Welcome back! I’m so excited to kick off a new three-part series designed to help you simplify your style — starting where it all begins: your closet. One of the questions I hear most often is, “How do I create new outfits with what I already own?”
Before you start styling fresh looks, it helps to have a clear view of what’s in your wardrobe. Think of this as setting up your own personal boutique — organized, inspiring, and ready for effortless outfit building.
Side note: if your closet is already in great shape and you’re ready to add a few new pieces, check out last week’s post for a roundup of What I Shopped + Bought this month — including my Top 5 Picks of the Week and 20 new fall pieces reviewed and linked for you to shop (press here for article).
1. Edit and Declutter
Before you can style, you have to simplify.
Take everything out and be honest — what fits your body and your lifestyle right now? Let go of pieces that don’t serve you anymore. When your wardrobe is edited down to what you love, getting dressed becomes so much easier.
Edit to elevate — keep only what fits your body, your life, and your style.
2. Organize Like a Boutique
Once you’ve edited, it’s time to organize. I like to arrange my closet by category (pants, skirts, jackets, tops), and then by color within each group.
When everything is visible, you’ll start to see outfit possibilities you may have missed. If you can’t see it, you won’t wear it!
Organize by type and color — if you can’t see it, you won’t wear it!
3. Know Your Style
Before creating outfits, take time to understand your style.
Ask yourself:
- What silhouettes flatter your shape?
- What are your go-to pieces or colors?
- What three words describe your personal style?
If you’re unsure where to start, I can’t recommend Allison Bornstein’s Wear It Well enough. It’s the most practical, empowering style guide I’ve ever read — perfect for finding clarity and defining your personal aesthetic.
For a deeper dive into how Allison Bornstein’s style guide helped me better understand my own personal style, I invite you to check out the following ASB archived posts:
Final Musings
Think of this step as the foundation. A well-organized, edited wardrobe is the secret behind every stylish woman’s confidence.
Once your closet is in order, you’re ready for the fun part — creating outfits.
Next week, in my new three-part series on Ask Suzanne Bell: How I Introduce a New Item Into My Wardrobe — without buying a whole new outfit! Plus, a brand-new styling video showing 5 ways to wear a recent purchase, using pieces from my closet.
Looking for more?
- 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, shopping links for home, beauty, and fashion – all in one sport – I update daily on LTK, to learn more and follow me, PRESS HERE.
