For the past few weeks, I’ve been talking about rebuilding your wardrobe around the return-to-work narrative, sparked by the recent push for employees to spend more time in the office. I’ve covered starting a tight capsule wardrobe and how shoes can add versatility to your wardrobe—focusing on what to add and what you might need to buy to update your closet for today’s work environment. But a balanced wardrobe isn’t just about what you add—it’s also about what you remove.
I’ve often said you can’t expect to water a lawn once in the summer and have it stay green all season. It takes regular upkeep. The same goes for your closet. Without attention, it can become stagnant, bloated, or outdated. If you haven’t been in the office regularly, you likely have workwear that needs weeding. Today, I’ll share tips on how to do a wardrobe reset of your work wardrobe so it fits your life as it is now.
WARDROBE RESET: HOW TO PURGE, EDIT, AND ALIGN YOUR CLOSET WITH TODAY’S WORKWEAR
Imagine stepping into your closet and seeing your old work clothes—the ones you haven’t worn since your last full-time office routine. It’s like returning to a hometown you haven’t visited in years—things look familiar, but everything has changed. Fashion has evolved: comfort is now non-negotiable, athleisure blends into office wear, heels need to be stable, sneakers are workplace-appropriate, and many women barely remember the last time they dropped something off at the dry cleaners.
YOU CAN’T EDIT YOUR CLOSET IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU WANT IT T GO
Like I said in this post, imagine you’re driving with no particular destination in mind. You reach a fork in the road and have to decide which way to turn. Without a clear endpoint, you spend time weighing scenarios, considering different outcomes, and second-guessing yourself. The uncertainty creates stress because you’re navigating vague concepts with no clear direction. You have no real goal—just a sense of being adrift.
Now, compare that to driving with a set destination. When you reach that same fork in the road, the choice is easy—you know which way to turn and keep going.
Successful wardrobe editing works the same way. You need to know where you want your wardrobe to go. I can’t effectively edit a client’s wardrobe without a clear endpoint, and the same applies to you. Fortunately, in this case, you do have a destination: the evolution of work wardrobes. Comparing where workwear is today versus where it used to be gives you the benchmark you need to rid yourself of workwear that hasn’t evolved with the times.
CONSIDER YOUR MESSAGE
It’s not just your wardrobe that changes over the years—you do, too. Are you clear on the message you want to communicate to others? This is a key point I make in my post about leveling up your wardrobe. Messaging matters because nonverbal communication is one of the most powerful ways we express ourselves.
Just as you use shifts in fashion as a benchmark for what stays and what goes, your personal messaging should serve the same purpose. As you’ve evolved, ask yourself: What do I want to communicate to others? Do I see that reflected in the clothing I’m considering letting go of? If not, it’s time to part ways with it—because if you don’t feel it, no one else will. And there’s no reason to hold onto anything that doesn’t support your success.
CLOTHING HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE
Lastly, the most obvious reason to let things go: trends change. Sometimes, you don’t realize it until you try something on. I recently worked with a client who had several pairs of pants and jeans that had been working just fine—until they weren’t. When she put them on during a recent session, they suddenly looked off and outdated. Just a year ago, we both thought they looked great. The shift was subtle, but had she not tried them on, we might not have even noticed it was time for them to go.
Trend changes can be as small as a lapel shape, the thickness of a shoulder pad, the rise of a pant, the width of a hem, or the length of a top. If something has been sitting in your closet for a while, put it on and see if it still holds up to today’s style—or if it’s time to let it go.
And beyond trends, there’s another factor: your body changes, too. Even without weight loss or gain, bodies shift over time. What fit and flattered you a few years ago might not do the same today. Sometimes, it’s not just the trend that has changed—it’s you. And your wardrobe should reflect the person you are today, not the person you were years ago.
THE POWER OF A WELL-EDITED WARDROBE
Editing your wardrobe isn’t just about letting go of outdated pieces—it’s about creating a closet that serves you now. Your wardrobe should reflect your current lifestyle, personal growth, and professional aspirations. By using trends, messaging, and fit as your guide, you can make more confident decisions about what stays and what goes. The goal isn’t to have more clothes—it’s to have the right clothes. So take the time to assess, try things on, and be honest with yourself. A thoughtfully curated wardrobe will not only make getting dressed easier but will also ensure you always show up as the best version of yourself.
Have you recently done a wardrobe edit? What surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments! If you’re feeling stuck and need expert guidance, I’d love to help. Book a session with me, and together, we’ll create a wardrobe that truly works for you
