
There’s an alternate world within your closet, one that’s filled with as many characters as you’d see in any block-buster movie. Knowing who they are and what roles they play will give you a new take on your style and what items you allow into your closet.
Most women dress for the day according to their mood, where they are going and what they are going to do that day but is that really enough? I don’t think so. As Rachel Zoe once said, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak”, so we really should be more considered about how we step out each day.
One way to do this is to have a closet filled with items that support your goals and that means some time spent analyzing what’s in your closet. To save this from being a boring chore I’m going to show you how each item in your closet has a set character, ready to play their part in your daily image.
This is who they are…
HEROES
The heroes of your closet are the flattering basics and classic items. These pieces are the no-brainers that you can rely on when you’re having an ‘I-don’t-know-what-to-wear’ day. They are timeless pieces that never go out of style, and are worth a higher price tag for better fabric and construction. If you find a hero item that you fall in love with, it’s even worth buying multiples of it in different colors.
Combinations of heroes will always lead to the sartorial promised land.
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SIDEKICKS
They say behind every good man is a great woman; likewise behind every hero is at least one sidekick whose job it is to support and add versatility to their hero. Your closet sidekicks are the interest pieces that stay inline with current trends and change the mood, status, and personality of or your hero items, allowing them to go almost anywhere. They include items like embellished cardigans, printed scarves, leather jackets, statement jewelry, eye-wear, vests and fashion pieces.
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DARK HORSES
Unexpected yet chic, dark horses are closet items that often have a story. They may be your thrift store finds, vacation memories, vintage favorites, heirloom pieces or anything else that can add a sartorial spice to up an outfit and your style. Examples of the dark horse are items like a cameo brooch, retro Pucci print skirts, high-waisted vintage denim, boho fringe pieces etc.
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MAGICIANS
Magicians are transformative garments that make you feel instantly amazing whether it is confident, sexy or some other elevating or empowering feeling. These finds don’t happen often, but when they do, it’s a life-changing moment. Closet magicians are different for everyone. For some it might be a killer black dress, for others, it may be a pair of stilettos that are both sultry yet comfortable; the point is magicians are mood boosters that give your style the jolt it needs.
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SABOTEURS
Lurking within every closet are the saboteurs. These items hide in your closet waiting for an opportunity to trick you into thinking they’re the perfect thing to wear when the truth is they’re going to ruin your look and/or your image. Examples are clothes that are too tight, weird fashion, items no longer age appropriate or things from your past that no longer fit your present.
MISFITS
Closet misfits are items that are no longer consistent with your age, present shape, personality or circumstances. They might be torn jeans from your days of working at a record store or twinset cardigans from when you were more conservative. Whatever it is, if it doesn’t fit with who you are now, find it a new home.
IMPERSONATORS
It’s natural that over time you’ve explored and experimented with your personal style. You may even become enamored with the style of another person or trend for a period. It’s during these times that you’ll acquire the impersonators. These are items that you thought were ‘the new you’ but ended up becoming closet orphans. It’s time to expel these impersonators who only create closet clutter and confusion and make way for the clothes that make you the star.
In the end understanding your closet characters helps you audit your closet into a place of inspiration and options. Making space for your heroes, sidekicks, dark horses and magicians while eliminating your misfits, impersonators, and saboteurs. Once you get rid of the dead weight in your closet, you’ll be ready to increase the players in your wardrobe all-star team.
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Thank you.
Ann Reinten AICI CIP
Author
Loved the way you named each of the clothing types and how they fall into our style. You were especially great at telling what is the best and what to keep an eye out for and what to discard and why. Thank you for being so generous with your article!
Sherri Feehery
Thank you Sherri, Glad you liked it!
So clever, Ann! All your definitions were represented at the award ceremony last Sunday. I am so ready to tear into my wardrobe area and dump what I don’t positively love ❤thank you for sparking enthusiasm for the result. I’ll let you know if there’s anything left to wear
Thanks Pat!
Marvelous, Ann. My readers will love his article. It says so much
Glad you like it Tasi
I always enjoy the ideas discussed with photos providing examples. Even at 50 I still struggle putting outfits together and often put your ideas into practice. Thank you for been so generous with sharing your knowledge and experience.
Margaret
You are most welcome Margaret
Love the categories and descriptions. It makes it easy to understand why items were bought in the first place or why they became favorites. I have some great pieces in the ‘good’ categories, but way too many in the ‘bad’ ones. A closet purge is in order.
Thanks
Darlene
This is a brilliant article – thank you! What is needed now is the courage to attack my wardrobe(s)!
So happy I could shed some light!
I LOVE this post! Wise words and a good list to consult when editing/embellishing one’s wardrobe. Thank You
Thank you Lesley
Really enjoyed this Ann. Such a fun way of looking at what’s in your closet.
Glad you like it Anne.