Do you have go-to items in your closet? I am sure you know what I mean…that throw-over-everything cardigan, those jeans that pass for almost any occasion. Well, this post is not about them. This post is about the pieces you are NOT pulling out on a regular basis.

I want to inspire you to wear the clothes that you already have. Many of us have so many clothes, and that means a lot of pieces that we don’t wear often. What is that wardrobe statistic that’s regularly tossed around? Something like…on average we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time? Well, I am officially encouraging you to shake things up. Shop within your own closet. Colour outside the lines of what you usually do. I challenge you to come up with new ways to wear the items that hang in the dark recesses of your closet. Let those well-fitting items in good condition, see the light of day. Why AREN’T you wearing some of those things?

Here is my suggestion for those particular clothes that feel too frilly, too girly, or too floral to wear. To make these inherently feminine pieces more wearable, tone down that girly factor. Pair them with pieces that have a masculine edge. The juxtaposition of characteristically feminine with masculine aesthetic can make your outfit feel fresh.

·         If your top is feminine, try a bottom that could be typically found in menswear. Suiting pants with on-seam side pockets, boyfriend jeans and renditions of track pants all fit the bill.

·        If your bottom is feminine, try a version of a masculine top. Think about using pieces that your husband or guy-friends might wear. Plaid flannel shirts, denim shirts, cable-knit fisherman sweaters, striped mariner’s T-shirts and athletic grey tops are items that bring a masculine aspect into the mix.

·         If your dress is quite feminine, try a topping it with something that has a tough edge. A girly dress with masculine topper like a blazer, a motorcycle jacket or a utility vest looks fresh and compelling.

Putting feminine and masculine-toned items together creates a pairing that is a little unexpected. This blend of pieces that complement, rather than “go together†or “matchâ€, makes for decidedly stylish outfits!

If you would like some guidance to make new combinations in your own closet, check out our Essential Package. We come to your house and we put your closet to work for you.

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