6Ā years ago when I was living in London I started writing on the subject of Wardrobe Rehab…Ā A process of perfecting your closet and maintaining it over time so that really works for you. Andddddd so that you never stand in front of your closet wondering what to wear again!
The goal is a wardrobe that’s easy to navigate, full of pieces that you absolutely love and are able to create infinite outfit with. Fast forward andĀ I’ve learntĀ so muchĀ about maintaining a functional closet andĀ developing your style, much more than I knew and understood when I first started. It’s for that reason that we’ve been wanting to renew/rejuvenate this series for a long time, and finally we are! Ā Below you can find the 5 steps, expanded withĀ videos, tips, tricks and printablesĀ for how you can not only organise and edit your existing wardrobe, but how you can also develop your personal style, choose a palette and focus your shopping. All so you can look and feel your best. š
Wardrobe Rehab
Step 3. Choose Your Essentials
Step 4. Select Your Colour Palette
Step 5. Maintain & Focus Your Shopping
A Question For You Guys
As a way of knowing more about what would help you with the perfect wardrobe, I’d love to hear about any challenges you face in terms of developing a wardrobe that works really well for you. Do let me know if there is anything in particular you would like me to delve into when it comes to your closet whether it be budget, essentials, colours, brands to buy from, fit, occasions or whatever!
I’m really excited to share this updated wardrobe journey with you, and hope you get on board. The goal is to do this together, sharing the highs and the lows. Hopefully we’ll all Ā have the perfect wardrobe within a few months. I’m so excited!
Illustrations by Annie Huang
My main problem: pinning things on Pinterest but never finding them in real life.
How do I find these items, which I love, online and/or IRL?
True!! I’m a Pinterest fiend but also have trouble making those looks work IRL.
Great point Theresa, such a frustrating problem! But one we’ll definitely try to cover in the series!
Awesome, can’t wait to see how you can help with this! š
Oh I agree! I pin everything and then am either too scared to use the website (fear of my info getting out) or I can’t ever piece the items together that good in real life.
I would love to know this one! I feel this would change my look massively!
I love this and have been working on my wardrobe with the same principles. A few hurdles I’d love help with is doing it on a budget and elevating my personal style. I’m generally pretty pulled together but often missing that thing that takes an outfit from pulled together and nice to next level cool (with ease of course!). A xx
Thanks so much for your insight Amelia! x
This is such a perfect idea, thank you for sharing this!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Thanks so much Michelle x
Great idea, my wardrobe definitely needs that!
In the last months I became more and more aware of the importance to buy responsibly. I find it rather difficult to find sustainable brands that fit a students budget. Maybe you can help with that?
Also I’d love to read about making some basic clothes myself – something you can wear with pride. š
Thanks so much Elisa, such a great point about buying sustainably.
You can take a look at the Closet Staple series to help get you started on ideas to DIY your own basics š x
https://apairandasparediy.com/?s=Closet+Staples&submit=search
What to do when the style you like doesn’t suit your body type!
Thanks š
Yes! I struggle with the same issue.
Oh shit. I’m so excited!!!!!!
For me, personally, I don’t find it difficult to understand the process of building and maintaining a good wardrobe but my biggest issue is likely my lack of patience. I did a massive cull two years ago when I started my first full-time job straight out of school and, while I don’t regret it, it left my closet super small and with many gaps. Gaps in quality, in items, in colours. And it bothers me because I know that a good wardrobe takes time to build because of the expense! š
http://www.dressupchowdown.com
Thanks so much for your insight Thuy, I can definitely relate and hopefully we will be able to touch on this in the series! x
I agree with Theresa. It is very hard for me to find where to buy the things that I truly like like in my Pinterest board.
My main problem is: I don’t know what to wear at the office (incl. the perfect shoes) and I also don’t know what to wear in my freetime (I don’t feel well in simple shirts) š can’t wait to see your wardrobe rehab
Thanks so much for sharing Dani, excited to share this journey with you š
I am excited to read the wardrobe Rehab chronicles! For the last year or so I have been really in to defining my style and only keeping clothes that I wear, and that are more of a better quality that overall give me a certain “look”! I have a post on my blog “8 Tips for cleaning out your closet and Simplifying Your Wardrobe”, you might like it as well!
XX -Kaylee
My problem is that I can’t define my style, help me. please!!
I’d like to see more on how to pick the perfect colour palette
YES so excited for this series, as I’ve been meaning to clean out my closet! I’ve definitely gotten a lot more picky over the years in terms of shopping. I’ve stopped shopping as fast fashion places like Forever21 because I’d rather spend $$ on pieces that are more durable, high quality and will still be stylish over time
Love this! I always like to do a bit of a cull before sale season starts – I’ll be using this as a guide, thank you.
– Natalie
http://www.workovereasy.com
Glad you like it Natalie! š
Great idea!! I love the post
I always find it hard to find the essentials I need. Also, I always get this urge to follow the trend and end up buying new clothes almost every season. Maybe some tips on finding what kind of classics (that suit us) we should have in our wardrobe would be great š
Great post! Many thanks!
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! š I’m pretty organized when it comes to my closet, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t days where I stand in front of the closet, thinking about what to wear, Looking forward to the rest of the series!
XO, Elizabeth
https://clothestoyouuu.com/
So excited for this series, I definitely need help. My main dilemma: I’m always cold! Unless it’s 75Ā°F or higher, I’ve got a coat on. Dressing in summer is a breeze, but all those cute fall looks with the ballet flats and the midi skirts? Can’t do ’em. If there’s space between the hem of my jeans and the top of my shoe, it feels like an arctic wind is biting at my ankles. So frustrating trying to look chic when it’s too early for winter layers but too late for summer dresses.
Further complication: I can’t wear heels. I’ve got a fallen arch on the left foot and a twist in my spine because of it. Every step tweaks my spine a bit more, so if I walk any distance at all in the wrong shoes, my back goes out. Argh! My beloved black Chelsea boots, my Converse lowtops, my Vans, and my gym sneakers are the only shoes I can get away with wearing for any length of time.
I’d like to know some brands for good quality basics, that aren’t too expensive.
Oh my, that seems like such an impossible task š
YES and what a great timing! I thought to my self last week that NOW is the time for me to get my style and wardrobe together. My main issue is how to figure out my style. What do I really like to ware and what do I both feel and look stylish in on a everyday basis? Looking forward to this. I’m in!
I have recently become a yogi and my closet is full of leggings and activewear and I took a break from work to develop my yoga photography business and did yoga teacher training. Now I am back working an office wearing my old wardrobe which I only have key pieces I love as I’ve culled most of it. But I have lost my passion to care about what to wear for my own style. I’ve enjoy yoga wear more but I don’t want to lose touch with my with my everyday/ office look as it’s still part of my life. I guess blending my multiple work lifestyle.
Yoga photographer – look
Yoga teacher – look
Office women – look
Date night – look
Traveller – look
my colour scheme is more black, white, grey, as I can buy key items on budget and you don’t notice it. But I prefer quality items and fun trendy stuff. It’s just seems too hard at times especially now that I am running my own business.
I’m excited to see what your series is š
I did this a while ago, using your posts among other sources, and it worked wonders. What I could improve in my wardrobe or what I am not sure about in your approach is the colour palette as it can end up looking and feeling boring, so I would love if you did a post about incorporating colours without falling off the whole concept. Maybe through accessories but then you need to buy many which is not the objective either I guess? I think I look pulled together most of the time but also a bit boring and definitely not ‘stylish’ so my next goal would be to elevate my curated wardrobe or give it a personal twist, making it more stand-out and memorable.
Thanks for the series, I will be reading!
I love it! My main concern is once I have narrowed down my style and a particular article of clothing that want I can’t find it in my size since I am petite (5′ tall). I usually have to spend more money to have it altered which is fine bc I like fitted clothing however just had my second child so my body is ever changing and my once perfect fitting wardrobe no longer. Is there a way we can get the stylish fitted curated wardroom without dropping more money?
Can’t wait for the whole series to unfold. I think that my biggest challenge is culling and defining my style. I’m not a big shopper but still tend to gravitate to items that are “safe”. Summer is easy for me but winter and mid season definitley more challenging.
Dear Geneva, you cannot be as excited as I am! This is truly a Godsend as my wardrobe/style need overhauling. I love your clean, classic style and cannot wait to begin this endeavor with you!
I moved from Cambridge UK to a remote small town in the North West Peninsular, Western Australia ~ it’s a paradise of eco rich, unspoilt beaches, relaxed lifestyle with hot hot summers (typically rising to 40 degrees around November and 50 degrees by Christmas!) then cooling down for 8 months of beautiful weather from March. My dilemma is that I have european / classic styling, but really need to build a wardrobe for my lifestyle here. I’m a youthful at heart but mature woman who could use some help with building the staple wardrobe that reflects my classic style but is light weight and ‘put together’. The only clothing shops are surf related and the styles are lovely beachy breezy, but not appropriate for me, so all shopping has to be done online! Now THAT’s a challenge! Very much looking forward to learning tips and not looking at my wardrobe wailing ‘what can I wear??? Oh by the way….I have already started with buying the SIMPLE SANDAL in nude, congratulations Geneva V on a beautifully product …xx
Dressing for the Aussie tropics is an art in itself š I write a sewing blog of the clothes I make for myself, and sometimes my mum, that suit Darwin, where we live. There are a few other woman who write sewing blogs who live in the tropics too. If you’re interested I could dig up links to them. Each woman has her own style and wardrobe needs. We all just sew our own clothes rather than buy them š
Buying online… one of the huge things people find is that natural fibres are much more comfy than polyester. If you like breezy styles, the lagenlook style can work well.
Some people go for the market dress style of batik/south-east Asian looks. But most people I know wear variations on simple dresses, or shorts/capris with a nice short-sleeved or sleeveless top. The self-expression tends to be in what kind of short/capris and tops!
Then there’s another whole work look for people working in airconditioning, which tend to be plain colours, those little tops and formal skirt or trousers. Not so important that the clothes are natural fibres. But if you’re outside a lot while in the office clothes then it helps.
I also think a few of the local shops that specialise in tropical wear might be online. I could search for them if you’d like.
And check out boutique kind of shops in Queensland. There’s enough people there that the market exists for that kind of clothing. Though QLD tends to be cooler generally than Darwin, and we’re cooler here in Darwin than in tropical WA from what I gather. But still you could find some good stuff if you go searching for shops in QLD online.
|Hope some of that helps!
I think one of my most difficult issues has been deciding when to get rid of clothing gifts that aren’t my personal style or ones that hold sentimental value. I have too many of both and while I’m having an easier time culling the portion of my wardrobe that doesn’t fall into these two categories, the portion that does just gets larger in comparison!
How can wardrobe maintenance respond to different or changing physical needs? I’m currently pregnant and would a) like to not have to buy a whole new maternity wardrobe, and b) know that the clothes I wore before pregnancy will still work after I’ve given birth. I guess there’s a larger question about body shapes and how they change over time for whatever reason. This doesn’t have to be a What Not To Wear rehash, but should I focus on color over fit? Tailoring over trends? Buying things that are easily convertible from one size/shape to another? Stuff I can refashion later for a postpregnant body?
Thanks for asking for input!
I am super interested in how to define your personal style, and judging fit on clothes. I see something I love at the store or in my closet and I never seem to be able to judge fit correctly. Alternatively a post on how to tailor one’s clothes would be lovely!
The second point is the one I struggle with–defining my style. I am a young at heart, style-conscious woman pushing 60 (and look about 15-20 years younger.). When I look back over the past four decades I have been through a few style phases, from boho to rockabilly.Now, my heart is leading me towards a modern minimalist approach. But I get so much more positive attention when I put on a pretty skirt or dress in the fit and flare mode, with lots of lovely colors. Do I force myself to get rid of those pieces and resign myself to dressing purely for my own sens of aesthetics? Part of it is that I live in a small city in the SW of the US, and not many people are fashion forward… So more about overcoming obstacles in developing that personal sense of style would be appreciated!
Yay! I like your wardrobe rehab posts. I have a small closet in a small apartment. I need help finding a way to store my belts and scarves so that I can see all of them at once and have somewhat easy access to them.
l truly need H.E.L.P…….my wardrobe takes over, um lets see…two wardrobes in my own bedroom plus 4 draws under bed, 14 canvas cubes out of an 18 cubes storage shelf, oh and the draws of my dressing table…a hanging rack in the hallway cupboard…the old wardrobe l grew up using in the back bedroom previously known as the ‘girls room’..it has two hanging ends, draws in the middle and one long cupboard across the top but that area mainly holds old nick knacks/junk and one of those metal frame wardrobes that goes into walk in closets…l have some clothing that dates back to when l was carrying my eldest child who is now 30..l know, groan…chuckles…l am a large lady so tend to be reluctant too throw out clothing that still fits me even if it is not fad..you just never know, but l know l will need to do a cull soon cause l need to organize the back bedroom to make it more user friendly..like a walk in wardrobe come craft room come spare bed room come storage…one room, many tasks…
I am so happy I am catching this series this time around. I have been attempting to change my wardrobe since graduating college and just didn’t know where to start! I am so excited to read the posts!!
This is a great topic. I love to dress up but at same time I am trying to train my brain to pick color, texture, etc combinations naturally. But i do have few questions right now on top of my mind:
1. I like essentials. But sometimes my firends comments that I do end up looking same a lot of time. So how to break free of this while being with essentials?
2. What is the fashionably & economically healthy ratio of essentials + glam + luxury?
3. For which/ what kinda products, though they might be essential, but must be of expensive side to ensure quality?
4. And also what Theresa spoke about. How to get these amazing items from pinterest to my wardrobe?
I wonder often how people mange to have an organized and controlled wardrobe. I cannot. One day I want to look professional, the next I want laid back. One day I want to be classic, the next a bohemian. I cannot choose one color- I love the whole rainbow. I am lucky that almost all colors suit me with the exception of soft pinks. I am guessing I am one of the few des tined to have an enormous closet full of everything under the rainbow. I am happy with it- but wow it takes up room hehehe
I’m very excited about this. I’ve been starting and not finishing wardrobe rehabs over the last few years. I struggle most with (1) maintenance -How do I care for my wool and silk so it stays pretty? How do I deal with stains (especially under-arm stains)? How do I clean my leather bags? What shoe-repair options are available and should be considered? ; (2) finding a color palette – where do I even start?; and (3) understanding fabrics and materials – What fabrics feel best? What fabric doesn’t wrinkle, but is still breathable? Is there any fabric I should avoid at all costs?
Looking forward to it!
Can’t wait to read this series !
I am adding my comment here because I think there are similar questions :
I feel like when I want to add new pieces to my wardrobe I can’t afford it because I need to “replace” some item that I have and is not wearable anymore. So I guess it’s a maintenance issue – and I would add to Kelsey’s questions : how do I care for my leather and suede shoes ? I feel like I never do enough.
I am also looking forward to reading your advice on :
– how not be too boring once you have defined your style and essentials – something you do very well so I can’t wait to read you !
– how to use my Pinterest board as actual inspiration and not just dream-online-wardrobe š
I also struggle with leather and suede shoe care!
I’m looking forward to this series! My wardrobe could use some culling and focus. Some of the things I struggle with:
– how to create a small and cohesive wardrobe when you have to dress for several occasions: work, day off, parties, formal events.
– how to create a signature style (for both corporate and leisure wear)
– dressing for 4 seasons
– focused shopping: how to select pieces to fit your wardrobe. I seem to be attracted to individual items, but fail to create outfits.
– how to dress in basics, without looking boring –> You are the master of this
Thank you for doing this series!
BTW I would love to hear more about your experience over the last 6 years. What did you struggle with? How did you preservere? I’ve started a wardrobe rehab several times, but tend to fall of the band wagon. Would love to hear how you managed to make it work.
Very excited to follow this series! I find it so easy to identify what styles I love the most when flipping through magazines or pinning outfits on Pinterest, but there’s a disconnect for me in creating and wearing those looks in real life. I always blame the problem on not having large sums of money to throw at expensive clothes, but I think it’s deeper – am I not shopping in the right places? Am I not able to single out the elements of these looks that I really want to wear? I’d love some ideas on how to bridge the gap between the clothes in my Pinterest board and in my wardrobe!
What I struggle with most is focused shopping and keeping a small and curated wardrobe that works for any event in my life: work, days off, party, holiday. Somehow new and shiny individual pieces attract my attention, instead of buying mixable outfits that consist of quality basic pieces. How do you select the items to invest in, develop a signature look, without looking boring. Looking forward to read your tips in the next few weeks!
[…] of my favorite blogs, A Pair & A Spare, launched a new series on Wardrobe Rehab. which is very interesting considering how badly I need a wardrobe rehab. I mean, I just found out […]
I love this and have been working on my wardrobe with the same principles. A few hurdles Iād love help with is doing it on a budget and elevating my personal style. http://www.wholesalesnapbackhatsland.com
After years of impulse purchases Iāve decided to revamp my wardrobe and my style. I decided to stick to the classic pieces Iāve accumulated over time and just add some accessories. Carefully chosen jewelry has always been my first choice when it comes to adding an edge to my outfits. I found the best pearl earrings online https://www.pacificpearls.com.au/pearl-earrings-477-items/
and these have been my favorite piece for a while now.