I do closet consultations and consistently find that most women’s closets are full of great pieces that just need to be styled properly. Styling includes creative accessorizing, figuring out why that great dress doesn’t quite work or creating magic by putting an outfit together in an unexpected way.  Of course I am an advocate of hiring me, the Savvy Broad, to whip your closet into shape, but until then I encourage you to stop shopping and start styling yourself.

The best approach is to pull ALL of your Fall/Winter items including jeans, black skirts and pants, shoes, boots, jewelry and bags. (In other words, everything that does not say Spring, Summer.)  Next try on every item and separate into three categories: “too small”, “love how it makes me look” and “not quite right”. Discard “too small” and gather the “not quite right” items for a trip to the tailor to see what can be done to fix the fit. Now put on the “love how it makes me look” items and create combinations using an assortment of jewelry, sweaters, belts, scarves, boots, tights, etc.  BE FEARLESS AND CREATIVE – if you need help, try looking at magazines and/or pour a glass of wine and pump up the music to get the ideas flowing.  Play with proportions or break up too much color or pattern by using sweaters, belts, scarves or a long necklace to elongate by creating a vertical line.  Add a little edge with an unexpected shoe, tights, boots or a light, short leather jacket.  (Remember, “matchiness” can age your look.)  Finally, statement jewelry and fun items like a leopard bag will wake up any outfit.

One more thing, make a list of “holes” in your wardrobe for strategic shopping and record each outfit by taking a picture with your camera or phone.