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 were no longer felt like me. Your wardrobe should reflect who you are.

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! you’re going to want to do this with your clothing as well as your accessories. Create three different piles Keep, Donate and Maybe. Get very particular and realistic. Once completed, set aside the Donate pile and assess the maybe and place clothing in either the donate or keep. Lastly, assess the keep pile.

Breaking Down What to Keep

1. Is their something about each piece you are drawn to?
2. How do the pieces reflect your style?
3. How often have you worn each piece?
4. Do you have basics?
5. What do you want to add?

If starting from scratch I suggest building with elevated basics to create a foundation. These do not have to be boring, but they should include versatile pieces that you can style with more than one item in your closet!

Curating your wardrobe with intention takes time. It’s definitely not an instant fix. It’s a way to participate in slow living and will definitely require patience and helps you get specific about what it is you’re looking for. When it comes to finding pieces, online shopping is a great option, but I suggest that you know what brands you like and the fit before purchasing. Sometimes online shopping isn’t always ideal especially when you have returns to make and there are hidden fees.

The second-hand shopping platforms are also great ways to find used/new items when you know what you’re searching for. Some of the platforms I have used to find pieces are Poshmark and Depop. The best way to use them is when you find a specific item online, and can type the exact name into the search or keywords. I have found many items that way for much less than their original retail price. .

Curating a wardrobe with intention will maximize your closet because your wardrobe will be dedicate to you and you will know exactly what is in your wardrobe!

Styling Tips

1. How would you describe your personal style in 3 words? Keep that in mind and base your wardrobe off of that description!
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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 now! I had no idea about a lot of chemicals that are used to produce clothing. It’s all about listening to your body. Make note of specific fabrics that you have a reaction to if you do. 
5. 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.
6. I recommend choosing a color palette, and one or two prints you adore. I am currently 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!
7. 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.

Get creative with your personal style by finding pieces you can mix and match with. I styled two different pieces a couple different ways below.

Overall, an bulding 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!