First and foremost: I want the phrase, “maybe one day” to leave your vocabulary.
Those three words haunt my clients’ closets like a ghost of bad decisions.
I think that phrase keeps us stuck more than anything when it comes to fashion; when it comes to style.
It’s the reason the tags are still on that dress you swore you’d wear to the “right” event.
It’s why you keep jeans that haven’t fit in three years—just in case.
It’s why a $400 pair of shoes that pinch your toes still take up space, collecting dust and guilt.
“Maybe one day” sounds harmless. But in practice, it’s a fantasy that feeds avoidance.
It delays decision-making.
It crowds your closet with reminders of who you used to be, or who you think you should be, instead of serving the woman you are now.
And the cost isn’t just emotional—it’s visual clutter, decision fatigue, and wasted potential.
Because every “maybe one day” piece is taking up space that something intentional could fill.
Something that fits. That flatters. That reflects you today—not five pounds from now, not after the next promotion, not when the stars finally align.
The truth is: your style shouldn’t be aspirational. It should be available.
Right now. In your size. In your real life.
And your closet? That should be a place of clarity, not contingency.
But now you’re stuck with that feeling – You know that feeling you get when you think of that next event, or that next presentation, that you have nothing to wear… even though your closet is bursting at the seams? I promise, that’s not a personal failure. That’s just your wardrobe waving a little white flag, begging for clarity and a little TLC.
Whether you’re starting fresh, entering a new season of life, or just tired of the emotional rollercoaster that is getting dressed — it’s time. This is your full-blown, deeply practical Wardrobe Audit, guided by over ten years of fashion and tailoring expertise (and a healthy dose of eldest daughter born to an eldest daughter realism).
I do this exercise with my clients, either 1:1 or in our Signature Style Masterclass series, so I need you to remember, this isn’t about tossing everything and becoming a minimalist unless you want to. This is about building a closet that works for you — your body, your lifestyle, your ambition, your joy.
The Wardrobe Audit is here to clear the noise, define your style, and help your clothes work for your life, not against it. Grab a mirror, a full water bottle, a headband, and let’s get to work.
Listen up: It’s time to clean house.
Wardrobe Audit: Step-by-Step Breakdown
What to keep, what to fix, what to bless and what to release.
STEP 1: Pull Everything Out
Yes, everything. Off the hangers. Out of drawers. Shoes, accessories, random hoodies you’ve been emotionally avoiding — all of it.
You can’t fix what you can’t see.
You can’t audit what you don’t confront.
🕰️ Time budget: 1–2 hours
📦 Pro tip: Lay it all out by category: tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, bags.
STEP 2: The 5-Pile System
This is where the audit really starts. For each item, try it on only if necessary, but every single item you touch will go into one of these piles:
- YES, I Love This
These pieces fit, feel good, and you actually wear them — or can’t wait to wear them again. Keep them. - Tailor This
Great potential, but needs tweaking (too long, too big in the waist, sleeves awkward). Don’t give up — tailor it. And if you need help with that, here’s your guide to sourcing a tailor. - Maybe…
You don’t love it, but you don’t hate it. Maybe it was expensive. Maybe it has “sentimental value.” This pile gets revisited later — no escaping it. - Donate/Sell
Doesn’t fit, doesn’t feel like you, never made you feel hot/comfortable/powerful. Let it go. - Seasonal/Storage
Great pieces, wrong weather. Store them out of sight so they don’t distract you.
Pro tip: If your “maybe” pile is bigger than your “yes” pile, your closet isn’t reflecting you, your body, your lifestyle, or your vision of yourself. This is where the work is.
STEP 3: Identify Your “Repeat Offenders” (Your Style Clues)
Now, let’s revisit your YES pile. This is where your current style lives. Take note of what you actually reach for and why.
Ask yourself:
- What silhouettes do I love? (boxy, fitted, flowy, tailored?)
- Are there repeated color stories?
- What pieces make me feel good in my body?
- What fabrics or details do I gravitate toward?
- Is there a recurring vibe? (chic, soft, edgy, preppy, artsy?)
- What shoes or accessories do you actually use?
✍🏽 Write it down. Take pictures. Create a Pinterest board. These are the seeds of your true style identity. And, really. I want you to take notes — Grab your phone. Pull up your Notes app. This is the blueprint of your current style (or the one you want to claim).
STEP 4: Try On 3 Hard Pieces
Time to face the Maybe pile. Choose 3 of your most haunting pieces — you know the ones.
Try each one on and ask:
- Does this fit me right now?
- Am I keeping it for guilt or fantasy?
- Can I style this 3 ways using things I already own?
- If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it?
If it doesn’t pass at least 3 out of 4: it’s out. You don’t need ghosts in your closet. Let it go and don’t look back.
And definitely don’t second guess.
STEP 5: Rebuild with Intention
Now that the noise is cleared, you can actually see what you own. Take the pieces you love and start to rebuild:
- Hang/fold your YES and “Let’s Tailor” items in a way that makes them easy to access
- Book a tailoring appointment within the week — don’t wait
- Make a Wardrobe Wish List with pieces you’re missing (e.g. “lightweight jacket for layering” or “black pants that actually fit”)
- Moodboard your style direction — Pinterest, Instagram folders, or even photos of yourself in your favorite outfits
- Define a budget and plan before you buy anything new
You don’t need more clothes. You need better clothes. Clothes that support your life, your body, and your taste.
STEP 6: Organize for Ease
Because no one’s reaching for a wrinkled dress at 7 a.m.
- Group by type (tops, bottoms, dresses)
- Then by color (light to dark) or vibe (work / casual / going out)
- Display accessories so you see and use them
- Keep the “VIP” pieces front and center
You want your closet to invite you to dress up, not stress you out.
BONUS: Closet Rules Going Forward
- No more “aspirational” clothes. Only buy for who you are, not who you’re punishing yourself to become. Dress the body you have right now.
- The 3-Way Rule: Don’t buy it unless you can style it 3 ways. (This is really good if you have a problem overshopping)
- “HELL YES” or it’s a NO. If it doesn’t make you fall in love with you now, it won’t later.
- One in, one out. Keeps the balance, keeps the clarity, and keeps you accountable!
- Make tailoring a default. Just assume every great piece has had a slight tweak. Besides, most clothes aren’t made for your exact body — but they can be.
A wardrobe audit isn’t just about clothes — it’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve you, and stepping into your power with clarity. You deserve to feel good in what you wear, not just on special occasions, but every single day.
So go ahead. Open that closet. Start fresh. Reclaim your style.
You already have what it takes — you just needed a little eldest daughter push. You’re welcome. ;)Take a look at my free Capsule Collection Checklist for help rebuilding your wardrobe. And if it’s time for a little more hand-holding and a lot more expertise, sign up now to join the waitlist for our 8-week live masterclass series, where we’re rebuilding your wardrobe from the ground up; closet clean-outs included.
