One idea that has popped up this year is to shop your own closet – instead of a store – with your favorite image consultant.
I think shopping your closet is a fantastic way to reinvent the wardrobe, but there is a huge caveat to this concept. You’ve got to have a fairly extensive wardrobe in order to make shopping your closet a sensible pursuit. Based on the way my clients have been shopping with me lately, I don’t think everyone is capable of shopping their closets to reinvent their existing wardrobes.
To be plainly honest, many of my clients are taking this time to develop their wardrobes by focusing on a particular need. While some are building an appropriate work wardrobe, others are realizing a need to develop a personal style for socializing, dating, and for traveling. If an aspect of your wardrobe, either professional or personal, is underdeveloped, the idea of shopping your closet may be just as much as a fantasy as the season’s trendy fall fashions.
So how and when can shopping your closet benefit you? If you are fortunate to have a closet full of clothes but are in the unfortunate position of thinking you have nothing to wear, that’s a prime sign it’s time to shop your closet. You might have underutilized gems lurking around that could become new stars. Combing through your wardrobe to eliminate pieces that drain it of your energy is very helpful. Sometimes all you can see are those items you never want to wear. Yet there they are, staring right back at you like a bad dream.
Psychologically, ridding your closet of unnecessary items can be challenging. Can you afford to let go of things you paid money for? I tend to wonder more deeply whether you can afford to feel drained by a wardrobe that isn’t doing its job for you. So I honor the challenges you might face by this challenge, but I also see and would want to honor the opportunity that this process poses.
When you look at your wardrobe with fresh, new eyes the greatest benefit you can expect is freedom. There’s freedom from limiting items that don’t support your body, messages, and goals. And there’s freedom from doing the same ole, same ole. Try something new with something old, and experience something fresh. Treat yourself to and mix in a few new key items, and more than the wardrobe is transformed – you are offered some sense of renewal.
It’s an exciting time to be taking stock of your wardrobe as it pertains to your image. It always feels wonderful being complimented about how good you’re looking. These days we can all use a pick-me-up. But it’s better still when you open that closet, knowing it’s filled like your own customized boutique, and you see yourself looking back at you, seeing only good choices to wear.
Designing and managing your image is the secret science of your success.
Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.
