How to dress better: TWP shirt | Mother jeans | Sandals | Gold cuff | Necklaces: here & here

How to Dress Better in 7 Days (Without Overhauling Your Closet)

If getting dressed feels harder than it should, you’re not alone — so I’m going to help you dress better in 7 days! The good news is that it doesn’t take a total wardrobe overhaul to feel better about what you’re wearing. I’m sharing simple, practical tips that I used for years as a stylist in the dressing room while helping my clients and friends build the best wardrobes. These are small shifts that make a big difference, whether it’s editing your closet, understanding which colors work best for you, or elevating the basics to help your outfits feel fresh again as we head into 2026. Think of this as a reset — one day at a time, designed to make getting dressed easier, more intentional and actually enjoyable.

Today’s post is Part 1 on how to dress better in seven days. I’m addressing the closet clean out, getting your colors done, elevating your basics, and editing your denim. These are some of my best tips and I hope you find them useful! And, stay tuned for part 2, where I’ll be sharing outfit formulas, how to make a checklist, and adding trendy pieces.

Recent Closet Post, ICYMI

This Month’s Amazon Picks: The Closet Organization Edit

Day 1: The Closet Clean-Out

Light fixture | Marble tray | Hangers | Jewelry box | Steamer | Diptyque oval | Acrylic stand | Laundry Basket | Shelf organizer | Roses candle

**Before you start**

Get a rolling rack! It makes cleaning out your closet much easier. You can get this one for around $60

#1 – Empty everything out of your closet – And I mean everything. I usually do one section/category at a time.

#2 – Clean! I like to use this everyday cleaner in either Lavender or Peony. Secret retail tip: Use wax paper to run over your closet rods. It makes your hangers glide easily, and it works on metal or wood.

#3 – Review every piece of clothing by category. Go through everything one by one, starting with denim. If you haven’t worn something in a while, ask yourself why. Keep going with all the categories. Set aside anything you won’t wear in the coming months. It’s tedious, but it sure feels good!

#4 – Make three piles: Donate, Alter/Repair and Return. If you have things with tags still on, there’s a reason — and it’s highly likely they should be returned. Everyone has things that need repairing or altering, so make a pile and get it done!

#5 – Start putting things back. This, of course, is personal preference. I usually recommend putting pieces back by category. However, in my own closet, I’ve divided each section by color with all the categories mixed up. Organize it however you like it.

Ok, two more …

#6 – Colorize! This was the first thing I learned on day one at Nordstrom. It makes everything look so much better. Go light to dark 🙂

#7 – Keep it seasonal. If you can find the room, separating your clothes by season is super helpful. It’s another way to thin things out that in turn will make it easier to get dressed.

Bonus: Matching hangers is the single best thing you can buy for your closet. It’s an instant aesthetic update, and you’ll immediately feel more organized. I use these wood ones, and I also think velvet ones are really pretty. Just today, I spotted these acrylic ones you might prefer.

Day 2: Get your colors done, and why it matters!

House of Colour | Sarah Roderick

A couple of years ago, I had my “colors” done. While I already knew I was a “winter,” it made a huge difference in how I think about my wardrobe. So much so that when my sister in law was looking for a mother-of-the-groom dress, I treated her to a color analysis, just to make sure the dress she selected was perfect for her skin tone. She was really pleased and looked beautiful!

Besides white, black and navy (which are among my favorite colors), it’s a great reminder that we all have “WOW” colors. Wow colors are the ones that look best on us and make us feel extra pretty 🙂 Now I’m absolutely certain that anyone looking to take things to the next level should give this a try! Not only will it help you make better purchases in the future, but you’ll also end up with a wardrobe that will compliment your skin tone. And, you’ll feel brighter, happier and overall get a little confidence boost. The best part is that there are many online resources, like here, that do a pretty good job as well. Try it!

Day 3: Elevate Your Basics

Denim jacket | White denim skirt | Sandals

Hands down, it’s important to make sure your basic items don’t start looking dated. This is one of the best things you can do when it comes to making great outfits, and keeping your closet feeling current and updated. For example, denim jackets are always a classic piece to own. But, instead of the basic one (like this) that’s been around for years and is now starting to look a little dated, try something new and fresh like this or this. I will probably write an entire blog post on this subject, but below are some a few basics that likely need a refresh.

• Utility jackets: Instead of this, try something new like this one from Anine Bing (more sizes here), this Sezane one, or this shorter one.  And for something not green, look at this new white one, this tan one (love) and this cool grey one.
• Denim jackets: Say goodbye to anything too tight and fitted. Love this new one that’s only $99, this one by Frame, and this one too. The Rag & Bone Miramar collection is another favorite like this and this.
• Long cardigans: Instead of longer cardigans that look dated, try shorter ones like this Quince one, this Vince one, or this Tuckernuck one. If you want something longer and looser look at this poncho or this scarf sweater
• White tees: Love a fresh white tee this time of year, and this Mother looser tee is a favorite I wear all the time. For something more fitted that’s mainly a layering piece, look at this.

Two more …

• Boots: Dated boots can ruin our outfits (!!) and so making sure you have an every day basic like this or this will make a big difference when it comes to creating cool and sophisticated outfits. The key is to look for a more elongated toe box, and a higher shaft that goes under your jeans.
• Leggings: Instead of wearing leggings, try something new! I’ve been wearing the Aritzia Lodge pants on every single trip lately, and they’re loose, comfortable and way cooler. Another option is a looser fleece pant like this one by Frank & Eileen.

Day 4: Take a Hard Look at Your Denim

 Mother jeans | Wrap trench coat | Argyle sweater | Prada pumps | Veronica Beard bag

I talk A LOT about denim here on So Susie, and it’s definitely a favorite topic — and for good reason, since so many great outfits start with the perfect pair of jeans! But here’s the deal: most of us own way too many pairs (including me). It’s that 80/20 rule — we wear 20% of our jeans, 80% of the time. So, learn from me! Right now, I have too many jeans thanks to my purchase of every new Lil Mother that comes out and getting gifted from brands. The result is I’m having the hardest time getting dressed! Between long lengths, cropped, loose and slim, even I’m confused 😂 So, for now, I’m trying on every pair, organizing by length, and more importantly, making sure I have the right shoes for each. More on this subject in another post!

Click here for The Denim Edit: The Hottest Jeans This Winter — and How to Style Them

Click here for 5 Denim Trends with Updated Outfit Ideas!

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for part 2! xx

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