Why You Feel Like You Have Nothing to Wear (And How to Fix It)
A Stylist’s Guide to Never Feeling Stuck in Your Closet Again
If you feel like you have nothing to wear, it’s not because you need more clothes—it’s because you haven’t identified your personal style.
Hi, I’m Kathryne Cole, a wardrobe stylist on a mission to simplify how you get ready without compromising style. I take the stress out of styling and make it easy for my clients to build their dream wardrobes. Today, I’m sharing the foundational steps to help you break free from the "nothing to wear" cycle and start curating a wardrobe that actually works for you.
My Journey to an Effortless Wardrobe
In my twenties, I struggled with intermittent illness. On the days when I didn’t feel my best physically, I was determined to at least feel confident. That’s when I discovered the power of a well-curated wardrobe, one that not only looked good but also made me feel empowered.
With my background in business and a love for numbers, I quickly realized that there’s a science to styling. It’s not just about shopping more or following trends; it’s about finding the balance between simplicity and style. By merging an analytical approach with creativity, I created a method that takes the guesswork out of getting dressed. And now, I’m sharing it with you.
Why You Feel Stuck in Your Wardrobe
There are three key reasons you might feel like you have nothing to wear:
1️⃣ You don’t know your measurements or how to shop for them.
2️⃣ You haven’t identified your personal style and outfit formulas.
3️⃣ Your wardrobe isn’t curated for mix-and-match versatility.
When these three elements are missing, getting dressed feels frustrating instead of effortless. Let’s break each one down and get you on the path to an Everything Wardrobe, one that fits your body, your lifestyle, and your personal style.
Step 1: Know Your Measurements & Shop Smarter
One of the biggest game-changers in building a wardrobe that works for you is knowing your measurements. When you shop with your exact proportions in mind, you can skip the frustration of ill-fitting clothes and avoid impulse purchases that end up unworn.
How to Leverage Your Measurements:
Take Your Current Measurements – Bust, waist, hips, inseam, and any other relevant areas.
Check Size Charts – Brands vary, so compare your measurements instead of relying on standard sizing.
Tailoring Is Your Friend – A perfect fit can make even a simple outfit look expensive.
Step 2: Identify Your Style & Outfit Formulas
If you don’t know your style, shopping (and even getting dressed) will always feel overwhelming. Instead of following rigid rules or trends, focus on defining your personal style words; the three adjectives that describe how you want to dress and feel.
Example Style Words & Outfit Formulas:
If your three words are ease, classic, and put together, your go-to pieces might include:
✔ A tailored button-down shirt (wear it with trousers, a skort, or denim shorts)
✔ Well-fitted trousers that work for both the office and casual days
✔ A structured blazer that adds instant polish
If your three words are exciting, bold, and happy, your staples might look like:
✔ A pair of cheetah-print pants (pair with a vibrant top or a casual white tee)
✔ Statement accessories that bring personality to every outfit
✔ Brightly colored knits that feel fun yet effortless
Your outfit formulas are simply the combinations you can repeat again and again. Once you define them, getting dressed becomes second nature.
Step 3: Build an Everything Wardrobe
An Everything Wardrobe is one that works for every aspect of your life—every event, mood, and season—without limiting you to a set number of items. Unlike capsule wardrobes, which often impose strict rules, this approach is about versatility without restriction.
How to Curate an Everything Wardrobe:
Instead of asking, What should I buy? or What’s on the must-have list? shift your mindset with these three key questions:
✔ Does this align with my style?
✔ Does this fit my measurements and body type?
✔ Can I style this five ways with pieces I already own?
If you answer yes to the first two, the last one will usually fall into place. A well-fitting, true-to-your-style piece will naturally work with your existing wardrobe.
Step 4: Edit & Refine Your Closet
Before adding new pieces, it’s essential to edit what’s already in your wardrobe. Here’s how to do it:
Pull everything out—one category at a time.
Try on each piece and ask yourself:
✨ Does it fit?
✨ Does it flatter my body?
✨ Do I feel good in it?If the answer is no to any of these, it’s time to sell, donate, or consign.
Editing your wardrobe is not about owning less, it’s about owning what works for you.
Ready to Finally Have Something to Wear?
Your Everything Wardrobe won’t look like anyone else’s—and that’s the point. By knowing your measurements, identifying your style, curating mix-and-match pieces, and refining your closet, you’ll always have something to wear.
I’ll be sharing more styling tips every Sunday, so be sure to subscribe and drop any questions in the comments. Let’s build your dream wardrobe together!
xoxo,
✔️Apply to work with me. My signature process will transform your style in just two sessions. I've helped tons women identify and bring their style to life all while saving them 10's of hours and $1000 of dollars each season.
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