How to refine your style this season

Fall is really here. And I’m excited for the change of season because it’s a perfect time to take a look at what’s working, what isn’t and make some small changes for the better.

And our closets and style are a perfect place to start. What you wear sets the tone for how you show up each day. So if you are feeling a little uninspired, your’e not alone. What you wore last year may not reflect who you are today.

So, grab a cup of something warm (or something bubby) and read on as I guide you through my process to refine your style this season.

p.s. I’m also sharing how I’m doing the same for myself.

Clarify

Take a moment and ask yourself…

How do I want to feel in my clothes? What do I really want to wear? What are the pieces that don’t make me feel good anymore?

If you are feeling stuck, start with your favorite go-to look. It could be as simple as jeans and a sweater and boots. But now, really pay attention to all the details. How does each piece fit your body? Do you still like the silhouette, the fabrics and the colors on you? What do you still love? What no longer works?

For me… as I head into the fall and holiday season, I want to feel feminine, layered and comfortable (always a priority). I’m leaning towards soft neutrals, streamlined silhouettes with feminine accents. Things that are no longer working for me are sweaters that are too tight in the arms, uninspired shoes that drag my outfit down and anything that doesn’t feel good against my skin. :)

Make a Style Board

Get inspired by how your favorite designers and retailers are styling pieces or looks. Browse around. Look at everything from dresses to skirts to jeans and sweaters, bags, shoes. What speaks to you?

Start saving images to your own style board on Pinterest that align back with how you decided you want to feel this season. Don’t get too caught up if you don’t love the whole look. Sometimes it’s just the combinations of colors, the silhouette or the vibe that you are drawn to. Save all the things you love, you can edit it down it later.

A few of my favorites for style inspiration are Net-a-Porter and Hampden in Charleston.

You can see how I curated my Fall Style Board here.

image credit: via Pinterest, Ulla Johnson, Sezane, Max Mara

Create your Looks

Still have your drink? Let’s start shopping your closet.

See what new combinations you can re-create from your style board with what you already have. Just remember they don’t have to be exact matches. Have a try on session and experiment with combinations It’s amazing how you can take a couple jeans (dark, light), a bunch of blouses and sweaters, shoes (mules, boots, sandals), a few bags (everyday, dressy) and a couple jackets and coats….you might be surprised of the what you uncover.

Take pictures of what you love and save them in a folder on your phone so you always have them.

One of my go-to looks is a cashmere sweater + jeans. I’m adding one of my “special occasion” bags to add that feminine detail.

Let go of what no longer works

I know I sound like a broken record on this one, but bear with me.

As you are trying things on and certain pieces are just not working… they are either too tight, ill-fitting, uncomfortable…no just no longer feels like you. It’s time to let them go. It’s really simple, when you remove the “just ok” pieces, the ones what you no longer love, you end up with a curated wardrobe that makes you feel your best.

For me….I’m letting go anything that doesn’t feel good on on my skin and anything too tight.

Make an Intentional Shopping list

Now that you know what you have you can get really specific on what the gaps are and what you need. Just make sure they are things you’ll actually wear for your life. Go back to what you want to wear.

Here’s what’s on my Fall/Winter intentional shopping list:

“Dressy” boot that I can wear with jeans and a blazer or a dress. Low-mid heel, maybe kitten, considering black suede, must be comfortable and easy to walk in down the street to the local restaurant.

Comfortable and feminine midi skirt or dress that I can dress up or down.

A timeless neutral wool coat I can layer over sweaters and sweatshirts.

An everyday roomy neutral crossbody bag.