A top reader question I get is: “How do you create outfits when you add something new to your closet?”
Today, I’m sharing exactly how I do it — in a step-by-step video! — using one new item and pieces I already own.
Step 1: Start with a Wardrobe Check
Before buying anything new, take a quick look through your closet or your digital wardrobe – I love using the free (or paid) INDYX app for this – if you have one. This step will keep future purchases intentional and prevent impulse buys. New to INDYX? The app has a free version, which I used for a year before upgrading to the paid, low-cost version. If you like, use code “AskSuzanne”, and you will receive $10 at sign-up.
Ask yourself:
- Does this piece fill a gap?
- Does it duplicate something I already own?
- How many ways can I realistically wear it?
Step 2: Apply Your Style Filters
Once you’ve decided it’s worth adding, make sure it aligns with your style words — those 3–5 descriptors that define your personal aesthetic. Not sure of how to describe your style in words? PRESS HERE to read more on how to identify your Style Words.
Then, decide if the item is a core piece (something you’ll wear all the time) or a dopamine piece (fun, expressive, but not essential).
A healthy wardrobe has a mix of both.
My Style Words? Classic, Relaxed, Elegant, 70’s luxe
Step 3: Style it Five Ways
Before you rip off the tags, give yourself 30–60 minutes to play dress-up in your own closet. Pretend you’re shopping at your favorite boutique and challenge yourself to create five outfits you actually love—not just looks that could work. (Trust me, I can style twenty versions of anything, but will I wear them? Probably not.) The goal is to build five real-life outfits you’re excited to wear and that fit your lifestyle. Fantasy looks are fun—but not a reason to keep something new.
This week’s style challenge
Citizens of Humanity Miro High Rise Relaxed Jeans in Cheetah.
The story behind the jeans
I spotted these jeans back in September while shopping at one of my favorite boutiques on a trip. I’m usually cautious about buying investment pieces while traveling—vacation mode can make everything look perfect—but once I got home, I couldn’t stop thinking about them. So, I ordered the Citizens of Humanity Miro Cheetah Jeans from Anthropologie (here) | Bloomingdale’s (here)
They sat in my closet for a month because I couldn’t figure out how to style them. I almost returned them a few times, but something kept drawing me back. So, I took my own advice: I set aside an hour to play dress-up and create five real outfits I’d actually wear. I ended up taking them on vacation last week and wore them half the time—I just needed to figure out how they fit into my everyday style.
In this video, I set out to create 5 more new looks with my cheetah jeans, but got a bit carried away, and there are over 10 different looks along with a TON for styling tips – including “big, slim, skin” concept explained, the pitfalls of dressing for your fantasy life, monotone dressing, how to add a pop of color, WOF’s- enjoy!
Video mentions
- PRESS HERE to watch archived styling and packing videos
- If you missed part one of this styling series, PRESS HERE.
- PRESS HERE for the Veronica Beard Scuba jacket $100 dupe, HERE for the Quince dickey inserts.
- PRESS HERE for Veronica Beard Scuba Jackets and Dickey Inserts
- PRESS HERE for the All Saints Rina Ribbed Tank
- My faux fur crop jacket is Apparis, Quince has a similar style for $100, HERE.
Shop Animal Print Jeans
What I love about the Miro is the slightly barrel-shaped leg and the soft, faded print. It works for me because I prefer lower contrast in my outfits. These jeans are popular and tend to sell out, so I’ve linked them from five different retailers—hopefully one will offer a Black Friday deal! I’ve also included a few lookalikes at lower price points if you’d like to try the trend without the full investment.
Tap the arrows to browse my exact jeans from various retailers, hover on any photo for price.
Tap the arrows to browse similar animal print jeans, at every price, including a few under $100, and sale items, hover on any image for price.
Adding something new doesn’t mean starting over — it’s about making what you already own feel fresh again. When you understand your style and your closet, every piece earns its place.
Next week: Part 3: Why Digitizing My Wardrobe Was a Total Game Changer.
Did You Know?
- Did you know that not all outfits and style tips make it on the blog?
- I invite you to follow me on Pinterest for more outfits, all in one spot, along with styling tips and inspiration on all things style.
- For dressing room reviews, daily outfits, videos, shopping links for home, beauty, and fashion – all in one spot – I update daily on the LTK, app. To learn more, follow me and subscribe for notifications PRESS HERE.
- Never miss a post! I invite you to sign up to receive my weekly newsletter on my home page (here), or sign up (here).
