What's In Your Closet?

Do you have lots of clothing in your closet but feel you have nothing to wear? Most of my clients answer “yes” to this question. Each and everyone one of us from CEO’s to stay at home parents have been faced with this dilemma. Yet, most people rarely take the time out to find what’s required in order to have a well balanced wardrobe. Your wardrobe should work for you. It should always create a “put together” look for you effortlessly while giving you an attitude of ease and confidence all at the same time. If yours doesn’t do this for you, chances are you’ve probably had some frustrating ‘last minute’ shopping experiences while trying to find something appropriate for a certain occasion.

Ninety percent of what people first notice about you is your clothing and grooming! Think about it, how many times have you “sized up” how someone is groomed and put together? Clothing and grooming is not only important for first impressions, but also because if affects everything else about you. It will actually have an impact on your body language and gestures. How many times have you gotten a new outfit, haircut, makeover (you get the idea) and can actually feel a shift in how you carry yourself? All of a sudden you may feel yourself smiling more, feeling confident, and striding (or for some strutting) differently; it’s incredible how it affects us!

So in order to make sure we have this positive impact on ourselves on a regular basis it’s important we take time to build our wardrobe appropriately.

The next step is to audit, plan and shop. Take a peak in your closet and take the following actions steps:

1)       You want to remove everything that is not in the correct size. Things that are kept for the possibility of a size increase or decrease should be stored in another area as they are not being currently used.

2)      Remove everything worn out.

3)      Remove everything outdated. If you look outdated, it is assumed your job skills are also.

4)      Remove everything not worn in a year. Don’t keep things “just in case”, if you do, pack them away in a separate area.

5)      Remove everything that does not feel great when worn; remember, if you don’t feel good, it will show on you!

6)      Remove everything that does not enhance the image. If you aren’t sure what works for you and what doesn’t, hire a professional to tell you.

Now that you know what you have in your closet and can plan for things you need, the biggest questions now is, “what do I spend”?

Believe it or not, the suggested annual clothing investment for all clothing items (including inner wear, outerwear, and accessories) is 5-10% of the gross annual salary or 5-10% of what you desire to be your income(if you plan on moving up in your job). You don’t want to be walking into a job situation wearing a $199 suit when the lifestyle requires something much higher.

Be classic or current in what you purchase and remember that you get what you pay for.

The bottom line is your clothing should make you shine in all situations while being appropriate at the same time. Remember, your clothing is there to work for you…not the other way around.