How to Build a Wardrobe That Works for the Real You

Let me keep it real: for years, I wore clothes just because they were trendy even if they didn’t fit my body or my life.

I’m tall and skinny, and growing up, all I wanted was to wear what the other girls were wearing. I didn’t care if it made sense for me. I just wanted to “fit in.”

But as I got older, I realized something important: not every style is meant for every woman and that’s not a bad thing.

I had to figure out what worked for me. Not just what looked cute on someone else.

Step 1: Know Your Life and Your Body

The first thing I did was get real about what kind of life I live. I needed clothes that matched my lifestyle and who I am, not someone else’s Instagram feed.

I asked myself:

• What do I do every day?

• What kinds of clothes make me feel comfortable and confident?

• What pieces do I always reach for—and which ones collect dust?
  

This helped me clear out a lot of “maybe one day” outfits and build a wardrobe I actually use.

Step 2: Find Your Style—Not Theirs

This part takes time, but it’s worth it. Your personal style should reflect your personality, your age, your body, and your day-to-day life. I stopped chasing trends and started paying attention to what actually made me feel pretty, powerful and confident.

Ask yourself:

• What colors do I feel good in?

• What silhouettes flatter me?

• What style vibes do I always come back to simple, bold, classic, edgy?
  

Your style is yours. And when you dress for yourself, your confidence shows.

Step 3: Build a Capsule Wardrobe

I used to think I needed a ton of clothes. Turns out, I needed the right clothes. That’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in. It’s a small collection of quality basics that you can mix and match in a lot of ways. Think:

• A few great pair of jeans (different styles and colors)

• A couple of neutral tops

• One or two layering pieces (like a blazer, jacket, cardigan or oversized shirt)

• Comfortable shoes that work with multiple outfits

• A few fun accessories (earrings, bracelets, rings, purse, etc.) to bring it all together
  

This makes getting dressed easier, faster and fun. No more digging through a mountain of “meh” clothes.

Step 4: Choose Quality Over Quantity

I used to buy cheap clothes just to keep up with trends. But they didn’t last, didn’t fit right, and didn’t make me feel great. These days, I invest in fewer, better-made pieces. Clothes that fit right now, that feel good on my skin, and that I can wear again and again.

Trust me: It’s better to have 10 great pieces you love than 50 that don’t really fit or flatter you.

Step 5: Let Go of the “Shoulds”

You don’t “have to” wear anything that doesn’t feel like you. You don’t have to dress younger, older, trendier, or fancier than you are. Once I let go of all those “shoulds,” I started dressing for the real me—and it changed everything.

Dressing in a way that’s true to who you are isn’t just about clothes. It’s about confidence. When you feel good in what you're wearing, you stand taller, smile bigger, and move through the world with more ease and confidence. People notice that.

So, take the time to figure out what works for you. Curate your closet like you’re curating your life—with intention.

You deserve to look in the mirror and love what you see, every day.