The fashion world moves quickly as it's both seasonal and cyclical. Even if you love clothes, shoes, accessories and style, it can feel exhausting at times. Will mesh flats stick around for spring? Are we going to see more boho chic off the runway? Social media adds a (false) sense of urgency as each season passes and we see beautiful people wearing stunning clothes in far-flung places accompanied by voices saying, "you have to try this [insert literally almost anything]."
It’s easy to forget you’re in control of whether you choose to feel inspired or overwhelmed, energized or paralyzed, liberated or limited, by the fashion content you see and hear. It doesn't always feel like a choice though, does it? The reality is if you're in a state of uncertainty with your style and wardrobe, you're more likely to feel overwhelmed, paralyzed or limited by what you see. On the flipside, if you've achieved a state of closet contentment, there's space for you to feel inspired, energized, and liberated.
Closet contentment is a feeling of satisfaction when you walk in your closet, certainty when you get dressed each day, and a lightened mental load about your personal style.
No purchase is required for this Zen-like state, but you will need self-awareness and (this is a big one) discernment. Self-awareness to identify the tendencies and behavior patterns you've developed in response to your personal style struggles. Discernment to avoid being swayed (or paralyzed) by the constant barrage of fashion content telling you what "everyone" is wearing.
Ready to get started on your personal style journey to closet contentment? Read on and see which of these five mindset shifts for closet contentment resonates with you. Take what you need with you into the new year.
Give yourself grace. If you feel embarrassed by your shopping habits, you're dealing with perimenopausal weight gain, you struggle with feeling motivated to get dressed each day, or are dealing with another style struggle, give yourself grace. Rethink how you make decisions to purchase. Accept body changes are natural as you age and make the best choices you can for your health. Take baby steps to feel more put together. Tell the critical voice in your head to be quiet; you're only human. Be honest with yourself about your style challenges. Donate, resell, or swap the clothes you aren't wearing and/or are unlikely to wear in the future. Identify small actions you can take towards your goals.
Reframe rewearing your clothes. Only wearing your clothes a few times is out of style. Free yourself of the outdated notion you can't be photographed in the same outfit more than once. Acknowledge no one remembers what you wore because they're all focused on themselves. Who cares if you're wearing the same dress in multiple pictures on your Instagram feed? Feel excited each time you wear your clothes and smug you're lowering your cost per wear. Experiment with styling your clothes different ways or hire a professional for a fresh perspective.
(If you truly feel you're wearing the same item(s) too much, I challenge you to take a pic each time you wear it for 30 days. This will help you get some perspective on how often you're actually wearing the item.)
Shop proactively, not reactively or mindlessly. Add to your wardrobe thoughtfully (especially if you enjoy shopping) as you find pieces you love. Before making purchases, mentally confirm the items are compatible with your personal style, lifestyle, and existing wardrobe. Buy with the intention of wearing a garment for years - not the season. Be conscientious about not buying multiples of the same item. Avoid last minute purchases by consistently curating a closet of pieces you love to wear over time. Hold yourself accountable for your purchases because you have complete control of what you add to your wardrobe.
Don't settle. If you consistently buy clothes you don't love and then buy more to compensate, raise your standards. You should love and feel good in every article of clothing you purchase. It's possible. I promise. Implement my "two-try-on rule" and if you don't feel an internal, resounding "YES" by the second try-on, return the item. Commit to figuring out what works for you in terms of the colors, shapes, and aesthetics that feel authentic to you. It's a process, but once you establish your personal Style Cornerstonesâ„¢, you'll carry the knowledge with you for life.
Acknowledge when you have enough. The harsh reality for all of us who love clothes, shoes, accessories, and shopping (it's me!) is that you can actually only wear so many items. The most expensive pieces in your closet are those you aren't putting on. If you have more than you can wear in any given season or year, you should take a beat and focus on wearing what you have (or at the very least be extremely selective about additions). Clothing is meant to be worn and enjoyed. If you have more than you can wear and keep adding without subtracting, it's time to rethink your approach.
Know these shifts take time and aren't absolute! Closet contentment isn't about perfection; it's about gradual changes to your style that cultivate a feeling of fulfillment.
Picture yourself at the end of 2025: you walk into your closet, see you have some good options, efficiently select an outfit appropriate for the day's activities, get dressed, and head out the door feeling comfortable and stylish. You don't think about what you're wearing again until someone compliments your look.
Closet contentment is my style aspiration for you in the new year and I'm happy to help in whatever way I can. Cheers!
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