step 1 | Identify what works

OVERVIEW

Select one wardrobe section to work on

Identify your favourite single items and whole outfits and analyze what you like about them

Pick two proportions

First, decide which major section of your wardrobe you want to improve, whether it is your work wardrobe, everyday wear or something more specific like your evening wear. To improve your wardrobe you need to analyse its individual component in relation to how they all fit together so you if you have very distinct sections in your wardrobe that you hardly mix, pick one to work on throughout the next steps. If more than one section of your wardrobe needs a revamp, feel free to repeat the process, but for now just choose one.

Then: Identify what works. Quickly go through the wardrobe section you just chose and pick out any item that you like and regularly wear and also make a list of your favourite outfits. Analyse what it is about those pieces/outfits that you like and what makes you wear them more than the rest of your clothes. Is it their colour, their fit, a particular style? Jot down some notes and then separate your 'good clothes' from the rest of your wardrobe.

Now consider which two proportions (i.e. a specific combination of item categories like slim-fitting pants + t-shirt + ankle boots) you either like to wear the most or would ideally like to wear the most. Try not to pick proportions that you have never worn before, that are really different to what you usually wear or that consist of item categories that you don't have in your current wardrobe at all. And: Try to choose proportions that overlap slightly, i.e. share at least one or two item categories.

NINA'S WARDROBE

Nina is a PhD student and also works in a casual office setting, so her main issue is her everyday wear. Once I had emailed her she told me a little more about what she liked about her current wardrobe: bright, warm-toned colours with a Spring-y feel, slightly flared skirts and fitted tops. She also wears slim-fitting trousers from time to time, but does not have many in her current wardrobe. She picked two four-piece proportions that share one item category (longline coats). These are her complete answers to step 1: