Dressing for Work
PIECES I OWN + LOVE TO WEAR
Pull out about 8 pieces that you’ve been reaching a lot and create a list.
Resist the urge to clean out your closet or shop first -- simply go to your closet exactly as it is.
Try to grab a few pieces from each category: tops, bottoms, shoes, dresses.
Under each piece write down the specific reasons you love it.
WHAT’S WORKING FOR ME
Look for common themes from your notes across the page and make a list of what works for you.
Example
Pieces that don’t wrinkle, denim, cotton, pieces that show off my calves, pieces that are loose around my stomach, stripes, pieces that I can wear comfortable underwear with, knee-length skirts, flat sandals, etc.
Don’t worry if some of your notes conflict.
You might have loose dresses
AND fitted dresses on your list -- that’s okay.
PIECES I NEVER WEAR
Go to your closet and pull out about 8 pieces that you never wear and list them.
Next to each piece jot down the specific reasons you always pass it up.
A few examples: it doesn’t fit anymore, the fabric is itchy, the waistband squeezes my stomach, the shape feels frumpy, the heel is too tall, the fabric is too delicate/prone to staining, the sleeves are too tight, it wrinkles easily, etc.
WHAT’S NOT WORKING
Look for common themes from your notes across the page (like fabrics, brands, colors, and the way pieces fit your body) and make a list of what doesn’t work for you.
For example pencil skirts, too-tight bottoms, pieces that show dog hair, white dresses, tops that are too long, itchy wool pieces, silk or precious fabrics, pieces that wrinkle easily, etc.
Lifestyle
Fill up the pie chart to represent your lifestyle activities.
Ask yourself...How do I spend my time?
What kinds of activities does my lifestyle typically include?
How much of my time will I spend at work?
How much at the gym?
How much at home?
How much out with friends?
Events
Check your calendar.
List out any special events or trips you have planned this season.
Ask yourself...Do I have clothes for each event + trip?
Can I use what I already have?
Do I need something more appropriate for the weather or occasion?
Weather
Google your city’s average weather.
Write down the average high + low temperatures for each month this season.
You might also find it helpful to include notes on rainfall, humidity, snowfall, and how often you’re indoors vs. outdoors.
What kinds of clothes will keep you comfortable in those conditions?
Style
Write out a list of words or phrases that
you associate with your style.
Here’s a list to get you started: Boho, Minimal, Classic, Feminine, Neutral, Casual, Colorful, Modern, Tomboy, Relaxed, Playful, Preppy, Outdoorsy, Retro, Ladylike.
Then narrow down and circle your top 3-6 favorite words.
Brand Name
Make a list of stores, brands, and designers you love that work for your style, body, and budget.
It’s also helpful to make notes about specific pieces they carry that fit you perfectly.
Ask yourself...Where did I buy the pieces I continually reach for, again and again?
What brands match my budget?
What brands design for my body type?
Color
Fill in the boxes to create your color scheme.
Include color from all aspects of your wardrobe including shoes and accessories.
You could also include patterns like stripes or leopard print.
Ask yourself...Am I drawn to colors or neutrals? What colors are seasonally appropriate?
What colors make me happy?
What colors do I want to play around with?
Go-To Pieces
Make a list of your go-to pieces.
These can be pieces you already own or pieces you may want to buy.
Think of it as a general list of your favorites.
For example, skinny jeans, cozy knits, ankle boots, etc.
Ask yourself...What items do I love to wear/feel great wearing?
What items do I continually grab, again and again.
Uniform
Create 3-4 outfit formulas using your go-to pieces.
For example, skinny jeans + drapey knit top + long sweater cardigan + ankle boots. Or loose shift dress + flat sandals + leather tote + woven hat.
Ask yourself...What kinds of outfits do I wear again and again?
What kinds of outfits match my lifestyle?
What kinds of outfits feel authentic?
How to Dress Professionally While Traveling
Go for versatility. Wear something that’s comfortable on the plane, but that can also be dressed up with accessories and nice heels once you arrive at a meeting or get-together.
Bring a comfy pair of shoes for the plane ride, but one that can still pass for professional, like a nice-looking pair of nude flats.
Pay attention to the fabric. Some fabrics wrinkle the moment you sit down (linen), much less sit still for a few hours straight. Some don’t wrinkle at all: Find those and cling to them. (Knits, cotton blends, silk.)
Make sure the place you’re staying has an iron. (Or, bring one.) All that planned packing won’t do you any good if all your nice dresses, blouses, and slacks are wrinkled.
Don’t assume you’ll have time to change out of comfy clothes and into professional attire when you arrive. Flights can be delayed, luggage lost, ground transportation late; you want to be prepared for anything.
Pack a lint roller.
Shopping List
If you need some new clothes to make your shopping list.
Review the Lifestyle, Special Events + Travel, and Weather sections to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Ask yourself...Do I need to replace any items?
Do I want to experiment with a new look this season?
Do I need items more appropriate for the weather?
Budget
Look online for the pieces on your shopping list.
Write down the prices of each specific item and add them up.
From there, you can adjust all you like.
You can eliminate a few non-essential pieces from your list.
Or you could sell some of your older clothes on eBay or ThredUp to fund your purchases.
Downsizing, Decluttering, and Moving
Bathroom
1. Expired medications (many pharmacies will dispose of these for you)
2. Dried out nail polish or other cosmetics
3. Unused hair accessories
4. Expired sunscreens and lotions
Bedroom
1. Outdated prescription eyeglasses
2. Books or magazines you’ve read, or don’t plan on reading
3. Excess sets of towels or linens
4. Outdated or unworn seasonal items (bathing suits, scarves, hats)
5. Old holiday cards (consider scanning or taking photos of the most memorable ones)
10. Unused curtains
Garage
1. Old batteries (hardware stores like Lowe’s can recycle these for you)
2. Unused/duplicate garden supplies
3. Unused sporting/exercise equipment
4. Holiday decorations that seem to always stay in the box
5. Well-worn pet toys or bones
6. Old paint cans (any leftover latex paint must be dried out, and oil-based paints must be disposed of through a recycling center)
Kitchen
1. Old spices
2. Duplicates of kitchen items
3. Small, unused appliances
4. Travel mugs
5. Cracked or chipped drinkware
6. Old plasticware (lids with no container, or containers with no lid)
7. Condiment packets
8. Unused cookbooks
25. Unused baking tins or pans
Office
1. Dried out pens and markers
2. Outdated electronics (Best Buy offers in-store electronics recycling nationwide)
3. Manuals for discarded or replaced products
4. Duplicate cords and cables
5. Outdated media (CDs, VHS, DVDs)
Donate
Separate Your Clothes by Condition
Great condition: items should be close to looking brand new, retain their original shape, and have no signs of damage.
Fair condition: items show some kind of wear, are faded, or thinning fabric.
Poor condition: items have visible damage like holes or stains.
When you donate to someone, you are doing something good and know this will go to good use.
You can also sell items online like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Etsy, ThreadUp. You can donate your items to Nonprofits, Salvation Army ( where you can drop off clothing at your convenience), or consider contacting local theater departments in community groups or schools.
***Terracycle sells Zero Waste boxes specifically meant for Fabrics and Clothing. ***
