From Clutter to Confidence: The Wardrobe Audit Every Stylish Woman Needs

You know those women who always look so put together? At first glance, they come across as effortless. But when you look closely, you’ll notice a certain level of thoughtfulness and attention to detail in their fashion choices. These stylish women have a keen understanding of what suits their style and what doesn’t, which allows them to carefully curate a wardrobe that truly reflects their personal taste and preferences.

The Wardrobe Audit

If you’d like to exude the same sense of effortlessness as these women, why not tap into the powerful momentum the new year offers? This is THE best time to revitalize your style with a wardrobe audit. Think of it like a cleansing ritual that allows you to weed out any pieces that don’t align with your current lifestyle, while simultaneously providing the foundation for a more polished and refined personal style.

Keep reading to get the specifics that every stylish woman should include in her wardrobe audit!

What To Evaluate In Your Wardrobe

Your wardrobe audit should prioritize the pieces that are currently in rotation for this season so only focus on what’s relevant to your style now. There’s no need to include off-season or stored clothing in this review. Stay concentrated on the pieces that you’re currently wearing (or intend to wear!) so you can gain a clearer understanding of your personal preferences. This ensures that after the audit, you’re left with items that are serving a purpose and not just taking up valuable space.

My weakness, winter coats, tend to pile up in the front closet. While I’m sure there are several I’ll keep, the audit will help me decide which ones are worth holding onto and which ones need a new home. As for my swimsuits, they can stay in storage for now. 

How To Evaluate Your Wardrobe

Now that you know what you’re looking at, it’s time to actually review the items. By carefully reflecting on each piece, you’ll be able to gain more insight into what you want to wear so you can curate a wardrobe that aligns with your style goals. 

As you look at your clothing consider things like:

Versatility:

Can the item be styled in multiple ways, or is it only suitable for a specific occasion?

Color:

Does the color of the item compliment your skin, hair and eyes? (Need to know what colors compliment you best? Read this post about color analysis.)

Fit:

Does the item fit well? Do the silhouettes feel modern? (Wondering what styles suit your body best? Read this post about dressing for your bodyshape here.) 

Lifestyle:

Does the item suit your day to day, or is it more suited for a different lifestyle or occasion?

Relevance:

Does the item still reflect your personal preferences and style goals?

What You Will Discover

When you work through the evaluation process, you may be surprised at what you uncover. In my audit, I was shocked to discover how many pieces I was clinging to solely out of nostalgia. While I had once loved those items, I realized that my tastes had changed and they no longer aligned with how I want to look. Is your closet too full with stuff you don’t wear? Join the wardrobe purge party here: elyshalenkin.com/50cleanout.





Wrap Up Your Wardrobe Audit

As you complete your wardrobe audit, make note of any key insights you’ve gained. For example, have you discovered that your wardrobe is dominated by a particular color — like black? I’ve got a lot of clients in this situation who want to add in more color.

 Or perhaps you’ve realized that you only wear solids over prints?

One of my clients discovered during her wardrobe audit that her entire closet was composed of solid, neutral pieces, which explained her lack of excitement when it came to getting dressed. We worked together on integrating minimal and understated prints for a touch of intrigue without overwhelming her existing style.

Reflect Your Personal Style

Applying these insights to your fashion choices is the key to curating a wardrobe that authentically reflects your personal style and sense of self. By allowing these discoveries to inform your choices, you’ll be able to fine-tune your style and create a wardrobe that consistently makes you feel confident, fashionable, and effortlessly put-together.

If you’re ready to revive your style and clear your outdated clothes, get the free closet cleanout guide that takes you through the exact process I use with my private clients to help them have less clothes, and more outfit options.

– Elysha Lenkin

Elysha Lenkin is an expert personal fashion stylist who helps women become confident curators of their clothing and style so that they effortlessly get dressed for their next stage of life. Throughout her 20 year career, she has styled women of all shapes, sizes, and ages, including Carrie Underwood, Tina Fey, and Serena Williams. For more style tips and inspiration, head over to Elysha’s website here or follow her on instagram @elysha_nyc.

Photos: iStock

You may like to read more of Elysha’s styling posts like Your Fall Style Revamp Needs This and Which of These Wardrobe Weaknesses Is Lingering In Your Closet?

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