No matter where you are on the self-awareness scale, you may find yourself with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. You may find yourself wearing the same pieces over and over again. You feel stuck in a fashion rut, and living with the uninspiring closet.
Sometimes it’s because shopping is a stressful experience that you avoid at all costs until absolutely necessary. Everyday dressing is hard enough, but dressing for an event (a wedding, conference, or an evening out) is daunting because you don’t know what looks good on you anymore. Sometimes it’s just that we don’t have time to shop even though we really want inspiring clothes and outfits.
These are just some of the frustrations women I work with face on a daily basis. The majority of time, it’s not that we have too few clothes to choose from, but too many. We have closets stuffed with several clothes in the same design or clothing that seemed right at the time, but upon arrival in our closet – didn’t work. We have clothes we have collected that are well worn, outdated, or the wrong size, but mostly they are clothes that are not in line with our personal style. When we own too many items, it’s difficult to find the clothes we really love to wear and make us look and feel amazing. We are afraid if we pare down our closet to just those pieces that make entire outfits, and just those clothes we love, we may limit our options and creativity. The reality is – quite the opposite!!
Figuring out which pieces of clothing really do flatter us, which ones don’t, and why, gives us the freedom to purge. We actually end up with MORE outfits, less stress and – oh! could it be true – the ability to look and feel terrific in our clothes. And, this is an inside-out journey.
Here are a few tips for pruning your clothes and closet so that you can begin to create an authentic image from the inside:
- Rearrange your clothes from dark to light – look to see if there are patterns. Such as, do I have black as the majority of color in my closet? Do I own almost all (or all) solid colors and no patterns, or vice versa?
- Do I own several of one item? For example, 10 cardigans in a similar color?
- Do I seem to like fabrics that move and have some drape or am I drawn to fabrics that need lining and are a bit more stiff?
- Do I see clothes with the tags on them, and if so, how long have they been in my wardrobe?
- What is the shape of my clothing? Do I own almost all tight or form-fitting clothing? Or conversely does everything have a baggy appearance on me?
These are just some of the questions we can ask to find out what is going on in your closet. While creating an Authentic Image will not magically solve these problems, it will nudge you toward looking at what’s transpiring beneath the surface and in your closet.
A few months ago I worked with a client in a Private Program who had this to say:
Since Kathleen has been available to me, I no longer go through the anxiety of what to wear when. I have become friends with my closet, added a few pieces, given away others, and am getting better at asking myself ‘what would Kathleen suggest.’ One of the best things about her style is that she is WITH you, not dictating, but revealing your potential. And she helps with shopping.
What she is talking about is a private Custom Image Program and a combination of the following:
- The work is done in a safe space over time. You and I consider all the options you may need and each custom image program is a combination of:
- Time – with me in a safe, judgment-free space.
- Diagnostic Tools – to help me get to know who you are Style-wise.
- Wardrobe Evaluation – no judgment here. Just open, honest evaluation and decision-making.
- Personal Shopping – with me, in stores that carry clothes that work for you.
- Tips and expertise – about makeup, hair, clothing fit, skin care and more. I will help you navigate through fashion trends and figure out what you need and what you don’t.
If these services sound like something you are interested in, then let’s have a conversation about what your needs are. Contact me at Kathleen@YourAuthenticImage.com to set up your complimentary call.
