Today’s article comes to us from Carson Love, a Nashville fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant who helps clients find their own unique style and encourages them to be unapologetically authentic.
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As the air feels crisper, vibrant leaves cover the sidewalks, and the aroma of pumpkin spice fills your favorite coffee shop, you might hear the “cozier” side of your closet start to call your name.
“Remember me?” asks your favorite wool blazer. “It’s been too long!” your prettiest pair of suede boots exclaims. As you remember these pieces, it might dawn on you that two or three years have passed since you wore them last. While the last two autumns might not have offered many opportunities to get dressed up, this year’s calendar is full of festive gatherings.
As a personal stylist, one of my core beliefs is that you should always shop your own closet before investing in new items. With that principle in mind, let’s take a look at how to reevaluate your existing fall wardrobe to determine what should be edited out and which items just need to be restyled in a fresh way!
4 Ways to Freshen Up Your Fall Wardrobe
Step 1: Evaluate & Edit
Whether you examine your closet rarely or regularly, it can be helpful to keep three simple questions in mind: Do I love it? Do I need it? Do I use it? This might sound like a no-brainer, but we all have things we need but don’t love and love but don’t need!
If this process is something you’d like more guidance or info on, I put together a free Closet Edit Guide you can check out!
Step 2: Ditch the Categories
When I go into a client’s closet for the first time, a super common tendency I see is that people have (sometimes unconsciously) divided their closet into categories. Some examples would be “work clothes” they only put on when going into the office or “weekend wear” for more casual occasions. I encourage everyone to try to detach from these categories! One of my goals is to maximize the versatility of every item taking up space in a closet. Mentally dividing things into categories limits your inspiration for how they can be styled.
Let me give you a prime example. I commonly see polished, tailored blazers that get stuck in the “work” section of a closet. I love to break them out of that category by pairing them with something contrasting — think distressed denim or an edgy graphic tee. Add a pair of fashionable sneakers, and something you once wore only to work can now be styled for a totally different occasion!
The same can be done for other tailored workwear pieces like black trousers or crisp blouses. Try pairing those items with edgier or more casual items to give them new life.
Pro tip: Contrast is one of my favorite styling tools and can add effortlessness to a look. So, if you want to try and restyle something in a fresh way, try pairing it with something that feels contrasting.
Let’s try another example. If you’re like me, you may have purchased a few (or more) comfy lounge sets during the lockdown — you know, the matching sweater and pants set that feels like a slightly more polished pair of pajamas. Although we might categorize these sets as something to be worn around the house, they can easily be elevated for a new on-the-go uniform. Try pairing them with a lightweight third piece (like a sleek jacket or scarf) and a fashion sneaker or slide.
Closet categories can limit your view of styling. Ditch the categories and look for contrast!
Step 3: Time to Replace or Upgrade?
After you’ve followed the first two steps and determined what you should keep and what can be restyled in a new way, it may be time to take stock of what didn’t make the cut.
When editing a client’s closet, I find it helpful to note why something isn’t working. Is it the wrong fit? Does that fabric not work for you? Is this simply not your style anymore? Is it damaged or dated?
If some pieces are starting to show signs of love (stains, holes, pilling, etc.), it could be time to replace or even upgrade them. There are some everyday items, such as basic t-shirts and tanks, that tend to need replacing every few seasons if they’re getting a lot of use. I would also put shoes and boots into that camp since they take more of a beating than other garments.
Pro tip: A “third piece” is anything you can add to a base outfit to pull it together. Think along the lines of a denim, moto, or utility jacket!
Additionally, you might find some pieces that are eligible for an upgrade! These are the items that you’ve come back to time after time and will continue to use — otherwise known as your wardrobe warriors! I like to bring up the cost-per-wear equation here, which is simply the mental process of dividing the initial cost of an item by the number of times you’ll wear it. If the wearability and versatility score is high for you, then investing in a better-quality version can be a smart idea.
This “warrior” list will look different for everyone based on their unique needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences, which is why you should be especially mindful when reading clickbait headlines like “The Top 10 Wardrobe Staples Everyone Needs This Season!’ What is a staple for one person could be something you would rarely wear, so be sure to practice self-awareness and stay focused on yourself when considering new purchases.
What serves as a staple for you might look completely different for someone else. Focus on your style and your style alone!
My Golden Rule
Despite my years of styling professionally and gathering insights on what works and what doesn’t, I have ended up with one, and only one, rule that trumps everything else: Wear what you love.
I want this statement to serve as a warning label stuck to any style advice you hear or read. At the end of the day, personal style is just as it sounds: personal. It can be used as a daily opportunity to take control of what you can, and an opportunity to step out as your best self to face what you cannot.
Whether you’re repurposing something that has been patiently waiting inside your closet or you’re excited to invest in something new, I hope this season brings many opportunities for you to fall back in love with your own authentic personal style!
Wear what you love!
All photography by Erin Bratcher Photography.
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