How to Avoid 'Wardrobe Weariness'

Who hasn't had a moment like this? You've looked in your closet, and even though you have blouses and skirts and slacks and dresses doubled up on hangers that are packed so tightly you can't slip a hand between them, and the clothes pole sags like the grin on a smiley face, when you try to put together a simple outfit . . . somehow, it just doesn't work.

What's wrong?

Your clothes closet may be suffering from what I call "wardrobe weariness." It's tired, because you've been seduced into buying outfits you wear once and never again, or pieces that aren't really your style, or bargains you couldn't turn down, rather than items that coordinate well, from which you can create a variety of looks on the spur of the moment.

What can you do about this? Following these three steps can make a big difference:

Simplify

This is as true in fashion as in art. Clutter only adds to wardrobe weariness. Go through your closet and pull out all the pieces you haven't worn in a year or two. Ask yourself, "Am I really ever going to wear this again?"

If you loved it and it looked great on you, you'd be wearing it, right? If not, take all these pieces and find them a new home. Swap them, sell them at a consignment shop, or give them away. Once you've cleared out what's not working, you're in a position to see where the real gaps are.

Assess

Before buying anything, think about what you need -- and maybe even what you want. Do you buy for the sake of buying -- or as part of an overall wardrobe strategy?

Your work and social obligations determine your needs. Expensive suits and dresses may be okay if you're in a high-visibility professional job, but if you're in a more casual environment, these items just take up space in your closet. This is how you end up having lots of clothes but nothing to wear. And even if you buy less expensive items that you never wear because they're not your style, or they went in and out of fashion, you'll run into the same problem.

If you've covered all the basics and haven't spent too much money, then you can indulge a "want" or two.

Coordinate

When you select a new clothing item, make sure you can pair it with at least three pieces. Solid colors are usually best for this, although anything in excess can become dull. Prints can be a lovely bridge between two solids, such as a print blouse with a solid skirt and a jacket or sweater.

Of course, just saying "pair it with at least three pieces" is easy -- it's when you're faced with decisions about specific items that it gets hard. Fortunately, there are three principles to use when deciding on a particular piece:

The first is your body type. Are you one of the few blessed with an hourglass figure? If not, like most of us, then you're full on top, full on bottom, apple-shaped, rectangular, or curveless. When you determine what shape you are, you'll know which cuts of clothes are the most flattering.

The second is your colors. Are you a Winter, Spring, Summer, or Autumn? Some colors make you look vibrant and alive, and others make you look tired and washed out. Understanding your best colors will allow you to select the former.