This week, I thought it would be a great time to reflect on personal style. How we can all feel confident, put-together, and more like ourselves with what we wear every day. The seasonal wardrobe switchover is well underway in my house, which always prompts a bit of a style reset. It’s the time of year when summer pieces are still lurking, but autumn has definitely arrived, so my wardrobe can feel a bit chaotic, and dressing for the day becomes a challenge!
On a personal note, I had my own mini style crisis a few weeks ago and it really brought this topic to the front of my mind. I was heading to what I assumed would be a fairly low-key event. I’d had a busy day working from home and rushed out the door without a final look in the mirror… big mistake. I was wearing a simple tee, wide-leg trousers, flat sandals, and added a quick flick of lipstick. Totally fine for a day at home, but when I arrived, it was immediately clear that everyone else had made much more effort. I felt frumpy, underdressed, and honestly a bit embarrassed - especially when it came to taking photos next to some very stylish women. Lesson learned! It reminded me of something I hear from a lot of women; that they struggle to put outfits together that make them feel confident as well as comfortable. It’s not about dressing up for others, but about feeling prepared, put together, and confident in our own skin, whatever the setting. So, with this feeling fresh in my mind, I bring you 5 things to start the process to a wardrobe that meets all your needs and that you love - so that you can be ready for anything!
1. Start with a Wardrobe Clear-Out
This is something I say a lot, but I know how hard it can be to actually do it. As we’re going into a new season, NOW is a good time to go for it! We’re all busy and, let’s be honest, pulling everything out of your wardrobe can feel overwhelming. So, if that’s the case, break it down into manageable chunks. Try tackling just one category at a time: trousers this week, tops next, then move on to dresses, coats, etc.
Ask yourself:
Do these clothes still fit me?
Do they suit my current lifestyle?
Have you changed jobs, retired, or now work from home?Do I actually wear these items?
If something no longer works for you, donate it, sell it, or pass it on. Freeing up that space will make getting dressed so much easier. Once you’ve edited down, look at what’s left. What’s the balance like in your wardrobe?
Too many joggers, but you want to look a bit more polished?
Lots of dressy party pieces, but nothing for everyday life?
Tons of basics, but nothing that makes you feel excited to get dressed?
Recognising these imbalances is the first step in identifying the gaps, and building a wardrobe that works for you now.
2. Take Stock of Your Sartorial Needs
After a good wardrobe clear-out, hopefully, things are a bit more refined and manageable. Now is the perfect time to reflect on what you actually need from your wardrobe, rather than what piques your interest.
It’s a common mistake that many of us make. I asked Bee Newham, Personal Stylist for her advice on this: “When trying to find your personal style, it’s important to think about what you actually like to wear. It might sound obvious, but so many of my clients have pieces in their wardrobe that they bought because they saw it on someone else.This is great if you love it and wear it, but a lot of the time it is a waste of money. Personal style is just as much about what you don’t buy, as what you do. So, make sure your purchases line up with your style and lifestyle.”
A good place to start is asking yourself: What does a typical week or month look like for me? Think about the 5–7 scenarios that regularly come up in your life and what you need to wear for them. This helps ensure your wardrobe reflects your real life, not some imaginary one. Here’s what that looks like for me:
Working from home makes up the largest chunk of my week. I want to feel comfortable, warm (especially when sitting in a chilly kitchen!) and put together. I need something I can wear all day but can still pop out to the shops or a casual meeting without needing to change. Comfort and confidence are key.
Weekends are usually relaxed, with coffee dates, shopping or something entertaining. It’s all fairly casual but I still want to feel stylish. I aim for comfortable, structured pieces that feel modern and reflect my personal style; easy to throw on, but still cool.
Dog walks are a daily task, so these outfits need to be practical. I focus on warmth and staying dry in the colder months, plus the ability to move easily. And, of course, I still want to look presentable, because you always run into someone you know!
Events often call for a smart-casual look. I want to feel current and a little bit trendy, but still like myself, and, yes, still comfortable. Finding that balance between effort and ease has become very important as I’ve got older. No more painful footwear for me! And I feel more confident with less flesh on show - someone always snaps a picture showing bits you’d rather keep covered!
Evenings out or date nights are my chance to have fun with style. I want to feel dressed-up, cool, and maybe just a little bit sexy, while still feeling confident and like me.
Taking stock in this way helps you spot the gaps in your wardrobe and understand where you might be overdoing it (hello, 15 pairs of joggers!). When you know what your lifestyle actually demands from your clothes, you can shop and dress with so much more intention.
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