How To Streamline Your Wardrobe
Decide What Makes You Feel Good
"Something all of my clients are asked before we delve into their wardrobe is, which outfits do you feel your best in?” says Danielle Ward, a stylist and senior concierge at Harper. “Ask yourself, which pieces or combinations make you feel put together, comfortable, stylish, sexy, powerful and above all, most like yourself? Whether it’s the colour palette, the waistline on your denim or the neckline on your favourite blouse, work out what you’re drawn to most. Knowing what really makes you tick will make shopping for anything new and building a wardrobe you love far more effortless – and fun."
Know When To Let Go
“Start working through your wardrobe category by category and ask yourself, when did I last wear this or will I wear it again?” says professional organiser and stylist Sarah Greig. “I'm often asked about whether to keep hold of smaller sizes – my advice is to keep a few pieces that might be a bit small now but review them after six months and if they still don't fit, let them go.”
Pack Away Clothes You’re Not Using
“Everything in your wardrobe should be easily accessible, so pack away summer clothes in winter, and vice versa, to make it easier,” says Sarah. “Given the current climate, I advise my clients to put their occasion pieces to the back of their wardrobes and to pack away some of their work clothes, too. On average, most of us are only wearing about 20% of our wardrobe right now, so make sure your comfies are within easy reach.”
Invest In Great Basics
“Over the years I’ve built a wardrobe full of things I love and wear, largely because I’ve built a strong foundation of basics,” says Danielle. “With them, I can mix and match newer pieces that might be more of a statement. If you ask me, this is what every woman should have in her collection:
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One black and one beige toned blazer that feel like they’re made for you. Always go oversized for a more expensive-looking silhouette.
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A jacket or blazer in a timeless print, like heritage check or houndstooth in a thicker wool fabric. Try Arket, The Frankie Shop and & Other Stories – all of them consistently do great blazers. Mango and Zara also have some fantastic new season styles.
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A crisp crew neck t-shirt will always make me you feel put together, so have a few on rotation to layer with. White is classic, but don’t be afraid to try pops of colour in the shades you love. Arket, & Other Stories, Uniqlo and James Perse’s offerings are some of the best, in my opinion.
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Jeans in a variety of washes and cuts that you feel great in. Try to have a light wash, one black, and one white or cream. Head to Weekday for a wide range cuts for all body shapes, while & Other Stories, Arket and Re/Done have some of the best straight leg styles out there. When it comes to Mom cuts and skinnies, Zara is always a safe bet.”
Don’t Underestimate Neutrals
“Tonal looks are always a shortcut to looking polished, especially when you add some expensive-looking jewellery,” suggests Danielle. “Think black, white, grey, shades of nude and denim blues for a wardrobe that looks effortlessly chic.”
Work Out What Suits You
“While neutrals offer versatility, colour can be totally transformative – even if it’s just a flash of print,” adds Danielle. “To work out what shades are best for you, prop up a mirror in natural light and with a completely make-up free complexion, place different coloured pieces underneath your face and pay close attention – is there more colour in your cheeks? Do your eyes look brighter? Or does it drain you of colour? Spend some time on it and stick to the shades that enhance your natural features.”
Fall Back On A Great Jewellery Collection
“Jewellery can take a simple outfit from good to amazing – like adding a gold hoop to a loungewear set – so in my opinion, having a few reliable pieces is essential,” says Danielle. “Think chain necklaces, a couple of rings and some chunky hoops – that’s all you need to add interest to your outfits. Some of my favourite brands are Mejuri, Daphine, Cult of Youth, Astrid & Miyu, Aligheri, Chupi and Daisy Jewellery.”
Organisation Is Key
“No matter what you are doing the next day, lay out your clothes the night before as it makes mornings much less stressful when you’ve already decided on an outfit,” argues Sarah. “From a practical perspective, slim velvet hangers work best if you’re limited on wardrobe space and try storing all of your folded clothes not in piles, but tipped on their side, so you can see everything you have.”
Turn To Others For Inspiration
“Even those who are assured in their style look at others for fresh ideas, so don’t be afraid to turn to your Instagram saves for inspiration,” says Danielle. “If you love someone’s look, break it down and make it work for you. Some women I come back to regularly include @HannahLewisStylist @AnineBing and @TheIndiaEdit."
“You might benefit a little push in the right direction or some guidance on where to go with your style, which is where a stylist comes in,” adds Sarah. “Hiring one doesn't have to be expensive and they can assess what works best for your shape and lifestyle.”
Danielle Ward is a stylist and senior concierge at Harper – follow her on Instagram @LittleFashBird
Sarah Greig is a professional organiser & stylist – follow her on Instagram @Edit_BySarahGreig
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