share my very realistic wardrobe needs with you. 

This is a maximalist/minimalist wardrobe just shy of 100 pieces — where you won’t feel so restricted (if that is a fear of yours), and you will be able to create many new outfit combinations.) 

• 2 pairs of slacks in neutral shades 
• 1 pair of dark wash jeans of any shade
• 2 pairs of light or medium wash jeans
• 3 button-downs in your best neutral shades
• 2 blouses
• 3 undershirts that double as t-shirts (think Skims or Intimissi)
• 1 pair of trainers
• 1 pair of fun/casual outfit trainers
• 1 Casual Dress for each season
• 2 skirts 
• 1 formal dress
• 1 spring jacket/trench
• 1 winter everyday jacket
• 2 pairs of flats
• 1 pair of ankle boots
• 1 pair of pull-on shorts
• 1 jean short
• 1 linen short
• 3 camisole tops
• 1 pair of mid-calf boots
• 1 pair of snowshoes
• 3 sets of your favorite pajamas for each season
• 2 blazers
• 4 cardigans
• 3 matching workout sets
• 1 pair of everyday sandals
• 1 pair of elevated sandals
• 2 sweatshirts
• 3 pairs of tights
• 3 sweaters
• 4 tank tops
• 1 neck scarf
• 2 beanies
• 1 pair of leather gloves
• 1 winter scarf
• 1 pair of everything heels
• 1 fun pair of shoes
• 2 pairs of earrings that go with everything
• 1 bag that goes with everything
• 1 clutch
• 7 pairs of matching socks
• 3 bras that fit you well
• 4 sports bras
• An everyday perfume you love
• 7 pairs of great underwear 

Let me know if you found these tips helpful in the comments below. 

xx,

Nikita