Sometimes, I know exactly what I want to write about. Other times, I’m not so sure. So, when I’m undecided or uninspired, I think about what I’ve recently discussed with my clients. And what often comes up in client conversations is getting more use out of what they already have. Because it’s so easy to get stuck in wearing the same things the same way. And even if it’s something you like - it can start to feel monotonous or ‘one note’. So, here’s how I worked on this with one specific client…
I’ve been working with ‘Janice’ for just over two years. We started with my full new client framework (click here for details on my framework) that spring. Then we got together later in the year for shopping & styling sessions geared toward cold weather (if you’re a Style Mail VIP, check out her holiday/winter outfits in the December ‘24 look book).
Late last summer, she wanted to explore an evolution in her style & expand her dress options - so we scheduled a targeted shopping session & I created outfits for her (I shared her late summer/early fall outfits in the September ‘25 VIP look book). And recently she reached out because she wanted another styling session, simply to create more outfits with what she already had.
4 outfits I created to show the versatility of her coral blouse (one of the 5 pieces she was barely wearing)
Janice’s priority for this recent styling session was a few specific items - 5 pieces in her closet that she was barely wearing. So, she asked me to come up with outfit ideas for them. And these outfits illustrate a straightforward method to stop wearing the same things the same way.
If you want to get more wear out of specific items, you need to shift how you think about them. Instead of thinking of certain pieces as only work or weekend (or only casual or dressy), blur the lines. Stop thinking of pieces as only functioning for one occasion (or with one outfit) and explore their true versatility…
NOTE: I’ve shifted my blog from my website to Substack. Click here to read the rest of this article on Substack.
And click here to subscribe to my newsletter (aka Style Mail) on Substack.
If you sign up for the free version of Style Mail, you’ll hear from me 2X/month with my latest articles & curated collections of the style strategies I share with my clients. If you sign up as a paid subscriber (what I call ‘Style Mail VIP’), you’ll also get:
Monthly VIP Look Book: Outfit inspiration with 30+ outfits that I created for a one-on-one client.
Shoppable links: See something you like? You'll get direct links to snag these pieces (or find similar ones).
Monthly Style Challenges: Get prompts to push your style boundaries, rethink what’s already in your closet & shift your mindset around getting dressed.
Plus, more exclusive content & connection just for VIPs!
I look forward to seeing you on Substack.