2026 has begun, and with it, goals have been set, plans made, and action started to reaching each dream. The new year is such a great time to reflect, renew, and move with intention toward our resolutions. One of my goals this year is to tweak my wardrobe to better suit my tastes, coloring, and style. I have a tendency to buy a top, skirt, or dress because I think it's cute, then I end up letting it sit in my closet because I don't like how it looks on me. If this is you, too, join me on my plan for revamping my modest closet!
Find the Right Color Palette
I did a little research recently on dressing according to my coloring and discovered something shocking. For years I thought I was an autumn, meaning I thought I looked better in darker colors like rust, olive, burgundy, and navy. Turns out, I'm really a clear spring! *Gasp* In my research, some things just weren't adding up - some of the colors that I was told to avoid were really good colors for me (like bright orange, pink, or yellow). The autumn colors didn't look bad; they just weren't my best. I have a bright orange dress and a bright yellow dress that I constantly get compliments on when I wear them. I plugged that information into AI (along with my hair, eyes, and skin colors) and got my answer! The more I read, the more it made sense: my skin tans easily but I have an in-between pink and olive skin tone. Muted tones made me look washed out; clear colors look better on me. My hair and eyes are dark but my skin is light. If you're unsure what color "season" you are, give ol' AI a whirl and see what you come up with! My goal is to lean toward those brighter spring colors this year and avoid the muted tones.
Dress According to Body Type
This one might be one of the most frustrating! Some of the cutest trends aren't always the best for every body type. What looks great on one lady might not be the most flattering on another. It's important to recognize this and dress in a way that's flattering to you! For example, I have a super short waist and long legs. Dresses work really well for me, but some skirts and tops make me look disproportionate. I've learned which skirt styles to avoid, and that's made my life much easier!
Understand Your Style
For years, I struggled to find my personal style. It took a while for me to realize that I gravitated toward certain brands and styles even with changing trends. Once I saw that my eye is drawn to blazers, simple lines, feminine details, and classic pieces, I could focus more on building a wardrobe that reflects a classic style. That's not to say that I don't ever break out of the box and wear a trendy boho dress, but if I'm going to invest in a new dress, I want it to be something I will reach for again and again.
Invest in a Timeless Wardrobe vs Fast Fashion
Fast fashion is all the rage! Shein, Amazon, and Temu have become the go-to for ladies of all ages, and I'm not knocking it! But for me, investing a little more money into something I'm going to wear for years to come is totally worth it. I want pieces that will last and not fall apart, styles that are classic throughout years of changing trends, and versatile options that I can accessorize in different ways.
Keep Modesty the Main Thing
I despise layering! This probably comes from living in the South where it's warm even in the winter. If I don't have to layer a dress, top, or skirt, I'm much more likely to buy it (same for ironing - the less ironing the better!). Cue Dainty Jewells and all the wonderful, fully-lined options!
My ideas on wardrobe styling and building are not based on anything professional, just something I've thought on, researched a little, and decided works best for me. The best advice is to find what works best for YOU and build the modest wardrobe you'll love. Here's to dressing our best in 2026!
