Choosing the perfect outfit for any occasion can be a daunting task, especially when your closet is a chaotic mess. Organizing a wardrobe efficiently to help with this process can be a challenge for those without retail experience or formal training. But what if there was a rhyme and reason to it all? Enter Joyce Toti, a seasoned expert in luxury retail and the founder of Collective Women’s Leadership, who offers her invaluable advice on mastering your closet in her new book, "Wardrobe Wisdom."
Joyce has a rich history in the retail industry, having led sales teams for world-renowned brands such as LVMH, Tory Burch, and Nordstrom for more than two decades. Her experience has equipped her with a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the importance of a well-organized wardrobe. She now channels this expertise into helping women enhance their professional and personal lives through Collective Women’s Leadership (collectivewomensleadership.com), an organization dedicated to empowering women across all stages of their careers.
If you're ready to transform your wardrobe or need a refresh, Joyce’s advice is a great place to start. Here are some of her top wardrobe tips:
1. Organizing a Closet
· Purpose: Arrange items so they are easily accessible, maintainable, and space efficient.
· Steps: Declutter: Remove items that are no longer needed or used.
o Categorize: Group similar items together (e.g., shirts with shirts, pants with pants).
o Storage Solutions: Use appropriate storage tools like bins, shelves, hangers, and dividers.
o Arrange: Place items based on frequency of use, season, or other personal preferences.
o Maintain: Establish a system to keep the closet tidy and organized over time.
2. Merchandising a Closet
· Purpose: Create an aesthetically pleasing and inspirational display that highlights the wardrobe's style and variety.
· Steps:
o Visual Appeal: Arrange items to create an inviting and visually attractive space.
o Theme: Organize clothing by color, occasion, or style to create cohesive looks.
o Highlight Key Pieces: Place standout items in prominent positions to draw attention.
o Decorative Elements: Add elements like lighting, mirrors, or artwork to enhance the overall look.
o Styling: Use techniques such as layering or accessorizing within the display to highlight how items can be worn together.
3. Key Lessons for Creating a Functional, Stylish Wardrobe
· Understand Your Lifestyle: Evaluate your daily activities and needs to determine the types of clothing and accessories you require most.
· Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last longer and remain stylish.
· Color Coordination: Choose a color palette that complements your personal style and skin tone.
· Seasonal Rotation: Rotate clothing seasonally to keep your wardrobe relevant and manageable.
· Accessibility: Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
· Personal Expression: Your wardrobe should reflect your personality and style preferences.
· Regular Maintenance: Regularly review and declutter your wardrobe to keep it organized and functional.
Joyce also emphasizes the importance of staple pieces that can be styled for various occasions. According to her, every wardrobe should include a white button-down shirt, dark wash jeans, and a little black dress (LBD). These items are versatile, timeless, and can be effortlessly transformed from casual to formal wear.
Top Three Must-Haves for Every Wardrobe:
1. White Button-Down Shirt
Casual Style: Pair it with jeans and sneakers for a laid-back yet polished look. Roll up the sleeves and wear it untucked with shorts and sandals for a relaxed summer vibe. Or layer it over a tank top or a t-shirt and leave it open for a casual, effortless look.
Formal Style: Tuck it into tailored trousers or a pencil skirt, add heels, and accessorize with statement jewelry for a chic office outfit. Pair it with a sleek blazer and dress pants for a professional appearance. Or style it with a midi or maxi skirt, add elegant accessories, and opt for pumps or heeled sandals for a sophisticated evening look.
2. Dark Wash Jeans
Casual Style: Wear them with a t-shirt, denim jacket, and sneakers for a comfortable and stylish everyday outfit. Pair them with a cozy sweater and ankle boots for a casual yet put-together look. Or combine them with a casual blouse, tank top, and sandals for a relaxed summer style.
Formal Style: Dress them up with a blouse or a fitted top, add a tailored blazer, and complete the look with heels for a smart casual office outfit. Pair them with a silk or satin blouse and elegant accessories for a sophisticated dinner or evening event. Or style them with a structured top and statement jewelry, opting for dressier shoes like heeled boots or loafers.
3. Little Black Dress (LBD)
Casual Style: Dress it down with a denim or leather jacket, ankle boots, or sneakers for a chic and comfortable daytime look. Pair it with a cardigan or oversized sweater and flats for a cozy, relaxed outfit. Or wear it with a simple scarf, a crossbody bag, and casual sandals for an easygoing yet stylish look.
Formal Style: Elevate it with high heels, a statement necklace or earrings, and a clutch for a sophisticated evening look. Add a tailored blazer and classic pumps for a professional, polished office outfit. Or pair it with elegant accessories, such as a shawl or a statement belt, and choose refined footwear like heeled sandals or stilettos for a formal event.
Joyce also recommends owning one high-quality blazer that can be paired with any of the above items. A classic blazer in black, navy, or gray can instantly elevate any outfit, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
When asked about the importance of teaching rather than simply doing, Joyce shares: "Organizing a closet is about arranging items so they are easily accessible and space efficient. This involves steps like decluttering, categorizing, using appropriate storage solutions, and establishing a maintenance system. On the other hand, merchandising a closet focuses on creating a visually appealing and inspirational display. This includes arranging items to create an inviting space, organizing clothing by color or style, and using decorative elements to enhance the overall look."
For more tips on transforming your closet and elevating your style, Joyce's book, "Wardrobe Wisdom," is a must-read. It offers a refreshing perspective on thoughtfully curating and organizing your existing clothing, helping you create a collection that brings joy, satisfaction, and pride. Whether you're looking to streamline your style, boost your confidence, or find greater contentment in your daily choices, this book is your key to unlocking the transformative power of your wardrobe.
Every wardrobe should include a white button-down shirt, dark wash jeans, and a little black dress.