When your closet starts looking frumpy, dressing becomes less thrilling, and you aren’t wearing half of what you own, it’s time to curate your wardrobe.

What is the meaning of curate?

To curate something is to select the best or most appropriate – and in this case you will be selecting the best of your clothing collection… that enhances your appearance in a way that reflects a high self image of yourself.

What does curating the “most appropriate” mean?

You have different activities, events, or dressing etiquette that can dictate what is appropriate for you to wear.

For example, athletic wear is appropriate for exercising type activities. Athleisure (athletic & leisure wear) can also be comfortable to wear while lounging around the house. Running jackets are great to throw on over skin fitting athletic wear to provide more coverage of body parts to respect yourself and respect those around you in public places. Athletic wear is common to wear when running errands or going places where there isn’t a dress code – for example, at a conference you may wear a more classy business casual attire.

Leisure wear is considered the more casual clothing you may wear when not working – sweat pants, lounge pants (some can be worn as PJs, but aren’t necessarily pajama pants), t-shirts, athletic wear, etc.

Dress codes in school settings are there to teach you value, discipline, respect and obedience. Now obedience isn’t a word I’m fond of, nevertheless, it does have value in teaching discipline and respect of authorities, which is a character trait that can serve a person well – as long as the person expecting “respect and obedience” is not being abusive. And, vice versa – the person who can heed to authority in a respectful way, instead of being abusive by being disdainful for no apparent reason than perhaps a lack of recognizing boundary protocols.

Professional settings usually require a dressing etiquette to send the first impression message of seriousness, respect for others, ability to focus on desired outcomes, and prove that you are there for an important reason.

Think of all the different styles, messages you want to send to yourself (self-image) and the proper dressing etiquette that you need for your lifestyle and activities. Tennis player? Pickleball player? Trivia night enthusiast? Fine-dining connoisseur? Grilling king or queen? Game night at home host? Family traveler? Business traveler? World traveler? Work from home professional? Real Estate agent? Construction contractor? Accountant professional? Music teacher? Pharmaceutical rep? Clinic Physician? Yoga Instructor? Grandmother and housewife? Medical professional? Private business owner? Empty nester? Retiree lover of life? Marathon runner? Water sports? Winter ski sports? Athletic? Mom life? Dad life? Holiday family gatherings? Musician? Professional sports fan?

In the comment section, tell me who you are by listing the activities you enjoy doing and/or the roles you have in life!

Now, with this in mind, let’s curate your wardrobe with the most appropriate items for you.

The 3 Questions to Ask Yourself to Curate A Closet of Clothing That Fits Your Lifestyle

As you begin to flip or rummage thru the items in your closet, ask yourself the following 3 questions. You’ll end up with 3 different sections of clothing – which you can create in the closet as you go or you can use your bed to create the piles.

Question #1: Do you love it?

This is the easiest question to answer… you know if you love something or not. You’ll light up over it. That’s obviously a keeper.

Question #2: Does it fit me properly?

Another way to ask this question… is it too big? is it too small? does it feel funny when wearing – not comfortable, makes me feel self conscious in a bad way.

These items are definitely in the consider letting go pile. They are the maybes.

Question #3: Does it make me look desperate, cheap, or worn out.

Worn out clothing can make a person look worn out. Cheap trendy clothing of low quality doesn’t last as long as high quality staple pieces – that’s why they are cheap! They were made in mass for a trending season. They can be replaced with a few new trending pieces at an inexpensive rate. Toss the worn out, cheap looking items that you don’t love – and that don’t fit you or your changing style.

Cleaning out your wardrobe is a chance to select the best pieces that look great on you, fit well, and enhance your self image. Your self image is what you think about yourself. Think highly of yourself!

You have a specific style and personality.

Respect dressing etiquette codes and you’ll be respected back.

No matter which activity, event, or lifestyle you live, keep your most loved clothing items, donate the items that make you look worn out (and not in a positive stylish way!) and/or items that don’t fit you right – leaving you feeling less confident than you really are, and then go out and do some shopping to add a few new clothing items to mix and match with the favorites you already love and look great in.

About Author

Melody Granger helps women embrace The Streamlined Lifestyle, where their homes exude freshness, function with ease, and provide a serene backdrop for accomplishing tasks that enhance their overall health, success, and well-being.

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