Nina Garcia always gives me great advice. Not only is she the Fashion Director of Elle Magazine, but also, she has her own book, TheLittle Black Book of Style. I own it. Every girl should own it. It’s filled with great advice and information about the art that is fashion. I often get inspiration from her little book of style and I thought I’d base my article this week on one of my favorite parts.

How to Edit One’s Closet. I love this part of the book, probably because I have MAJOR problems with this. Like many girls, my closet is jammed packed with clothes. This would be great, except I don’t wear half of them. If it doesn’t look good on you, toss it, says Nina. She gives great advice on how to edit your closet down to what you really need and what you will realistically wear.

Throw out what you don’t wear or what doesn’t fit you. Obviously, this is extremely hard to do. I am attached to my clothes, even the ones I don’t wear (shame on me, I know). Nina suggests that for every twenty pieces that get thrown out, buy one fabulous one. I’d say that’s a pretty good deal.

Buy the appropriate size. Sadly, I see this fashion crime being committed way too often on UT’s campus. Nina tells us, if you are a size 8, don’t buy a size 6 and tell yourself “but I’ll lose weight.” Realistically, you most likely won’t. Suddenly, you have a great pair of jeans that are too small, taunting you in your closet. It’s a sad situation.

Don’t let that low price tag suck you in! I love getting a great dress 50% off just as much as the next girl, but if you don’t need it and won’t really wear it, it’s a waste of money. If you’re not in love with it, don’t buy it. Sure, it might be 100 dollars off of the original price, but all things considered, is it still worth the remaining amount? Ask yourself, “Do I love this? Do I need this?”

Do not buy according to the current trends. Nina and I share this pet peeve. Just because its “in style” doesn’t mean it looks good on you. For example, I look awful in red. Thus, I don’t sport red lips. Wish I could, but I can’t. I am truly jealous of girls that can. It just doesn’t look nice on me. Buy what looks good on you and wear what brings out your best features.
My closet is stuffed with clothes I don’t wear any longer. I, along with many of you out there, desperately need to edit. When you do, being stylish will come to you with ease in the mornings. Next, edit your shopping habits. Remember, ask yourself: “Do I absolutely LOVE this?” and “Do I really NEED this?” You will prevent yourself from wasting money and buying things you don’t feel absolutely great in. Thus, you will feel great every time you get dressed. Happy editing!

Amelia is a senior studying logistics. You may contact her at aleach1@utk.edu.