So you’ve just had a color analysis session and you’re feeling overwhelmed wondering, “where do I even start?” It’s normal to feel like you want to toss everything in your closet out and start over, but chances are you have some pieces in your wardrobe that will already work for you. Here’s exactly what to do to incorporate all the information you’ve learned from your color analysis into your everyday wardrobe.

Remember that color analysis is a TOOL, not a RULE. If you love it, wear it! But if you don’t know what to wear, this will definitely help!

STEP 1 – Remove Everything

When you have an hour or two to spare, remove everything from your closet and toss it onto the floor or bed. This not only forces you to finish the task but allows you to see the items you’re keeping and stay motivated to keep going! Imagine your coveted, pinterest-worthy closet. Now is the time to make it a reality!

STEP 2 – Keep, Donate, Toss

Form three piles:
One for items you love and wear all the time (regardless of your color analysis results) These you’ll be revisiting later.
One for items you don’t wear, don’t fit, or aren’t needed anymore but are still in good condition. These you can donate.
The last for items that are worn out, stained, or don’t fit. Throw these away.

Be ruthless during this process! Don’t be afraid to try things on as you go and don’t overthink it!

STEP 3 – Actually toss and donate the items from step 2

Put them in garbage bags and move them out to your car. I promise you won’t miss them and removing them from the equation will make everything so much easier.

STEP 4 – Revisit the KEEP pile

NOW for the fun part! Let’s look at the keep pile and separate everything that fits into your new color palette. Use your color wallet if you have one! These keepers can be your go-tos while we rebuild a wardrobe that you’ll really love. Hang these item back up and take inventory of what you have. Make a list, take photos, or just make a mental note to come back to later.

Now let’s look at the left overs. You probably have a hefty pile of items you love and wanted to keep that don’t fit into you palette. That’s ok! If you want to keep them, if they are sentimental or valuable, or if they are staples in your wardrobe, go ahead and hang them back up! For any items that you feel you can part with, make notes on WHY you liked them. Was it the fit? The fabric? The neckline? The length? It’s possible you won’t find yourself wearing these items much anymore after being shown better color options, but you can also consider replacing them with the exact same item, just in a different color that better suits you.

STEP 5 – Fill in the gaps

What are you missing in your wardrobe? Maybe you were only left with 5 shirts that are in your color palette. Maybe you have plenty of tops but no pants to choose from. Maybe you did pretty good with your wardrobe but you desperately need an updated shoe. Maybe you have all gold jewelry and I advised you that silver should be your go-to. Make a wish list of pieces you think will really help pull your existing wardrobe together. If you need help, Pinterest has amazing inspiration for each palette, and I have pinterest boards that I’m always adding to that you can shop from, too!

STEP 6 – Shop

The best part! Once you have an idea of what pieces you’d like to add, you can start hunting for your perfect picks. Bring along your color wallet and make sure you feel good about each item before bringing it home! If it isn’t a HECK YES, it’s a BIG NO. We’re all guilty of bringing home pieces we don’t fully love and they sit unworn on the shelf until the next declutter. Knowing your best colors makes shopping SO much easier and helps you make informed decisions about each investment.

Here’s a good way rule of thumb for your wardrobe refresh:

• 4-5 well-fitting and multi-purpose bottoms (pants or skirts)
• 6-10 tops in your best colors, including one in your best white and one in your best neutral.
• A few pairs of earrings/ necklaces/ rings/ other jewelry in your best metals.

While this is a very simplified list, try focusing on the core of your everyday essentials so you don’t get overwhelmed. Over time, you’ll get better at knowing what pieces look best on you so when the time comes to invest in a new pair of shoes or a winter coat, you can feel confidant knowing it’ll go with everything else in your closet.