Step Three: Outfit List
Once you have an itemized list of your wardrobe, you will want to go through your clothes item by item and create an Outfit List. An Outfit List will help you find new ways to mix and match your clothes and pinpoint any items that might be missing from your wardrobe. For example, write "grey skinny jeans" at the top of a sheet of paper and list all of the outfits you can create with those jeans. Use this guide as an example to get you started.
If this step gives you hives or makes you break into a cold sweat then consider inviting over a fashionable friend for guidance or better yet, hiring a professional stylist or wardrobe consultant. Ask around at your favorite boutique, they might have a good reference for you. The advantage of using a professional is that he or she can also teach you to understand your body type and determine which colors look best on you. Learning how to camouflage your flaws and highlight your assets can be an amazing confidence boost!
After you have completed your Outfit List, take a look at it and see what items are missing. Do you need more basic tops? Do you need more accessories to update your wardrobe? Would you wear more of your clothes if you just had a new pair of black pants for work? According to fashion experts, there are many "basics" that are essential to every wardrobe. Tim Gunn has his famous list and I found this one from Closet Charm both of which are helpful and can be adapted a bit based on your lifestyle.
Now that you have assessed your wardrobe and know what items are lacking you are ready to go shopping (if need be), provided that you stick to the list and remember that you still have to put all this stuff back in your closet! So don't pull a Confessions of a Shopaholic!
~Images: 1) via emilystyle.blogspot.com 2) of clothes via zimbio.com 3) Confessions of a Shopaholic