For most of my life, I have found myself confused over how I should dress. After going off to college, I realized how much of my clothing I don't actually like or wear. I would also find myself trying on two or three outfits in the morning before reluctantly settling on one. This prompted me to find new ways to approach dressing myself in an efficient way. Here are a few tips to help you avoid owning a closet full of clothes you hate and hone in on your own sense of style:
1. Keep track of what clothing you actually own.
Go through your drawers and closet. Figure out what you own, and figure out what you actually like to wear. Then, get rid of the stuff you don't wear. There's no reason to hold onto clothing you don't need or like.
2. Find a style that works for you and your lifestyle.
It can be tough to figure out where to shop, what to look for, and so on. You may want to dress according to the environment you spend the most time in, whether that be a job, school, the gym, etc. It helps if your clothing has a central "theme." This website is a great place to figure out your style if you have no idea where to start.
3. Plan your outfits in advance.
If you're prone to spending an extra 10 to 15 minutes figuring out what you should wear in the morning, lay out what you want to wear the night before. You may even go as far as planning your outfits by the week. Figure out a system that works for you and stick with it. This will save you some precious time in the morning and help you rotate your outfits.
4. It all starts in the store. Buy clothing that you actually like.
Please don't confuse this with the classic "buy things that flatter you" mantra. The factor that matters the most is whether or not you feel comfortable in a certain article of clothing. If you like what you see in the mirror, then consider it. If not, don't feel discouraged! It's also important to consider price and quality. However, those things are irrelevant if you don't even like the article of clothing in question.
5. Do your research if you shop online.
Shopping online is a more convenient option for some people. However, it's important to make sure you look at reviews and clothing details before you make a purchase. Make sure you check the sizing chart. Often, websites even mention whether their product runs smaller or bigger. If you take the time to consider what you're actually buying before you buy it, it will save you a lot of heartache and trouble.
