An intentional wardrobe is about curating a wardrobe you fall in love with that works for your lifestyle and reflects your personality. A wardrobe that will also last you many years down the road. What pushed me to build my own wardrobe with intention was that I felt like something was missing in my wardrobe. The pieces I had no longer felt like me, and I found myself holding onto old things only to never wear them, and no longer connecting to my clothing.

Building an intentional wardrobe helps you step inward and discover more about yourself. It’s curated with thought. Your lifestyle, who you are, and personal style are all elements that go into building an intentional wardrobe.

First things first, reassess what you already have. Create three different piles Keep, Donate and Maybe. Get very particular and realistic. Once completed, set aside the donate pile and assess the maybe pile. Then, place clothing in either the donate or keep.

How to Assess What You Have & Start Adding

1. Is there something about each piece you are drawn to? If so, what is it? That will help you identify your style.
2. How often have you worn each piece?
3. Do you have basics?
4. What do you want to add?

When it comes to curating an intentional wardrobe, keep in mind it is going to take time to build. Start with building by adding elevated basics (if you don’t already have them) to create a foundation. These do not have to be boring. They should be versatile pieces that you can style with more than one item in your closet.

Getting intentional about what you actually need rather than want is really helpful when it comes to staying on track and not getting distracted when a new trend comes back into style, or when your eye catches something you see online.

How to Slowly Build a Wardrobe You Love

1. Create a Pinterest Board that emulates your personal style. I often find pieces that align with me that way as well. Therefore, I add them to my wishlist!
2. Search for clothing that is produced ethically – whether that is made to order, or handsewn, high-quality garments. Who is behind the brand, and what’s the story of the designer. Create a connection with the brand through taking the time to understand the inspiration behind their designs, where the clothes are produced and who made them.
3. If you have sensitive skin like I do, pay attention to the type of fabric the garments are made out of. (I have previously experienced skin reactions while wearing certain brands. So, I choose to avoid them now). So fabric is very important to me. I had no idea about a lot of chemicals that are used in clothing production. It’s all about listening to your body. Make note of specific fabrics that you have a reaction to if you do. 
4. Focus on what you feel good wearing right now, in this moment. Understand your body type, how you want to look, and what styles and colors enhance your features. If your body changes it is okay! Just set those clothes aside and revisit them in the future. If they no longer work for you donate or sell them. Notice the brands that fit your body best, and the ones you keep going back to – write them down.
5. I recommend choosing a color palette, and one or two prints you adore. I love sticking to neutral colors to build the base of my closet. Start building with neutrals so you have a foundation of pieces that can work with many different looks. Once you have those, add in color and your accessories!
6. Try not to impulse buy! Sometimes it happens especially now since we have access to social media and what everyone else is buying. Focus on you and your own personal style.

Overall, building a wardrobe with intention should help you discover more about your style, lifestyle and express who you are. Have fun with it and take the time to build it with purpose.