This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
It’s that time of the year again: when the days get shorter, the nights get chillier, but the outfits never stop servin’, and ladies – when you take a peek at my take on this season’s trends, you’re going to be looking hot longgg after the summer. 😉
Are you ready to get into the trench (coats) with me? Or to scale the sky-high boots where no woman has ever ventured before? Then buckle up, cause you’re getting the low-down on how to take this season’s trends to new heights as a way to get creative in your own wardrobe!!
Once you check out these top trends, I have a feeling your wardrobe is going to love me, but your bank account… maybe not so much! 😉 LOL!!
So let my report and insight be a guide for you, and above all else – have FUN! Remember ladies, your personal style is just that – personal!! While this guide is a great resource and tool, it is not meant to be sworn upon. If a look doesn’t resonate with you, then don’t force it! If something sparks your interest, I hope you’ll get inspired to play around with a new creative lens! And as always – if you found this guide useful, share it with your girlfriends and loved ones, and make sure to share your AW2022 finds with me by tagging me on IG @roxannecarne_stylist
Your Personal Guide to Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends
Here are three easy ways to get inspired by this season’s hottest trends:
Check out my ‘sneak peek’ trends below…
Then check out my video below that to see even more of the key trends we’re seeing this season and…
Download your complimentary copy of my FULL Autumn/Winter 2022 Trend Report (also below!) to check out ALL of the latest trends I’ve rounded up…JUST.FOR.YOU.
Trend Alert: Lace & Brocade
Trend Alert: Terra Cotta
⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎ Watch the Hottest Fashion Trends! ⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎
For this season, which trends are floating your boat? Are there some that you’re absolutely vibing with (or not)? Be sure to comment below and let me know!
Yours in Style,
Roxanne XOXO
Roxanne Carne is a recognized Personal Stylist for women in Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW), TX, and all over the U.S. (both in-person and virtually)! Visit roxannecarne.com or rc-style.com to discover how she can help transform your wardrobe and transform your life!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Want to know what’s cookin’ for this year’s most popular Spring & Summer fashion trends for women? As usual, I’ve got you covered with a couple of sneak peeks here, a few extra ones in the video below, but the full monty is available in my semi-annual fashion trend report.
This season we are showing out with bright pops of inspiration colors and design elements that certainly make a statement. We’re truly feeling that we are post-pandemic and are looking beyond, which is a good thing!
I’m your guide to breaking down these fun trends and helping you determine whether you want to incorporate any of these in your looks this season.
Your Personal Guide to Spring/Summer 2022 Trends
Here are three easy ways to get inspired by this season’s hottest trends:
Check out my ‘sneak peek’ trends below…
Then check out my video below that to see even more of the key trends we’re seeing this season and…
Download your complimentary copy of my FULL Spring/Summer 2022 Trend Report (also below!) to check out ALL of the latest trends I’ve rounded up…JUST.FOR.YOU.
Trend Alert: Yellow
Trend Alert: Knits
⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎ Watch the Hottest Fashion Trends! ⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎
So please share with me which trend(s) you’re feeling this season? Are there any that you absolutely love (or not)? Were there any specific pieces that I highlighted in the video that pique your interest? Be sure to comment below and let me know!
Yours in Style,
Roxanne XOXO
Roxanne Carne is a recognized Personal Stylist for women in Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW), TX, and all over the U.S. (both in-person and virtually)! Visit roxannecarne.com or rc-style.com to discover how she can help transform your wardrobe and transform your life!
It’s that time again! The most fun and desired styling season is upon us – Fall & Winter! I don’t know what it is about dressing for the fall and winter seasons, but it’s so much fun and it’s absolutely my favorite. (FYI, I hate the cold weather, but I LOVE dressing for it)!
In the autumn season, typically deep, rich colors emerge and there are all sorts of beautiful layering options emerge like stylish tights, cashmere turtleneck sweaters, wool skirts and trousers, and full-length coats. I love it all and I’m here for it!! And for many clients I work with, dressing for the fall and winter seasons is their favorite, too!
As we navigate through what we hope is the post-pandemic world, there has been a wave of self-realization, confidence, and creativity emerging from the masses – and that includes designers as well! What I’ve seen on the 2021 fall/winter runways has been a healthy mix of fun, daring, dramatic, and even classic looks. But they all mean something. The vibe feels different this time around. I think that with so many of us yearning for something new after the 2020 pandemic, we are all ready for it and it will show in our clothes for sure!
As such, I’m excited to share my semi-annual fashion and style trend guide centered on the upcoming fall and winter seasons. In recent years, my trend guides usually feature the ‘Top 10’ fashion trends that I see as being significant coming from the runways to the stores. However, this time around, my fashion & style guide highlights 13 top trends that I know will be hits. I couldn’t limit it to only 10 trends – I couldn’t hold back, LOL! 😂
Your Personal Guide to Fall/Winter 2021 Fashion Trends
Let’s get this party started, shall we? I invite you to do these TWO simple things to get some inspiration for your fall/winter wardrobe:
Watch my video directly below to check out my highlights of a few key trends we’re seeing this season and…
Download your complimentary copy of my full Fall/Winter 2021 Fashion Trend Report (also below!) to access ALL 13 of the latest trends that you’ll see in stores this season.
After watching my trend highlights and viewing the full 13-trend report, are there any fashion and style trends that are floating to the top for you? Will be any that you’re certain you’ll experiment with for the upcoming season? Let me know and comment below!
I hope you enjoyed this season’s trends!!
Yours in Style,
Roxanne XOXO
Roxanne Carne is a recognized Personal Stylist styling women in Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW), TX, and all over the U.S. (both in-person and virtually)! Join her private virtual community for women, The RC Style Guide® Collective, or visit roxannecarne.com to discover how she can help transform your wardrobe & transform your life!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Over the past few months, the U.S. has slowly started to “open up” as we move into yet another stage of our “new normal” which is our post-pandemic world. With this transition comes another wave of uncertainty across many aspects of our lives – including our wardrobes!
As of late, I’m working with so many clients who are confused about what on earth they should wear as they venture back to the office (in many times working a hybrid model of working from home a few days during the week). So I wrote this article to provide some helpful tips and product recommendations that are trending in this latest stage of our new normal.
Post-Pandemic Style Trends
As a Personal Stylist, it’s been very interesting to observe how the fashion world has flexed and adjusted over this time in response to our global lifestyle change and what consumers now desire. In my experience, this is truly the first time where I’ve seen a bottom-up approach when it comes to fashion design. Let me explain…Typically, from season to season, it’s the major fashion houses that determine the design and style trends readily available in the retail world.
However, the script has most definitely flipped! What’s happening now is that designers are listening to what consumers are saying they want and need when it comes to post-pandemic clothing choices. The common theme stemming from consumers is that we desire an extension of our pandemic wardrobe lifestyle as we slowly return to the office. We want relaxed silhouettes, softer, natural fabrics as well as fun, brighter colors that give us hope as we step into this new phase of life.
We’re seeing these desires transformed into garments that work well for the office – an office environment that’s also more relaxed and comfortable aligning with our pandemic lifestyles. And designers are taking these cues! These new looks are coined as being ‘Power Casual’ – outfits that strike a balance between being super comfortable yet upbeat and fresh!
A Firsthand Look at Women’s Style – Post-Pandemic!
On NBC’s TV show, Daytime, I shared a few of these trends that we’ll start seeing more and more of as we continue to settle into the post-pandemic world. Watch my show segment below for quick insights on these trends but be sure to read below for even more trends (and examples) that we didn’t have time to cover!
From the above TV segment, here are more details about the trends I discussed (and read on for more trends, too!). The great thing about all these trending styles is that they:
can be found at any price point – hooray for affordability!
can be styled in chic, comfortable ways
are easy to wear whether you’re in a commute, sitting at the desk, or transitioning from a day look to a night look
Leggings
While leggings certainly aren’t a new item for most of our wardrobes, they definitely played a major role in our pandemic wardrobe style. These functional, yet comfortable pieces carry on in the post-pandemic world and are jazzed up in an elevated way!
Baby Doll/Shift Dresses
Baby doll dresses are the new shift dress! Offering maximum comfort and very forgiving for those that experienced weight fluctuations, it’s no surprise that this style has become a staple for post-pandemic workwear.
Pants with Elastic Waistbands & Wide-Legged Pants
Goodbye overly structured and tailored pants! And hello to wide-legged pants and pants with elastic waistbands! Extending the familiar theme of ultimate comfort from home to work, these types of pants are ruling in retail!
Slides/Mules
Our feet need comfort, too! Forget tall stilettos (which I honestly will always love, LOL), but for the near future, slides & mules to the rescue! These minimally structured shoes are so easy to get in/out of and wear while complementing our ‘Power Casual’ looks in style! We’re seeing slides and mules with awesome colors, prints, and textures (such as faux fur) adorning our feet!
Now here are the extra style trends I didn’t have time to talk about on the show…
Unstructured Tops & Oversized Silhouettes
Like the looser-fitting pants I mentioned above, we’re seeing similar silhouettes emerging from designers as they style our upper body for post-pandemic workwear. In this same vein, both softer and natural fabrics become the new go-to’s for these types of tops – especially ones that are wrinkle-resistant!
Playful Colors
Let’s face it – dressing at home for the pandemic wasn’t fun for most of us…and for even more of us, defaulting to neutral or dark colors felt good because, well, it was easy! But coming out of the pandemic, we’ve been craving more! More vibrant colors and patterns, that is! And designers are responding with fun, vivacious colors to help us step into the world with hope, confidence, and a shot of happiness!
Slip-on Sneakers
One more ‘Power Casual’ wardrobe item that’s a great companion to the slides and mules are slip-on sneakers – stylish kicks that don’t have laces and you literally just slip them on and off. I’ve used these for years as my driving and errand-running shoes. They’re so comfy and cute enough to don in the workplace and are truly exploding in stores right now!
So, there you have it! I hope this quick rundown of top wardrobe items will help you solve the challenge of what to wear in the post-pandemic world! Did you find the trends and product recommendations helpful? And which key comfort items are you rocking these days? Please comment below or better yet, join the conversation in real-time with other women like you who are members of my private virtual community, The RC Style Guide® Collective!
Yours in Style,
Roxanne XOXO
Roxanne Carne is a recognized Personal Stylist styling women in Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW), TX, and all over the U.S. (both in-person and virtually)! Join her private virtual community for women, The RC Style Guide® Collective, or visit roxannecarne.com to discover how she can help transform your wardrobe & transform your life!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
⬆️ ⬆️ Do you see this quote above? ⬆️ ⬆️ It’s in response to a social media video post that one of my clients shared on her personal feed highlighting what it was like to work with me to reimagine her personal style (and her self-worth!). The video she shared is from a series I created, Up Close & Personal, where a few of my clients highlight their experience partnering with me through their personal style journey!
Anyhow, my client, Trici’a, received so many positive comments and accolades for her story, including the quote above. Now let me ask you this…do you see anything interesting about that particular comment? Well, I sure did! I immediately homed in on this statement: “I would love to do something like this, but I’m sure it’s pricey.” This literally stopped me in my tracks and the thoughts in my head went into overdrive! Why?? Because in my line of business, I literally hear and SEE this thought process that many people, especially women, go through every. single. day.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts and wrote the reply below…
You know that saying, “When you see something, say something?” Well while I don’t personally know this woman, but in that raw moment reading her message, I felt compelled to say something. To say something which would help reframe her instinctive thinking. I couldn’t just let this one go.
Seeing these words come from someone that’s probably an everyday woman just like you, me, or my client truly hurt my heart. As I said in my response to her, we should NEVER EVER associate our own worth against some dollar signs. NEVER.
But I realize this is something that’s hard to do if you’ve unknowingly been doing (or feeling) this way for years. (Warning… I’m putting on my Style Therapist hat on here! 😂). And I’m guessing in this case, she probably didn’t even realize she was doing this. She wrote what she felt and thought in that moment. And while that was her truth in that moment, her words signify that this was an inherent feeling she’s had (for who knows how long) leading up to that instance when she wrote those words on that page.
But here’s the thing…she is just ONE of the millions of women who instinctively (and unknowingly) feel this way and are negotiating their self-worth every day. Negotiating ultimately means compromise – and compromising backward is not a good thing when it comes to one’s value and self-worth. We need to stop doing this to ourselves, but how??
How to Reframe Your (Negative) Instinctive Thinking
Here are four quick tips that I’ve come up with to help you ensure that you don’t (or no longer) go down the path of negotiating your self-worth in a negative way. Changing this behavior will open up so many possibilities for you!
Pay Attention & Check Yourself – You can’t address any roadblocks without recognizing them first. Start registering your fleeting thoughts especially as it relates to your image and self-worth. Start listening to yourself and, with love, immediately check yourself if you’re headed down the road of negatively negotiating your self-worth. If not, your instinctive thinking may lead you astray.
Reframe How You Think About Yourself – Did you notice in my recommendation to her, I mentioned that she shouldn’t use BUT, but instead use AND when thinking about what she truly desires for herself? Essentially this is the practice of removing mental roadblocks that we carry. BUT is a roadblock – it’s another way of saying ‘no’ to yourself! I want to do ABC, but XYZ. If we say I want to do ABC and I will XYZ, what this does is position you to plan – plan ahead, plan a budget, plan some time, plan whatever you need to make it happen! Stop limiting what you can and should do for yourself.
Ask Yourself “What If?” – I LOVE this question! I learned this question from my church priest when going through pre-marital counseling (which I highly recommend!). In the context he shared, it’s a helpful phrase to use in “productive” arguments, but I think it’s a healthy question to ask oneself when you go find yourself negotiating your self-worth. What if I…? Go ahead and say it. How does it feel? Does it feel more freeing or more empowering? Do you feel like you have options? Then good! This is how you should feel every day when it comes to your self-worth. It’s a positive question to uncover the possibilities.
Any Investment in YOU is Priceless – This goes back to my notion that you should never equate your personal value or self-worth to a price tag. If it’s something that improves, develops, or advances you, it is worth it – and YOU are worth it. Life-changing experiences are memorable and priceless. When you know better (whatever it may be), you do better. When you’re armed with more than what you think you know (especially when it comes to your image), you’re naturally positioned for more opportunities. Furthermore, making assumptions about what an investment may look like could potentially lead to a missed opportunity. Instead, seek to understand – get all the information about what you may want to explore and then make your decision (or planning activities) from there! What do you have to lose? Absolutely nothing!
I hope my insights and tips are helpful to you. I’m extremely passionate about this message ask that you share this blog post with every woman you know.
I also would love to know whether you’ve ever found yourself negotiating your self-worth when it comes to image (or anything else)? If so, what were your fleeting thoughts and how did you deal with them? Please comment below or better yet, join the conversation in real-time with other women like you who are members of my private virtual community, The RC Style Guide® Collective!
Yours in Style,
Roxanne XOXO
Roxanne Carne is a recognized Personal Stylist styling women in Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW), TX, and all over the U.S. (both in-person and virtually)! Join her private virtual community for women, The RC Style Guide® Collective, or visit roxannecarne.com to discover how she can help transform your wardrobe & transform your life!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
It’s that time of year again – woohoo! Spring has sprung and this particular spring season is significant because it’s the first spring that’s “post-pandemic.” Many aspects of our lives are slowly returning to normal and from what I’m hearing from ladies who are clients, ladies that I network with, and ladies that follow me, the sentiment is the same. We are READY – desperately READY – for something fresh and new this season – new environments, new (or renewed) relationships, and now more than ever, new clothes!!
For most of 2020 leading into 2021, it’s been HARD for many of us. We felt truly in limbo from one month to the next and from one season to the next. It felt like this pandemic would never end. But now? So many of us are fed up and desire inspiration, change, and just something different!
Timing-wise, that’s why I’m SO pleased to share my semi-annual fashion trend report for you to glean ALL of that – style-wise, that is! My Spring/Summer 2021 Trend Report is chock full of just what you need to feel inspired and intrigued about what’s going on in the world of fashion and style coming out of the pandemic.
It’s important to know and understand that style doesn’t stop for anyone – nor does it have to stop for you (personally) either! Even though the pandemic may have knocked you off-kilter for a hot minute, I know that you’ve probably dedicated some of that downtime to seriously contemplate what style means to you, your image, and your life!
Your Personal Guide to Spring/Summer 2021 Trends
So as you step into your new season of life, I invite you to do these TWO simple things to get inspired:
Watch my video directly below to see my highlights of some of the key trends we’re seeing this season and…
Download your complimentary copy of my full Spring/Summer 2021 Trend Report (also below!) to check out ALL ten of the latest trends I’ve rounded up…JUST.FOR.YOU.
In the video above, I mentioned my #1 favorite brand for ladies’ pumps, ALLY Shoes! I pretty much put nearly all of my lovely clients in ALLY shoes and I think you should, too! Visit their store by clicking here. PRO TIP: I highly recommend joining their email list to grab an additional $15 off your first order. And are you a client of mine? Contact me for an even sweeter deal! 🤩
So…share with me – which styles do you dig for this season? Are there any that you absolutely love (or perhaps don’t love)? Were there any pieces that I highlighted in the video that piqued your interest? Be sure to comment below and let me know! I hope you enjoyed the video and trend report!
Yours in Style,
Roxanne XOXO
Roxanne Carne is a recognized Personal Stylist styling women in Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW), TX, and all over the U.S. (both in-person and virtually)! Visit roxannecarne.com or rc-style.com to discover how she can help transform your wardrobe and transform your life!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Even though the COVID pandemic has paused or deferred so many things on a global basis, one thing that certainly hasn’t stopped is fashion. Fashion never ceases. It’s resilient, it evolves, and fashion designers always aim to inspire us to take fresh and fun risks with our own personal style.
So, with that said, it’s that time of year again! I’m so excited to publish my Autumn/Winter 2020 Fashion Trend Report! In semi-annual style trend reports, you get a concise review of the season’s top fashion trends that you’ll see at your favorite retailers. This time around, you’ll get a closer look at the Top Ten Fashion Trends rocking the style world this fall season! You may see some trends that you may or may not like; you may see some trends that have come ‘round again (for the second, third, or tenth time, LOL); or you may see some that move you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!
Expert Style Tip: Here’s what you need to keep in mind when it comes to trends. Trends can certainly be fun and interesting to try, but I always say that you should never be a slave to them. Let trends inspire you, make you think, and tease you with interest – but don’t be compelled to think that just because it’s a trend, it belongs in your wardrobe – absolutely NOT! Always be your authentic self and if a particular trend genuinely resonates with you, then you should totally go for it.
So, you do want to see if any fall/winter fashion trends pique your interest? I’ve got a sneak peek for you with a couple of trends below for you to check out; but for the full shebang, you’ll need to download my full report!
Fall/Winter 2020 Fashion Trends – Sneak Peek
Extreme Knits
This fall season, say buh-bye to the traditional cardi! Designers have pushed the envelope on our standard knits to include exaggerated proportions, punchy patterns, and super chunky textures! Which knit style vibes with you?
Punk
Ahhhh, punk! The perfect marriage of rock and modern chic! This trend is especially fun with punk-inspired accessories including handbags, shoes, and chokers.
⬇︎ ⬇︎ Want to see more??? Get your report right here! ⬇︎ ⬇︎
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
For many women, how we dress for work day-to-day has drastically shifted since the COVID-19 pandemic. As of late, my clients have been confused about what to wear to work since work is now mainly on their laptops and on camera. They seek styling solutions from me that allow them to look presentable for work while also having true comfort in what they wear.
A few months after the pandemic hit and we realized that we’d be living a “Zoom life” for a while, I published my style recommendations for great tops to wear for your video conferences, but this time, I wanted to share some inspiration for those ladies who are now working from home indefinitely, are totally living that “Zoom life,” and seek comfortable, yet chic looks.
I styled two easy ‘at-home’ chic outfits that deliver on four central themes: stylish, simple, distinguishable, and most importantly, comfortable. These types of outfits hit the mark and are SO easy to re-create. FYI, item & retailer info is directly below each styled look so if you see something you like, it can be yours! 😉
Expert Style Tip: One thing that I want to point out is that since you’re probably concentrating on your face, neck, and shoulders when styling yourself for Zoom video conferences, I highly recommend “successorizing” – what’s that? It’s Accessorizing with Success. Leverage awesome necklines, statement jewelry pieces, and even glasses to create truly interesting looks.
Look 1 – Casual Chic
Style Notes:
This comfortably, roomy, yet sleek draping top cascades over super comfy, stretch leggings (perfect for flexing your legs while you sit).
I want to point out that the top is satin, but that it adds really nice texture to the overall look, especially on camera!
Pair this top with a statement necklace. Here, I provided options for a long, layered look to complement the cascading points on the top; or statement collar necklaces that would look so lovely rested on the top’s rounded collar.
Adding a statement cuff is also a chic touch!
And finally, when it comes to footwear, you’re likely to wear flats over heels (not going to lie, I sometimes wear my heels in my home office, LOL), but you may rock some comfy slippers, too! I’ve shared stylish mules, slides, ballet flats, and soft quilted slippers as stylish, yet comfortable options for you!
⬇︎⬇︎ Below are the individual items that make up this ensemble. Click on the images for full retail info! ⬇︎⬇︎
Look 2 – ‘Jersey’ Girl
Style Notes:
You can never go wrong with wearing jersey material when comfort is on your agenda; it moves with you and is just so easy to wear!
I curated two dress options – one that’s more of a shift dress and one that’s more of a sheath dress (you can find out more about these types of dresses here). I share this because you can play with different silhouettes and still look amazing. It’s all a matter of your personal style preference and what you’re in the mood for!
With this look, less is definitely more… neutral colors accented with great “successories”
I found great silver-toned chokers that accent the round collar of each dress (these would look amazing on Zoom!) and a fabulous Isabel Marant raindrop charm necklace which is a standout piece as well.
Accessorize your wrist with a retro acrylic bangle. A piece like this is a bonus to your wardrobe because you can pretty much pair it with any outfit!
The footwear remains simple and comfortable, yet stylish. I was really feeling toe loop sandals (as opposed to thonged sandals) and included a few stylish options here, too. And of course, I had to throw in the quilted slippers again!
⬇︎⬇︎ Below are the individual items that make up this ensemble. Click on the images for full retail info! ⬇︎⬇︎
So, there you have it! Two totally chic, WFH looks that offer four hot needs for sensible work from home outfits: style, simplicity, distinction, and comfort. As you can see, working from home and being stylish are NOT mutually exclusive!
What’s your favorite comfortable ensemble to wear when working from home? Comment below!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
As a Personal Stylist, I work with women to update and refresh their wardrobes while discovering a style that resonates with them. In the process of working with my clients, a question that I’m frequently asked is, “What does YOUR closet look like?” So, to answer that and to help you develop your personalized way of navigating clothes in your own closet, I’ve jotted down a few items that have made my wardrobe what it is today (and it’s still in the making!).
Let’s start with what I believe every lady needs to complete her wardrobe (and be sure to check out a video of MY closet below):
Full-Length Mirror: I firmly believe that every woman needs one of these mirrors either in her closet or somewhere in her home so she can do a full 360 to make sure everything is in place from head to toe before walking out the door!
Hangers: I like maintaining the same slimline velvet hangers throughout my closet, which gives it a clean, uniform look, and objects aren’t sliding onto the ground when I’m in search of something in particular (or heck, even on their own!). Overall, I love the aesthetic that quality, uniform hangers create in one’s closet – it not only looks neatly organized, but it makes you feel like you’re walking into your own private boutique every time you set foot in your closet. Oh, and these hangers also provide more space for more clothes! (Always a good thing!)
Canvas Hanging Shelves: These canvas shelves come in handy for my knits. I highly recommend folding sweaters so that they don’t stretch out while on the hanger! Also, everything is neatly folded, visible, and easy to access.
Large Hanging Canvas Container: A hanging container can come in handy to store any heavy coats, formal gowns, etc. that aren’t worn often. This is essential to keep the dust way while allowing fabrics to breathe.
Organizational System: How will you set up your closet? For me, the most important aspect of closet organization is being able to find my clothes, shoes, and accessories quickly. The most effective way for me to do that is through meticulous organization (and a of lifetime trips to the Container Store!). My current closet setup is, the Elfa Closet System in Walnut. This beautiful system is beneficial in so many ways. Not only is it lovely to look at but since it’s modular, you can design it any way you need to fit your unique space and you can use the same the pieces again if you move. It also allows me to organize my wardrobe pieces together in one area and my shoes, accessories, and jewelry in another, eliminating any guess work when I need to get style my look in a pinch.
Try not to let things pile up. Set up your system once and form a habit of putting everything back in the same place. This means merchandising everything into sections, and this is something I do not only myself, but for my clients as well. This means putting “like pieces together,” as I’ll dive into below!
In my video above I share how I organized my dresses, tops, and bottoms. In short, it all depends on the length, color, and function. For example, my tops are organized from sleeveless tops (like tank tops) to shortsleeve tops to longsleeve blouses and blazers. The bottom section of my closet is where my pants and skirts live. Overall, they are organized by color and material and my skirts are arranged by length.
My dresses are “merchandised” by style and color, starting with casual sleeveless, progressing towards more formal and professional styles. A bulk of my dresses consist of sheath dresses, which do a fabulous job of fitting women and accentuating your silhouette. From here, I start transitioning from neutrals to colors to patterns.
Section II: Shoes, Handbags, and Accessories
Shoes (and Boots!)
One of my favorite parts about my closet is my shoe rack! With the Elfa System I installed from the Container Store , comes a very sleek sliding feature that is very useful for reaching shoes in the back when placed in rows. If you don’t have a lot of closet space, this is a great tool to implement while organizing your shoes. Again, these are merchandised by type of shoe- pumps, sandals, flats, ankle boots, etc.
I like to store my handbags upright and in their original dust bags (if they came with them) on a shelf above my shoes. (On a side note, I’ve been eyeing these drawstring dust bags and clear moisture-proof purse storage bags for my other bags that are currently exposed).
Accessories (Hats & Jewelry)
My hats are stored on a shelf of their own above the handbags, which gives them plenty of space to lay flat without bending or getting damaged.
My closet system has a special feature just for jewelry! This shelf has built-in tray dividers which is perfect for organization. It also has a leather-like interior lining and a sliding cover to protect jewelry from dust. Like my shoe rack, the entire shelf slides out for ease and convenience. My costume jewelry lives here (directly underneath my shoe racks), which I’ve organized based on size and type. The height is just perfect to see everything at once!. And just in case that isn’t enough, I have also two hanging “LittleBlack Dress” jewelry organizers with transparent pockets & Velcro handles to hang necklaces and give me easy access to earrings.
Section III: Extra Storage Space
One great aspect about my Elfa system is that it gives me a lot of space toward the bottom for folded clothes. I have that area set up with drawers that allow me to snag anything I may need with ease in the same area. I love it because it’s a metal mesh so I can see through it and easily spot what I’m looking for. I use these for my athleisure wear, loungewear, winter accessories, gloves, scarves, swimsuits, lingerie, and travel accessories.
At the very bottom of my closet is where I keep my designer shoe boxes (yes, I’m one of “those” people that can’t ever let these boxes go, LOL). I keep these because they make great storage for other miscellaneous items. I don’t use too many though, since they’re not transparent, making it more tricky to find certain items. But for those small random items looking for a home, these really do the trick!
Section IV: Outerwear
Much of my outerwear consists of winter and fall coats, denim jackets, and leather jackets. Depending on the weight of the fabric, I’ll opt to using wooden hangers instead of slimline hangers so that the shapes keep their integrity. That completes my wardrobe run-through and how I have made mine work!
Overall, I believe your wardrobe should speak to you and your personal style. Walk into it as if it were your own boutique, and walk out feeling like you just made a trip to your favorite store! Stylin’ and profilin’! 😉
Got any tips of your own? Comment below with your tricks of the organizational trade.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
As many of us transition into the Spring/Summer season, spring cleaning comes to mind but remember that this isn’t limited to your major household chores – your closet needs a refurb, too! I often mention how important it is to go through your wardrobe at least twice a year for a clean refresh heading into the next season, and this time I want to concentrate on spring cleaning your closet. It’s time to think about items you’ve worn with love and preparing them for the next Fall/Winter Season.
So, without further ado, check out my top 7 tips on how to best prepare your closet for the next Fall/Winter Season – video and detailed resources are included below!
Dry Clean Your Clothes: Don’t be a stranger to dry cleaning! It’s easy to remember your day-to-day items, but make sure you take your scarves and winter coats as well. When you bring your items back home, be sure to remove the clothing from the temporary plastic garment bags. This gives your clothes a chance to breathe and air out any cleaning chemicals the dry cleaners used. This is essential to avoid any garment discoloration.
Utilize a Cobbler: Your shoes have taken you from place to place all season, and now it’s time to show them some TLC. Look out for any shoes that may need to be re-soled on the bottom and don’t forget about texture! If it’s a leather shoe, make sure it’s getting moisturized, and if it’s suede, make sure it’s getting sprayed for more stain and water resistance (more on that next!).
Protect Your Suede: If you live in a town with limited on cobbler resources, many dry cleaners have specialist partners who they use to refresh your shoes. Again, this helps prevent stains and water damage.And here’s a cheeky alternative for you: Scotchgard is a great affordable DIY suede-protector option for your shoes. (PRO TIP: You can also use the Scotchgard spray on your suede/nubuck handbags, coats, and gloves!
Fur Care (for those who like fur!): Once the cold seasons are over, get your treasured furs to a furrier pronto, because warmer temperatures can really damage your investment pieces. Since furs need to be in cooler temperatures, a furrier is a great option because they securely house your furs and keep them in a climate-controlled atmosphere to make sure there’s no disintegration of the pelt. Ask your local fur retailers or search Google for reputable local furriers.
Storage: If there are pieces that don’t transition into your spring or summer wardrobe, and you won’t be wearing them for a while, I suggest transferring them to breathable garment bags or canvas containers. The garment bags are helpful for hanging items, while the canvas containers are great for folded items like sweaters, scarves, etc. Any of these methods will prevent your valuable clothing from dust, moths/insects, and damp environments.
HACK: Repurpose luxe garment boxes from retailers for storing your out-of-season clothing as I did in my Welcome to My Closet video! (My faves are from Net-a-Porter!) If possible, you shouldn’t use an airtight container because you need your clothes to breathe! This is why I don’t recommend storing clothes in plastic or storage bins because it promotes discoloration (and mustiness!).
HACK: In my closet, I utilize boot storage bags to carefully store my boots between in- and out-of-season wear. These boots are great for minimizing dust and preventing moisture damage. Another plus is that they come in different sizes and will offer protection for any boot height up to the knees (FYI, structured over-the-knee boots will not fit.) PRO TIP: When storing my boots, I also use a boot shaper that prevents the boots’ shafts from collapsing and wrinkling until the next time I wear them.
Moisturize Your Leather: This includes shoes, handbags, and clothes. Anything that is a smooth leather needs to be moisturized and conditioned because they will crack without proper moisture or humidity. I prefer to use the Otter Wax Leather Salve – a little goes a long way!
Closet Cleanse: Take a good look at your Fall/Winter wardrobe and spend some time assessing items that you did NOT wear as well as items that did NOT serve you. Ask yourself, “Do I need this?” or “Does this fit me?” or “Does this make me feel fabulous when I wear it?” These are the questions I ask my clients when we’re working through my Signature Styling Services. Many of us tend to hold on to garments that no longer serve us, but perhaps we keep them for sentimental reasons, or for hope that “one day” we’ll fit into those clothes again.. but NOPE! Time to let go so you can make room for beautiful clothes that will make you LOOK and FEEL fabulous.
This is a great exercise to do during major seasonal shifts. Do you love them anymore? Do you wear them anymore? If the answer is “no”, then it’s time for that item to go!
HINT: If you need some inspiration and expert guidance filtering through your “must-haves” and the “need-nots,” I encourage you to sign up for my FREE 8-Day Cleanse Your Closet Challenge. This complimentary online program will help you cull your closet twice a year (or whenever you want!) at an easy, reasonable pace.
So, there you have it! These are my top tips for prepping your closet for the next Fall/Winter Season What other ways help you prepare your closet for the next season? Comment below with your tips and methods!