How much time do you spend getting dressed?
Did you know that we women spend at least four days (yes, more than 96 hours) EVERY YEAR, choosing what outfit to wear?
Emotionally, this is not always the happy time it should be either.
Too often, you’re frustrated, whether that’s owing to urgency, distraction of others, the challenge of quickly mixing and matching and although we hate to admit it, simply finding the garment you know you want but forgot to wash.
It can also really hit your confidence. That feeling of nothing to wear, despite a bursting wardrobe full of clothes.
The good news is you can make the process simpler and faster following my tips.
It takes a little effort and if you get stuck, remember there are also people like me who can help.
This blog shares my suggestions and if you follow them?
I predict a much happier you.
1. Create a Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a small, curated collection of versatile, timeless pieces that you love to wear and can easily mix and match together.
With fewer options, you’ll need less time deciding, yet still be able to create a different look every day.
Here’s another blog that explains what you need to know regarding capsules:
2. Plan Outfits in Advance
If mornings are a rush, try planning your outfits the night before.
Some of my clients even plan for the entire week or month.
This saves making those early morning decisions (an extra struggle for some) and ensures your look is ready to go, without even thinking.
3. Organise Your Closet
Keep your closet organised and clutter-free, and arrange clothing by your ‘work, rest & play’ capsules.
Then sort by colours to make everything easy to see.
This prevents you rummaging through your clothes which is a classic sign of a disorganised wardrobe.
It makes outfit selection faster and garment finding so much easier.
“Invest in Basics and Layering pieces.”
3. Choose a Personal Uniform
Many people, including well known celebrities, have embraced personal uniforms to simplify their dressing.
By knowing your style personality not only are you comfortable in what you wear, it means you create a base look that over time, avoids thought.
Choose a base and colour scheme that you feel good in and simply stick to variations of these.
If you’d like to understand more about your style personality and what this means, here’s another blog to guide you:
“Know your colours so you can create a beautiful wardrobe with amazing capsules that suits your lifestyle.”
4. Invest in Basics and Layering Pieces
Basics like neutral coloured tops, jeans, and versatile layers (like blazers or cardigans) can be quickly combined for a range of looks.
Once again, this means you require little thought and you should let your style personality play a big part with the layers you choose.
5. Use Accessories to Switch Things Up
Accessories are quick add-ons that can change the tone of your outfit.
Keep a few go-to items like scarves, bangles, or jewellery handy as these elevate even the simplest outfits in seconds.
My extra tip is to know and wear your best metal colour. Here’s another of my blog to explain what I mean:
6. Optimise Shoes and Outerwear
Simplify your shoe and outerwear selection to a few versatile options that pair well with your wardrobe and lifestyle.
This helps reduce last-minute outfit mismatches and cuts down dressing time.
Similar to how accessories can alter your look, a change of footwear can do the same.
I’ve created an accessories blog for both the Spring / Summer and Autumn/ Winter seasons. These checklists are really helpful.
Here are the links:
Accessories checklist for Spring / Summer season
I will release my Autumn / Winter checklist in September.
7. Streamline your Laundry and Closet Maintenance
Keep items you frequently wear clean and in good shape (with the right kind of hangers or how you fold or roll a garment).
So, they’re always ready for when you need.
I recommend cleaning laundry by outfit groupings or by your ‘favourites’, so you ensure these outfits are readily available to grab and go.
Have some cedar and lavender in your wardrobe to keep away those pesky moths and protect your clothing.
Don’t fret. Help is at hand
If you find all of this a little overwhelming and if you are local, you can invite me around to do a wardrobe review with you.
Alternatively, with the wonders of the internet I can help online too.
Rest assured, it’s well worth the effort.
It’s so wonderful when you look forward to opening your wardrobe.
That mixture of excitement and relief.
Saving you literally days a year creating all those beautiful outfits.
Followed by all the enjoyment and confidence you then get from wearing.
Cristina Holm
Cristina Holm is one of the UK’s leading personal stylists. She is based and operates from her studio in Warfield, Berkshire (U.K.). Cristina serves clients locally and internationally.
Cristina is also the founder of My Secret Stylist, the U.K.’s ‘best kept’ clothes shopping secret. For only £35.99 per year, you find and ‘see in seconds’ clothes you can buy which complement your body shape.
Across all the popular brands, all in one place.
For more info, click here: www.mysecretstylist.co.uk