Shop Your Own Wardrobe
We’ve all been there. Standing in front of a wardrobe stuffed with clothes and sighing, “I have nothing to wear.” Before you buy yet another black top (because let’s be honest, they’re basically a uniform) or feel that itch to “completely start again,” take a pause.
In my experience, most of us already have more style potential hanging in our wardrobes than we give ourselves credit for. This week, I’m inviting you to try something a little different: shop your own wardrobe. Think of it as a style treasure hunt: less about spending money, more about uncovering gems you already own.
Step 1: Start with Something You Wear a Lot
Begin with a piece you already feel confident in: your trusty dress that always gets compliments, the trousers you could happily wear every day, or that top you slip into without hesitation. These are the clothes that already make you feel like you.
When you anchor your styling experiment with a “hero piece,” you’re starting from a place of confidence. That good energy carries through to whatever you build around it.
Step 2: Build Three Outfits Around It
Here’s the fun bit: challenge yourself to create three completely different outfits with that one piece.
Dress it up with jewellery, heels, and a blazer.
Dress it down with trainers and a chunky knit.
Mix in something unexpected like layering it with a colourful scarf, statement earrings, or even that jacket you’ve barely touched.
This isn’t just about “making do”, it’s about getting creative. You’ll be amazed at how versatile even the simplest item can be when you play around with it.
(For more tips on your colours, check out my blog post on How to Harmonise Your Wardrobe with Perfect Colour Combos)
Step 3: Now Go to the Other Extreme
Next, pick something you never wear: the piece that lingers in the back of the wardrobe, quietly judging you. We’ve all got at least one.
Ask yourself: why haven’t I worn this?
Does it just need the right pairing?
Would a small tweak (like tailoring the hem or swapping the belt) make it work?
Or is it simply not you anymore, and that’s okay too!
Giving yourself permission to either rediscover it or release it is freeing. Not every item earns a permanent place in your wardrobe, and that’s part of evolving your personal style.
Step 4: Capture the Magic
As you experiment, take photos of each outfit. Not for Instagram (unless you fancy it), but for yourself. These snapshots create your own personal lookbook: a reminder of what works and a confidence boost on those “I have nothing to wear” mornings.
Think of it as creating a style library. Over time, you’ll have a collection of ready-to-go outfits, all from clothes you already own.
If you need help building your look book, I can help make this process even easier with my Look Book Subscription! This is a service which gives you my ongoing help and support to find items that work for you.
Why This Works
Saves money: no impulse shopping required.
Boosts creativity: encourages you to try new combinations.
Reduces overwhelm: helps you see your wardrobe as a resource, not a problem.
Supports sustainability: wearing what you own is the most planet-friendly choice.
Summary
Your wardrobe holds more potential than you think. By starting with something you love, building fresh outfits around it, revisiting those “forgotten” pieces, and snapping photos to remember what works, you’ll begin to see your clothes in a whole new light.
The best part? You’ll discover a refreshed wardrobe without spending a single penny.
Ready to Explore Your Style?
If this exercise sparks joy but also leaves you craving more guidance, I’d love to help you take it further. Whether it’s colour analysis, refining your wardrobe, or simply finding more ease in what you wear, let’s explore together.
Because your style should feel like you – warm, authentic, and beautifully effortless.
Love
Lucy x