In a Style Rut? Here’s a Wardrobe Refresh That Actually Works

Springtime is quintessential for “out with the old” and “in with the new”—especially when it comes to your closet. Despite the cliché, it’s true: There’s no better time to ruthlessly edit your wardrobe than when the temperatures rise. 

If you’ve ever felt like you have nothing to wear despite a full closet, welcome to the club. The solution isn’t shopping more; it’s curating better. Here’s our guide to unlocking your personal style, putting together an outfit with what you already have, and picking out the right outfit for any occasion. 

The late bloomer’s guide to style

Victoria Garrick Browne, host of Real Pod, considers herself a fashion late-bloomer. After years in athletic uniforms and practice gear, she found herself stylistically adrift post-college. Browne had never truly explored and developed her personal style. 

It’s been three years since Browne’s first #VicsFits post on social media, where she resolved to stop wearing crew cut sweatshirts and mismatched pants. Now? “I feel really confident about the outfits I wear, and I have a better grasp of my personal style,” she says.

Less is more in fashion

Now, we’re making the case for why having less in your closet is actually the solution for a style rut. Americans only wear 20 percent of the clothes in their closet. If your closet is cluttered, you’ll likely struggle with decision fatigue. “What do you end up doing? You end up pulling the same five things you wear all the time. That’s why you are not feeling great,” Browne says.

That’s the Point hosts Kristin Johns and Jon Volk agree with Browne about the necessity of cleaning out your wardrobe. Perfecting personal fashion starts with a few simple steps. If you’re in need of a few spring closet refresh tips, here’s the blueprint for their ultimate spring refresh tips.

How to refresh your wardrobe this spring 

1. Take everything out of your closet.
   Start your wardrobe refresh by taking everything out of your closet. When Browne says “everything,” she means “everything.” “Literally, take every hanger out. Take everything out of drawers, as if you are moving tomorrow.”
   
   Browne emphasizes the importance of cleaning out your closet: “It’s the very first thing that must happen to form really great outfits and love what you wear. I know you probably start and rarely finish, and it can be so exhausting. But it has to happen. Just bite the bullet.”

2. Try everything on.
   Yes, you read that right. You’ll want to try everything on. If that makes you cringe, then that’s a feeling to explore. “If it feels terrible to put on your clothes, why are those clothes that you have? This is a helpful exercise to understand if you like your clothes, Browne says.

3. Purge and donate.
   Volk recently purged his closet and donated a ton of stuff. He says, “Even though I’m sad to be getting rid of stuff, I’m donating it to other people.”
   
   Johns encourages you to be ruthless while you purge. “If you have a soft heart when you’re purging, you’ll never get anywhere.” Apply Browne’s decisive filter: “‘But’ gets the boot.” Meaning: “I love this, but…,” equals goodbye. If you have disclaimers, you don’t really love it.
   
   Other non-negotiable cuts: anything unworn for a year, anything that doesn’t fit (remember: “You’re not supposed to fit your clothes; your clothes are supposed to fit you”), and pieces you can’t style three different ways.

4. Add fun colors back into your wardrobe.
   “Add brightness to your wardrobe in the spring,” Johns advises, even—especially—if you typically avoid it. The point of a reset is evolution, not repetition.

How to organize your closet

“When you put clothes back in your closet, you want it to make sense for you,” Browne says. If your closet is functional, you’ll formulate great outfits. Everyday essentials get prime real estate; occasional pieces live on the periphery.

Browne’s system: categorize first (tanks, t-shirts, sweaters, cardigans, fancier tops, button-downs), then color-coordinate from white through colors to black.

How to create outfits you love

Browne has worked with five stylists over the years, and she has so much wisdom to share. 

1. Build a capsule wardrobe.
   Create a capsule wardrobe with six foundational pieces or “the Big Six.” These are the basics, which will help you create outfits: quality t-shirts, versatile sweaters, perfect-fit jeans, and a great jacket. Look at Browne’s Shop My closet for ideas for which basics to have in your capsule closet. “In 2021, I did not own a single sweater or cardigan. That is why I couldn’t make an outfit. The easiest outfit is a white t-shirt, jeans, a belt, and a colored cardigan. Chef’s kiss, 100 percent of the time,” Browne says.
   
2. Learn to love neutrals.
   Don’t underestimate neutrals. Browne used to think an outfit without color was a failure. Now that she’s older and wiser, she knows the value of neutrals. “Neutrals are so much easier to style together, and you’ll be able to style a bunch of outfits,” she says.
   
3. Focus on the cut and fit that works for your body.
   “Be intentional about figuring out what cut works for you, and what you feel best in,” Browne says. Prioritize cuts that flatter your body, not trend reports. For Browne, she feels best in cropped jackets or ones that fall below her butt. Find your non-negotiables.

Accessorize all the time

Browne says your outfit isn’t complete without jewelry, sunglasses, a bag, and a jacket. For a polished and finished look, add accessories. A leather jacket, a trench coat, or a denim jacket will transform your outfit.