how to make the most out of your wardrobe

For most people, the start of each season brings about a change of wardrobe and a feeling of the need to get new items of clothing to replace last year's trends. I definitely spent my allowance on fast fashion when I was young. I didn't have the mentality that I do now around the idea of quality over quantity. While it makes sense that I don't still have pieces of clothing from when I was fourteen, as I've reached my twenties and my style (and size) has stopped fluctuating, it's wise for me to look into investing in the longevity of the things that I put on my body. I won't get into why fast fashion is so harmful for the environment and workers who make the pieces, but as a starting point, fast fashion is bad. It's generally cheap and made to last a few months, not a few years. So, how do you make the most out of your wardrobe? 

Step 1: Envision the kind of wardrobe you want

Make a Pinterest board for it. Save pictures on Instagram of clothing brands you love or influencers whose style you would love to steal. Then work towards it. Maybe you want items in a specific color palette or you want to embody a specific style, then buy things in that realm. If you want a neutral summer look, don't buy a bright red floral dress. 

Step 2: Marie Kondo the heck out of your closet 

Haven't worn an item in six months and don't plan on wearing it in the next six? Give it to a friend who would wear it, sell it on Facebook or Instagram or donate it! There is no use in keeping clothes you aren't going to wear, but also don't throw out everything only to fill your closet up again with MORE clothes that you won't wear, be strategic. 

Step 3: Buy pieces that make you excited to put them on!! 

I know this may sound obvious, but if you're on the fence about whether or not you like an item of clothing in a store, just don't get it. Really reflect on what you're buying. Do you see yourself wearing that piece next season? Unless you're thrift shopping, don't be afraid to leave the item and come back to it in a few days after you've thought about how much you really want that piece. 

Step 4: Less is more 

As someone who picks up and moves countries every couple of years, I’ve perfected knowing what clothes I actually wear on a weekly basis. Fill your closet with items you know you want to wear, and wear pretty often. By limiting your options in clothes, it saves time in the morning when getting ready. It also limits you picking the 'wrong' outfit, since you've got a theme and know that you like all the options in your closet.

“By limiting your options in clothes, it saves time in the morning when getting ready. “

Step 5: I cannot stress this enough, but be practical when choosing your aesthetic

It's easy to look at Instagram models and wish you had their wardrobe of Fashion Nova and high heels, but if you're a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal, then as High School Musical once said, 'you gotta stick to the status quo'. What's the use of buying nice and pretty clothing that you'll never wear? On that same note, know your climate. If you live in an area that gets boiling hot during the summer, maybe don't buy clothes for a cropped sweater and jeans look. Clothes are a way to express yourself, but we also have to be in them for most of the day, so buy things you'll be comfortable wearing, both physically and mentally.

Step 6: Get out and rock it! 

Don't be afraid of judgment or weird looks, if you love your clothes, then that's all that matters.