Style Science: Building a Wardrobe You’ll Adore (and Actually Wear)
I can’t even count how many clothes, bags, and shoes I got rid off in the past. It’s honestly so shameful to admit that.
I’ve always been known as someone with a lot of style and personality. I put in the effort to look polished and put together; maybe my budget and style changed over the years, but this has always been part of my DNA.
Recently, I was talking to my university friend. She told me how happy she is for me. She congratulated me on finally doing what I love most. I was confused and asked, “What do you mean?” I’m not working in television anymore, even though that was my dream job. But she reminded me how much I’ve always loved fashion. She said she remembers my bag always having its own seat—never on the floor—and how I’d always carry gorgeous bags. Even in high school, I’d wear heels for the posture and elegance, even to theme parks! People would ask if I was going to a party.
Yes, I’m a little bit extra and I’m known for dressing up, but when I moved here, everything was new for me, and I had to rediscover myself. Winter was a whole different experience. I didn’t know what kind of jacket, jeans, or top would work. Without any knowledge of my true style, body type, or the technical side of it all, I went through trial and error, and it pains me to think of how many clothes I wasted just trying to find myself in this new setup.
No matter how long I’d been dressing up, this transition was hard. I wasted so many clothes without understanding why, until I studied the technicalities of body types and color theory deeply.
Here are some reasons you might buy something, wear it once, and never reach for it again:
1. Color: Sometimes colors make you look pale, dull or older. Like in my case, as much as I love pastels, they don’t make me feel great, so I’d buy them and then not wear them.
2. Color Harmony: Do your clothes have a cohesive color palette? Or do you just buy whatever color catches your eye? A lack of harmony in color can make it challenging to create outfits.
3. Textile: The fabric we choose plays a big role in how clothes look and feel, and it can make or break an outfit.
4. Body Shape and Proportion: Society’s trends often influence us, but what works for others may not suit our body. Are you petite? Do you have a long or short torso, broader shoulders? These are things to consider before buying clothes; they should fit us, not the other way around.
5. Personality: I may dream of looking romantic and demure, but in reality, I’m the opposite. I have a strong personality—I’m an alpha female whose sports are Muay Thai, BJJ, and lifting. Being demure doesn’t match who I am, and neither does dressing that way. We should all consider our personality before making purchases.
6. Lifestyle: When I first came to Switzerland, I was still buying bold, statement pieces, like glittery Jimmy Choo boots. But I didn’t have any basics! My lifestyle here is so different, and my closet didn’t match it.
7. Styling Know-How: Even if you’ve corrected everything, do you know how to put outfits together in a harmonious way?
Understanding these technical aspects isn’t easy. Having a personal stylist can save you time, money, and frustration, boost your confidence, and teach you all these things. It’s truly an investment.
In the end, knowing what truly suits you— the colors, shapes, and styles that bring out your best—is about more than just appearance. It’s about feeling confident and loving your own skin. Investing in a stylist isn’t an extravagance; it’s an empowering step toward making choices that align with who you are. Imagine a wardrobe filled with pieces you love and actually wear—clothes that make you feel like the best version of yourself. That’s the lasting value a stylist brings.