5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Closet for 2026
Hi everyone,
It feels really special to be writing the first blog of 2026. I hope you all had a fabulous holiday season. Thank you for being here, for reading the blog, and for supporting my business. It means more than you know.
This blog is an honest reflection of my beliefs and point of view, not only in fashion but in life as a whole. Here, we keep things real. We talk about style, yes, but also about what it means to live as a woman today. We talk about juggling all the responsibilities life brings and still finding ways to make it feel fun and fabulous whenever possible.
To keep my own juggling game going, I have not been as present as I would have liked lately. I learned a while ago that it is okay to step away and recharge. We cannot serve from an empty cup.
I am deeply thankful for you and for all the support you continue to give me.
In this post, we will talk about five simple ways to improve your closet for 2026. Simple shifts that can make a real difference in how your wardrobe works for you and how you feel getting dressed.
Let’s go.
1. Take a Minute to Notice What Has Changed
Maybe the pants you used to love no longer make your heart happy. Or the coat you wore on every outing last Winter does not feel right anymore. Some pieces may simply not make as much sense as they once did.
And that is okay.
We change. Life changes. And your closet will not refresh itself on its own.
I like to call this evaluation the maybe pile. Understanding what no longer feels right is the first step to cultivating a closet that genuinely brings you joy.
What I do is challenge myself to wear each piece from the maybe pile at least once over the course of a month. If I cannot bring myself to wear it, or if I do wear it and still do not feel good, that is my answer.
From there, I encourage you to trade pieces with friends at a swapping party, resell them on a secondhand platform, donate to a thrift store, or take them to a consignment shop.
If you truly love a piece and it holds emotional value, you can also choose to keep it for now. Place it aside and add a note to your calendar to revisit it on a specific date in a few weeks. Giving yourself that space often brings clarity.
2. Shop Your Closet
I know you have heard this before. Shop your closet. But did you know that, on average, we only wear about 30 percent of what we own ?
Before going out and bringing something new in, take time to explore what is already there. Look around your closet with fresh eyes. You might find the shirt that has been hiding under a suit you never reach for, or rediscover pieces you forgot you even had.
Try on items you have not worn in a while. Mix pieces together in ways you never did before. Have fun experimenting. Take photos of your outfits so you remember what worked.
One of my favorite exercises is to pick one pair of pants and challenge myself to create three different looks for three different occasions. One casual, one work appropriate, and one a bit more elevated.
This simple practice is incredibly educational. It helps you understand your wardrobe better, saves you money by avoiding unnecessary purchases, and gives you fresh looks using what you already own. Sometimes the best new outfit is already in your closet.
3. Acknowledge Your Calendar
Take a moment to look at your calendar. What does 2026 actually look like for you? What does your average week really include?
So often, we buy clothes that do not match the life we are living. We shop for a version of ourselves instead of our real routine.
If you work from home five days a week, how many trousers do you truly need? Would it make more sense to invest in a beautiful, high-quality cotton set in a color that suits you instead?
Many of us shop emotionally and end up buying more than we need. When you understand what your life is bringing to you and how your days are structured, your purchases become clearer and more intentional.
This awareness is what leads to a cohesive closet. No more having lots of clothes that don't actually fit your life.
4. Know Your Neutrals
What are your neutrals?
Choosing your neutrals is crucial for building a cohesive wardrobe. If there is one thing that will make getting dressed in 2026 easier, it is understanding what your closet is built on.
And yes, I have to say it: black is not everyone’s best neutral.
When you have clarity on which neutrals truly work for you, everything changes. You can build on top of them with confidence. Outfits come together more easily. Packing becomes simpler. The whole dressing game feels lighter and more intuitive.
If you have had your color analysis done, you know exactly what I mean. Acknowledging what truly looks good on you is the foundation for creating a wardrobe that supports you.
If you would like to learn more about color analysis, click here.
5. Give Your Look a Signature
Make sure to give your looks a signature in 2026.
My mom always said it best: “You are not everybody.”
Take a moment to think about what your special sauce is. What can you add to your outfits that feels uniquely you and wraps your look in identity?
It could be a hair accessory, a pin, or a scarf. Maybe it is fun socks, something tailored, or a blush color you always come back to. These small details are often what make a look feel personal and complete.
Think about what makes you unique, and let that be your signature. We are all special in our own way, and my wish for you in 2026 is that you embrace your light from the inside out, while making your looks truly your own.
If you loved this post, please share it with someone who would enjoy it too. It truly helps grow the blog community and supports my business in such a meaningful way.
I would also love to hear from you. What are your style goals for 2026? Let me know in the comments.
With love,
Ana
Ana Harris - Personal Stylist
Color Analysis - Wardrobe Styling
Studio in Fall River, MA - Serving clients from Rhode Island, Boston, and online.

