Style ruts happen to everyone, even the most fashion-savvy among us. Maybe your wardrobe feels outdated, your pieces no longer fit your lifestyle, or you’re bored of repeatedly wearing the same things. Whatever the reason, a style reset can breathe new life into your wardrobe and, by extension, your confidence.
So, how do you go about it? You don’t need to buy an entirely new wardrobe or follow every passing trend. The key to resetting your style is being intentional, editing your choices, and rediscovering the joy of getting dressed.
Step 1: Define Who You Are Today
Fashion is personal. It should evolve as you do. The first step in resetting your style is understanding where you are in your life and what you want your clothes to say about you.
Ask yourself:
What’s my current lifestyle like? Am I dressing for who I am now or for who I was years ago?
What outfits make me feel my best?
Which pieces do I keep reaching for, and which ones do I avoid?
Your wardrobe should reflect who you are now, not who you were five years ago. If your closet is still packed with old clubbing dresses from your wild nights out, but your weekends now involve brunches, work trips, or wellness retreats, it’s time for an update.
Step 2: Declutter Like a Stylist
This might be the toughest step, but it’s also the most liberating. Pull everything out of your wardrobe and be brutally honest. Do you love it? Does it fit? Does it work for your current lifestyle? If not, it’s time to let it go.
A good rule of thumb: If you haven’t worn it in a year (and it’s not a seasonal or sentimental piece), you probably don’t need it. Donate, sell, or repurpose items that no longer serve you.
Bonus tip: Try the hanger trick—turn all your hangers backwards. Every time you wear something, turn the hanger the right way. After six months, get rid of anything still on a backward hanger.
Step 3: Identify Your Signature Style
A great way to refine your style is to create a mood board. Use Pinterest or save Instagram looks that resonate with you. Pay attention to common themes—do you gravitate toward sleek minimalism, bold prints, structured tailoring, or bohemian ease?
Once you identify patterns, build your wardrobe around pieces that fit this aesthetic. The goal isn’t to put yourself in a box but to find what naturally appeals to you.
Step 4: Invest in Elevated Basics
Trends come and go, but wardrobe essentials are forever. If you’re looking to reset your style, start with a foundation of timeless, well-made basics.
A crisp white shirt that makes you feel powerful
Perfectly tailored jeans that hug in all the right places
A black blazer that instantly polishes any outfit
A great pair of shoes that can transition from day to night
When your basics are strong, adding trendier pieces becomes easier and more effortless.
Step 5: Play with Accessories and Colours
Sometimes, a style reset doesn’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul—just the right accessories. A statement belt, a bold handbag, or even switching out gold jewellery for silver can instantly freshen up your look.
Similarly, don’t be afraid to experiment with colour. If you’ve been stuck in a neutral zone, try adding a pop of red, green, or cobalt blue. If your wardrobe is filled with bright prints but feels overwhelming, introduce more monochrome outfits for balance.
Step 6: Find a Tailor and a Trustworthy Style Friend
The difference between looking “meh” and looking amazing often comes down to fit. A well-tailored blazer, pants that are the right length, or a cinched-in dress can take an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.
And if you’re unsure about certain style choices, enlist a friend whose fashion sense you admire. Someone who will tell you honestly whether something looks good and push you out of your comfort zone when needed.
Step 7: Have Fun and Give Yourself Permission to Evolve
Style should be fun, not stressful. It’s okay if what you loved last year no longer excites you today. Give yourself permission to experiment, reinvent, and even make mistakes. A style reset isn’t about being perfect—it’s about rediscovering joy in dressing up.
