How To Find Your Personal Style And Build Your Wardrobe From Scratch : Chapter 1

For the last 5 years, every New Year, the number one resolution on my list of resolutions has been 'build a new wardrobe'. We women never have anything to wear, ever. Even when our bedroom is looking like Sarojini Nagar. (I know, a lot of you are with me on this one!)

The first step to rebuild your wardrobe is what I like to call, 'dumping the dirt!'

We all have an 'impulsive buys' pile, a 'just-in-case' pile and an 'inspiration' pile (for when we lose weight). You see why we never have space in our wardrobes? Now the golden rule to getting rid of your clothes is honesty.

Try all your clothes. With every trial, look at yourself in the mirror. Do you love yourself in it? Do you feel beautiful in it? Do you feel happy? Trust your instinct.

If you don't, toss it into the 'no' pile. Even if it's a "maybe, someday" reaction or a "can't decide but I paid through my nose' for that garment, dump it.

Do it with every single garment in your closet. It might be tiring, but it'll be worth it!

By the end of it, it's okay if you're only left with half the garments you started with. At least your cupboard will now only be full of things you'll actually use. It's better than scrummaging through things every morning only to pick up what you just won't wear anymore.

What do you do with the 'no' pile now?

You either donate them or put them up for sale.

If you don't know where to donate them, here are some options -

1. goonj.com, they have drop centres all over India.

2. sadsindia.org, they pick up the donations right from your doorstep.

If you want to put them on sale, you can try doing that on the Spoyl.

PS: You should consider donating the basics and putting the statement pieces on sale. It's more practical. Plus this way, you're doing your bit as well as not feeling too bad about parting with the expensive pieces.

The next step is to figure out your personal style.

The first impression a person gets about you is by the way you're dressed. (Harsh reality of life!) And that is why personal style is so very important.

But what is personal style?

Personal style is not only about fashion, it's all about the person you are, what makes you, YOU. It's all about the way you think and what you feel.

So how do you find your personal style from the scratch?

Divide what's left of your wardrobe into 3 - basics, statement pieces and in-trend pieces.

Let's talk about the basics.

Do you see a particular shade more prominent than the others? A fabric that just lightens your mood up? A silhouette that accentuates all the right places?

This your basic personal style, the foundation. The clothes you feel most comfortable in - the shade, fabric and silhouette that you prefer over others.

Shade + Fabric + Silhouette = Personal style

Now a person can be a moody dresser, like I am. I'll put on clothes every morning depending on the way I feel. So a moody dresser is very versatile, they don't have a particular style. Which is very normal!

And ta-da you now know your personal style!

The next chapter will talk about how to start rebuilding your wardrobe based on your personal style!

Tune in and let me know more about your personal style in the comments section below. Better yet, send in pictures and get featured on our Instagram page.