Wear It Well Summary

Your closet isn’t just a place for clothes; it’s a space for creativity and self-expression that can uplift your daily life.

1. Transforming Your Closet into a Supportive Space

Your closet should be a space that reflects and supports the best version of you. Many of us feel anxiety or frustration when we face our closets because we haven’t approached them intentionally.

Start by reconnecting with your closet. Think about how it makes you feel and what kinds of outfits genuinely make you feel good. Disregard negative voices in your head that make you doubt your choices or yourself. Instead of chasing unrealistic ideals, focus on celebrating your unique self and style preferences.

The AB Closet-Editing System can help you reset your wardrobe. Sort your clothes into three categories: those you wear regularly, those you never wear, and those you love but aren’t sure how to style. Donate what you won’t use, store what’s not seasonally appropriate, and keep items that spark joy and creativity. Organizing your closet thoughtfully can transform it into a space of possibility and empowerment.

Examples

• Writing down and discarding negative thoughts about your appearance as a starting exercise.
• Keeping a pair of boots you love, even if you don’t wear them often, because they motivate creative outfit ideas.
• Grouping items by type and color to better visualize your wardrobe options.

2. Understanding Your Personal Style

Many people feel unsure about their personal style or struggle to reconcile different aspects of themselves. To define your style, imagine your ideal future self and consider how they dress, feel, and move through life. Think about what you want your clothes to express.

The Three-Word Method is an easy way to clarify your style. Pick three words: one that represents your current wardrobe (your comfort zone), one inspired by your aspirational self, and one tied to the emotional effect you want from your clothes. These words will guide your choices and help you build a wardrobe aligned with who you want to be.

Embracing your style doesn’t mean blending every aspect of your persona into every look—it’s about building a wardrobe where all your pieces collectively reflect your authentic self. This allows you to mix and match items harmoniously without feeling confined.

Examples

• Angela combining her “romantic, sporty, elegant” words by pairing a floral dress with sneakers and a bomber jacket.
• Choosing “casual,” “chic,” and “confident” as a framework for blending everyday comfort with sophistication.
• Using the words “bohemian,” “structured,” and “inviting” to balance professional and relaxed vibes in a wardrobe.

3. Essential Pieces for Every Wardrobe

Nine universal clothing items can form the foundation of a flexible and dependable wardrobe. These pieces work across styles and occasions, making dressing easier and more enjoyable.

The foundational pieces include a white t-shirt, button-down shirt, black turtleneck, cozy sweater, blazer, trench coat, denim, trousers, and a belt. Each of these items offers countless variations to suit your unique look while ensuring versatility.

These staples not only complement each other but also let you easily adapt to different environments, whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or attending an event. Personalize these pieces to ensure they align with your comfort and style preferences.

Examples

• Investing in a pair of perfectly fitting denim jeans after trying out multiple options.
• Wearing a simple black turtleneck both as a base layer for a blazer and with statement accessories for dinner.
• Using a versatile trench coat to transition effortlessly from officewear to evening wear.

4. Dressing for Today: Feeling Good Now

Body insecurities often stop people from exploring outfits that could make them feel amazing. Learning to love and work with what you currently have in the mirror, instead of wishing for a different body, is key to building confidence.

Practice self-acceptance as you experiment with your wardrobe. It’s okay to continue striving for personal goals, but dressing for the person you are today fosters self-respect and joy. This happens gradually, so don’t rush the process.

Each outfit you try is a chance to see yourself in a new light. The goal isn’t perfection but fun and exploration. Begin with outfits you already love or adaptations of the foundational pieces, and celebrate each dressing “win.”

Examples

• Mary overcoming her fear of “high hips” by trying on new garments she previously avoided.
• Finding ways to accessorize your favorite dress rather than discarding it over minor fit concerns.
• Styling yourself in a cozy sweater and trousers for a casual-yet-polished look that feels good now.

5. Using Fashion Formulas

Fashion formulas simplify dressing by creating ready-to-use outfit templates that can be customized with small variations. This helps you stay decisive, efficient, and creative.

Start with a base formula using pieces you often wear. For instance, pairing a button-down with trousers, then layering on a blazer and loafers. Small swaps like changing shoes or adding a scarf keep things visually fresh and versatile.

Document multiple combinations to build a personal lookbook, so you never run out of outfit ideas. This not only saves time but also ensures your closet feels fresh and exciting all year round.

Examples

• Gabrielle’s formula of button-down + trousers + blazer for work, with loafers for variety.
• A “sweater + jeans + sneakers” formula for weekend outings.
• Creating a “blouse + wide-leg trousers + heels” framework for social dinners.

6. The Ritual of Getting Dressed

Getting dressed can be a soothing, self-affirming routine that helps you start your day with intention. By carving out uninterrupted time, you can turn your wardrobe choices into a form of self-care.

Dedicate about 20 minutes each morning to this ritual. A calm and inspiring space—decorated with candles, art, or lookbooks—can help you approach the process as something special. Consider your full day’s needs when planning your outfit to avoid feeling rushed or unprepared.

This ritual isn't just about appearance. It’s about how you feel, what mood you want to set, and how you want to move through your day with purpose.

Examples

• Lighting a candle near your dressing mirror each morning.
• Adding a transitional piece like swapping sneakers for pumps for an evening event after work.
• Creating a Pinterest board of outfit inspirations near your dressing space.

7. Letting Clothes Signal Transitions

Clothes can help you shift gears between modes in your day. For example, changing out of work trousers into yoga pants at the end of the day can mentally signal it’s time to relax.

This can be invaluable when working from home. Wearing professional attire helps engage your work mindset, while transitioning to cozy evening wear helps disconnect and unwind.

This use of clothing as a mental signal not only keeps you in harmony with your surroundings but lets you embrace your entire day fully.

Examples

• A government worker switching from formal loafers to comfy slippers when logging out.
• Wearing neatly tailored joggers that still inspire casual professionalism during remote meetings.
• Using a blazer for a polished vibe that’s easy to remove after your last call of the day.

8. Shopping Thoughtfully and Sustainability

An organized, well-designed wardrobe directly impacts how you shop. You’ll make better, more thoughtful purchases, avoiding impulse buys or items you don’t need.

When you understand your three words and the gaps in your wardrobe, you can buy clothes that truly elevate your style. This method reduces waste, curbs excessive spending, and promotes a more sustainable fashion cycle.

Mindful shopping also aligns better with ethical and eco-conscious considerations. By buying items that endure, you cherish each piece instead of viewing it as disposable.

Examples

• Using the three-word guide to decide only on outfits that fit your personal style.
• Searching for high-quality jeans to replace cheaply made ones.
• Avoiding fast fashion and focusing on clothes designed to last years.

9. Dressing as Self-Empowerment

Empowering yourself with clothes that reflect who you are boosts confidence and inner peace. A wardrobe tailored for you ensures you start each day grounded in authenticity.

When you feel aligned with your outward appearance, you take on the world with more ease and purpose. Whether at work, social events, or casual gatherings, clothes that amplify your personality provide a steady boost.

This transformation doesn’t just improve how others perceive you—it changes how you perceive yourself. Dressing well for yourself is a daily act of self-love.

Examples

• Feeling proud in a tailored suit for a big presentation at work.
• Feeling entirely “you” while wearing a flowy dress to brunch.
• Walking into an event knowing your outfit reflects your true personality.

Takeaways

1. Use the Three-Word Method to define your personal style and let those words guide all your wardrobe decisions.
2. Reset your closet with the AB Closet-Editing System—organize by type, get rid of excess, and spotlight what makes you happy.
3. Build fashion formulas and a morning ritual to make getting dressed an intentional, joyful part of your day.