How to Figure out (and Fix) Your Fashion Blind Spots

You know when you walk into a store and instantly gravitate towards one area of the store (holla, sales rack), a specific color, or 27 very similar oversized sweaters? Or when you open your closet and realize it eerily resembles that of Wednesday Adams and you’ve “color-coordinated” by shades of black? We all have fashion blind spots. These are categories that we’ve pigeonholed ourselves into, bad fashion habits we’ve fallen into over time, or less-than-flattering looks we may have gotten used to wearing, overlooking the ones that might be a better fit for our current lifestyle and aesthetic.

Below, we’ve broken down five common “fashion blind spots” that most of us are guilty of every once in awhile, and I’ve seen countless times while styling clients and friends. These obstacles hinder our inner fashion goddess and we’re hear to shed some serious sunshine on these blind spots and give you a few pointers to overcome them once and for all.

You Own Five Versions of the Same Item

Just last week I was attempting to organize my overflowing closet and counted eight denim jackets and six denim button-ups. The 80s called and wanted all of their denim back, but I internally argued with myself that I NEEDED them because they were all so different. Sure, the buttons, washes and silhouettes varied, but who do I think I am to take up my tiny New York City closet real estate with enough denim to partake in the Britney/Justin 2001 red carpet appearance? 

I came to terms with the fact that I have a problem, laid the pieces out on my bed, and voted off the weakest denim links. Realistically, I only wear one or two denim jackets and one top, so I needed to eliminate the space-fillers that were in my closet “just in case.” No one needs that many denim tops, or any similar piece, that much. You can replace the piece once it’s worn out or update it every year if it’s a key staple in your closet. Minimizing your closet to only hold the pieces you really wear will help you feel more creative, resourceful, and allow you to put the pieces in your closet to good use.

You Don’t Think You Can Pull it Off

Are you guilty of saying to friends, “You look good in it, but I could never pull it off”? It’s something I hear from every styling client I’ve ever encountered, or when someone sees something outside of their fashion comfort zone. Sure, clothes look way different on a runway model than they do an average woman, and you might think that the girl on the subway wearing the colorful faux fur coat and platform shoes has all the confidence in the world, but I can guarantee that she probably gave herself a pep talk in the mirror before heading out that morning. 

Everyone looks different and that’s the beauty of clothing—you can truly make it yours. Follow bloggers who look similar to you or have a look you admire (curves, no curves, height, location, personal style) and notice how they style items. Take notes from the well-dressed people you see throughout your day and use social media as a platform to curate inspiration that fits your body and personal style. I know there are some trends or styles that really don’t physically work with my curves or 5’3″ frame, but that’s okay because I work around it and find inspiration from people with similar body types.

Don’t rule out a style, item of clothing, color, or silhouette because you don’t think you can pull it off. The more you start trying to break outside of your comfort zone, the sooner the confidence and inspiration will come to you. Try to take at least one thing out of your comfort zone to the dressing room with you—it’s your safe space and there’s no obligation to buy it or tell anyone you tried it on.

MORE: The Models and Brands We Can’t Wait to Watch in 2018

You Have Clothing Attachment Issues

Have you ever kept an unworn article of clothing in your closet for way longer than necessary just because you felt guilty getting rid of it? Or that “just in case” event when you really might need a tutu, bridesmaid dress, or neon crop top? I can tell you from experience that those “just in case” occasions rarely happen, or if they do, you’ll probably be so sick of seeing those pieces in my closet that you’ll just want to wear something new, anyway.

Never feel guilty for breaking up with clothes because it means you can sell them or donate them to someone who needs or wants them more than you—and, of course, once you’ve made some space (and possibly gotten some cash back) you can buy new items that are more flattering, up-to-date, or that you’re simply more excited about. If you still feel like you want to keep everything in your closet (despite it have holes, stains, or not fitting) click here for simple steps to declutter your closet.

You’re Missing the Wardrobe Hero Piece

There are about 16 key wardrobe essentials that every woman needs in her closet. These items can be paired with anything you own, styled together, and can ultimately make up an entire wardrobe. These items include: A dressy winter outerwear piece like a peacoat, a leather jacket, a denim jacket, white, black, striped cotton shirts, white button-up, silk or dressy blouse, black suit, neutral pencil skirt, A-line casual skirt, little black dress, summer cotton or linen dress, dark wash denim jeans, black denim jeans, and a pair of denim or neutral fabric shorts. 

None of these wardrobe essential items are trend pieces with embellishments, harsh colors, or things that you’ll possibly get sick of in one season. You can spend more on these items since they’re investments that are likely to last several years, won’t go out of style, and a majority of them can be worn during any season. 

MORE: A Day in the Life of a Full-Time Fashion Blogger

You’re an Overwhelmed Shopper 

Do you ever walk into a store and feel completely overwhelmed by the number of options, stay to one area, or shop strictly off mannequins? Don’t worry—shopping can be stressful, and we have a few easy tricks to try while shopping so you feel less anxious and don’t miss any potential great finds. 

1. Do a once-over in the store. Look at the mannequins, the main pieces that jump out to you and take it all in without picking up anything. 

1. Start in drive-by zones. Go to the areas that you don’t think you’ll spend much time, but can get through their racks faster and don’t miss anything potentially placed in there. This might be outerwear, accessories, basics, etc.
2. Go back to the stand-out items you saw and work your way around that area. You’ll find items nearby that will match that mannequin dress that popped out to you. You’ll find matching outerwear, accessories, and various colorways. The stores are meant to be set up so you can find an outfit in one area without feeling like you have to run back and forth between merchandise. 
3. End with your go-to spot. I normally end at clearance or sale items because sometimes there are hidden gems or something very similar to a full-priced item I picked up earlier. 
4. Try everything on that caught your eye and you picked up. Even if it looks a little weird on the hanger—it’s normally always better on and worth a try.
5. If you’re really stuck or need help pairing something together, ask a store associate. They know the merchandise like the back of their hand and can direct you in an area. 
6. Look up the brand on social media and see how they style pieces. It’s likely you’ll find different looks on J. Crew’s Instagram than on an in-store mannequin as well as any popular trending pieces they’re promoting to consumers. 

If you’re an easily overwhelmed shopper, try this theory out during a non-busy time. Don’t go during the weekend post-brunch rush, or Friday after work—hit the store when it opens, a couple hours before closing, on your lunch break. or during a weekday. Once you create a non-stressful shopping environment and break it down into categories, you can really conquer the store and find its best hidden gems.