by Shannan Allen, Fashion & Style Editor
Fall has a way of making us feel like we need to shop. The new arrivals hit the stores, the temperatures start to change, and suddenly we’re convinced we need an entirely new wardrobe.
But before you start adding anything to your closet, I want you to start with what’s already there.
A seasonal closet edit is one of the best ways to get clear on what you actually need for fall, and it starts withyour lifestyle. Think about what your days look like right now. Where are you going? What are you getting dressed for? Your wardrobe should support the life you’re living today, not the life you had a few years ago.
Next, take an honest look at what you own. What still fits your body well? What feels like your current style? What are you constantly skipping over when you get dressed? If something no longer fits, feels uncomfortable or simplydoesn’t feel like you anymore, it may be time to let it go.
And don’t be so quick to pack away everything from summer. Some of those pieces can work well into fall. A dress can be layered with a blazer. A button-down can work under a sweater. Your favorite trousers or skirts may only need a different shoe or an added layer to feel seasonally appropriate.
Before making a shopping list, start creating outfits. This is where you may discover that you don’t need more clothes, you need to understand how to use what you already have.
As you put looks together, pay attention to what’s missing. Maybe one pair of shoes would complete severaloutfits. Maybe you need a great jacket, an updated trouser or a versatile layering piece. Those are your wardrobe gaps.
That’s your shopping list.
A seasonal closet edit isn’t about getting rid of everything and starting over. It’s about getting clear on what works, what doesn’t and what your wardrobe needs next. Because your fall wardrobe doesn’t have to start at the store.
It can start right inside your closet.
Follow Shannan Allen, The Closet Consultant, on Instagram: @theclosetconsultant.