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It’s that hopeful time of year when many people resolve to leave behind the blunders of the outgoing year and make positive lifestyle changes. While it may not be among the top five New Year’s resolutions of 2015, organizing a cluttered wardrobe is a priority for many. Anyone with an overflowing closet who has seemingly nothing to wear would likely benefit from a good old-fashioned purge.
We asked North Vancouver resident and style consultant Lori Harris to offer up some advice when it comes to appraising all those socks, scarves and sweaters and deciding what stays and what goes.
Harris is an elementary school teacher-librarian, but her lifelong love of fashion led her to train as a style consultant at the Image Resource Center of New York. In addition to her day job as an educator, she also runs a fashion and style business on the side called Stylesmarts (stylesmarts.ca). Among her clients are working professionals, new moms, people who have lost weight and need help dressing their new body shape, people who are out in the dating world, or people who just want to reboot their current look.
In addition to teaching and working with her Stylesmarts clients, Harris also volunteers with Dress For Success and the Cinderella Project.
North Shore News: My closet is chock-full of clothing I’ve accumulated over the years. What items should I consider throwing out or giving away?
Lori Harris: So often, I find myself standing in overflowing wardrobes with clients who claim they have nothing to wear. Brimming closets can be the cause of much frustration when it comes to getting dressed. Why make mornings more difficult than they need to be? The new year is a perfect time for a closet edit.
Toss (and hopefully donate depending on the condition): garments that don’t fit or flatter, those you don’t love (particularly if they don’t make you feel good), pieces that look outdated, clothing that doesn’t suit you or your lifestyle, or has been loved to death.
NSN: I still have quite a few wearable pieces. What items should I hold on to?
LH: There is a statistic thrown around the stylist world: most people wear 20 per cent of their wardrobe 80 per cent of the time. It isn’t scientific, but reflects the majority of closets I encounter.
If you ruthlessly apply the rules of what to keep, the clothes left hanging in your closet should see the light of day more often.
Keep: pieces that flatter your body type, match your lifestyle, reflect your personality; those that you wear and love.
Maybe: garments that require tailoring for proper fit (only if you will wear once altered to justify cost), or if styled differently you may work into a more regular rotation.
NSN: OK, now that I’ve freed up some closet space, what should I be looking to add to my wardrobe for 2015?
LH: Examine what is left and look for gaps in your wardrobe. This will become your shopping list. Perhaps you could use some fitted jackets, a modern trouser or a new pair of dark denim. Maybe you have the wardrobe essentials, but could refresh with accessories.
Don’t get bogged down by trends. It is important though, to feel current when it comes to style. In 2015, why not incorporate a shade of burgundy? “Marsala” has been deemed the colour of the year. If you are looking to add more print, bold stripes and florals will dominate this spring as will gingham.
NSN: What types of clothing should I invest money in and what can I buy on the cheap?
LH: I am a huge believer in the cost per wear philosophy when it comes to shopping for investment pieces. Yes, they are more expensive. But, if chosen wisely, they become wardrobe workhorses and end up owing us next to nothing. Be sure to focus on quality and fit.
Invest in: coats, leather jackets, dark wash denim, bags, boots and watches.
On the cheap: trendier pieces such as graphic tees or fashion accessories. Stores like Joe Fresh or Zara have fantastic price-points that allow you to infuse some modern clothing each season without breaking the bank.
NSN: How can I inject some personal style into my everyday attire?
LH: I love this quote from Greek philosopher Epictetus: “Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.”
Notice looks you are drawn to that align with your personality or taste. Magazines or social media (Instagram, Pinterest) are great inspiration. Do you gravitate to classic, trendy, edgy, feminine/masculine, sporty or creative? Style does not need to fit into a box, yours may combine several elements.
Look for pieces with unique details; and always incorporate colour, print, texture or shine into an outfit. Personality lies in visual interest. No matter the style, comfort and confidence are key. When we feel good, it shows.
