There is a power and an energy that comes when you feel well-dressed. Oprah, 57, has said that "you move through the world differently." There is a graceful confidence that happens when you are "feeling" your look. You stand up straighter, your walk is a bit sexier, and people move out of your way and automatically let you go first. I know what your thinking: This all sounds great but where do I begin? The answer: Your closet!
Usually by the time you are in your 50s your closet is exploding with clothing; unfocused "mixed signals" spilling into other rooms, basements and attics. From now on, think of your closet as your inner sanctum. This should be a Zen place where the best version of yourself is lined up, organized and ready to go. In order to get that Zen space, you must first edit.
This may seem like an impossible task, but get a jump-start by breaking it up. Start every Saturday by attacking a drawer or closet. I'm talking underwear, sleepwear, workout, even loungewear. Don't hang on to anything that doesn't make you feel comfortable and confident. Remember, this is a fresh start.
In our first book "Nothing To Wear," we break this process down in detail. As you go through each piece of clothing ask yourself these three questions:
1. Do I love it?
2. Is it flattering?
3. Is this the image I want to portray?
If you answer "yes" to all three questions, this item is a "keeper." If you answer "no" to any of the three questions, this item has to go. It might be hard to let go of items in the "no" category, but if you don't love it, nor is it flattering, it will hang in your closet unworn taking up valuable space.
There are three options for letting go: Leave it, archive it, or demote it. If a garment has holes, is frayed, or faded, then by all means to get rid of it! If a garment is still in good condition and wearable, you can give it to a friend or donate it. Archiving is reserved for "no" items that you can't part with for sentimental or nostalgic reasons and should be stored somewhere other than your main closet. Demoted garments are those you still love, and are still flattering, but they are no longer fresh. Therefore, you must demote the item to give it a different role. For example, if you have an expensive cashmere sweater that's seen better days, you could clean it up with sweater shaver and lounge in it. Maybe you have a flattering tank or tee that is a little worn out. Give it a demotion to workout.
Now that you have a renewed wardrobe that represents you, remember to update the items you are missing. You may have realized you lack loungewear or sleepwear, a common category that women forget to update. Now you don't have to break the bank; always remember it's better to have less and love more.
You will feel completely liberated once you've finished! I want you to hear that girl power anthem in your head every time you leave the house. Maybe it's "I'm Coming Out!" by Diana Ross or "I Feel Like A Woman" by Shania Twain. My point is, pull it together and get out there and enjoy life! When your wardrobe is organized, streamlined, polished, and modern, this is when your Style Revival begins.
Do you have a style question that needs answered? Ask away on our VT Luxe facebook page.