← Her Style Podcast | Shopping, Color Palettes, Fashion, Wardrobe, Outfits, Clothing
Her Style Podcast | Shopping, Color Palettes, Fashion, Wardrobe, Outfits, Clothing
309 | How Style Clarity Transformed Debbi's Closet (Without Overhauling Her Wardrobe)
00:23:56
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- [00:01]
A
Hey, friend.
- [00:01]
B
I have such a treat for you today. Her Style Collective member, Debbie is joining us to share her story about how developing a new level of style clarity completely transformed her closet without overhauling her wardrobe. In this episode, we're talking about how she honed in on her signature style, was able to create a whole season's worth of outfits from what she already owns, how she filled in a couple of very small gaps with greater intention than ever, and why having the right system has made getting dressed feel easy and exciting for her again. If you're struggling with outfit overwhelm or constantly shopping and still feeling unsatisfied, this conversation will show you what's possible when you know how to make what you already own work together on purpose. That's exactly what I'm going to teach you inside next week's free Shop your closet challenge.
- [00:49]
A
So go ahead and grab all the.
- [00:50]
B
Details and save your spot now@herstylellc.com challenge and then come right back and enjoy this conversation with our sweet friend and her Style Collective member, Debbie.
- [01:06]
C
Welcome to her Style podcast, where we're all about empowering you to show up and get dressed every day with confidence. I'm your host, Heather Riggs, a 15 year and counting certified image consultant and color specialist, ready to build a wardrobe and a personal style you love.
- [01:25]
B
Let's get started.
- [01:32]
A
Debbie, let's jump right in. I really want to hear a little bit more about your backstory. So tell me, before you joined the collective, how did you feel about your wardrobe? What was frustrating or confusing or really just not working for you?
- [01:46]
D
Yeah, I think I already had great pieces in my wardrobe. I love dresses, I love skirts, and I have, like, amazing pieces. But I am a summer girl. I love like to dress in summer. I only have to put on a dress, some sandals, nice earrings, and I'm good to go. But I always struggled with winter because then I need sweaters, I need a coat, I need boots, I need a scarf and so on. And if you are someone who wears like jeans and trousers, then I feel it's easier because you can put on all the great jackets and coats. But for me, I always struggled with it because with dresses I was like, okay, how do I put it together that I feel great when I go out side, you know, and this was always, yeah, a struggle for me.
- [02:38]
A
Yeah, I know layering can be so difficult, especially when you do prefer those really feminine dresses and skirts and things that aren't always as practical in the winter season. And I know that you're a mom to tell us a little bit about what your life looks like right now in this season, because that's another thing that we've had to kind of navigate, how to wear the pieces that you love in a way that works for what you have going on in your daily schedule.
- [03:04]
D
Yes. Right now, I am a stay at home mom. I have three children who are at school, and I have a little one. He is one year old, and he is so cute. But I. Yeah, I have to sit on the ground. I have to go and pick up the older kids, and I'm always on the move, so I'm not. Yeah, I have to do a lot, and I'm a lot outside with my kids. So this has to work as well. Well, for me, absolutely.
- [03:33]
A
I think one of the things I've really seen in your journey that stood out to me is the level of clarity that you've discovered around your personal style and what really lights you up and works for you in a big way. So tell me what having this style clarity really means to you now. And then how would you describe what changed in the way that you see your clothes and your personal style? Kind of going through this whole framework.
- [03:58]
D
I think what changed for me is that I fell in love with my style. I remember we started to create this. This Pinterest mood board with our style blend. And my style blend is feminine, natural, and creative. And I looked at my board and I was like, this is so beautiful. These outfits are so amazing. In all the Pinterest universe, my mood board is so, so beautiful. And I was so happy to see these outfits. And I was like, okay, when I meet a person who has this kind of style and this outfit, then I want to have it, you know? And this gave me so much clarity that I was looking at the other mood boards. They looked lovely, but I was like, this is not me and my mood board. This is me. And I felt like, yeah, I want to be and look like that. Because it was not only beautiful outfits, it was like, it's. It's like the feeling and everything that felt like me.
- [05:01]
A
Yeah, that's the most exciting thing is when you can really hone in on what is right for you specifically. And then you can see other things and say, okay, that's beautiful, and I know it's not for me. And to develop that clear style lens makes such a massive difference in every single aspect of building your wardrobe and outfits. It drives you to purchase certain things and let other things go. I'm sure made a huge difference as you were Auditing your wardrobe and deciding what earned its place to stay and what things you were ready to let go of, because you just have this new, really clear lens and excitement to get dressed again just in uncovering what visually you were really drawn to. So you have done an amazing job shopping your closet. Tell me what that process has been like for you. As we're coming up on our free shop your closet challenge next week, this feels like the perfect time to talk about how you've created so many outfits from things that you already owned. And I know you've done a little bit of shopping, which we will talk about in a minute. But first, let's start with kind of taking a fresh eye to what you already owned through this.
- [06:09]
D
Yeah. I think everything started with knowing what I already have, because, I mean, I had, like, okay, I know, okay, I have this dress. I have the sweater, but I don't know, okay, what do I really have? And then we. We started. I started to really take a picture of every single item I own for my autumn winter wardrobe. In spring and summer, I have do it again. And I was happy because I have not, like, this really huge wardrobe. So it was okay to take a picture of every single item. And then I was really amazed to see, okay, this is what I have. And then I was sitting on the couch in the evening, and I was, like, starting to think about, okay, I could try this with that and this with that. And I looked at my mood board, and I thought, okay, in this picture, it looks like that. So let's try it. And then I started to wear it and try it on and take pictures of myself. And then I could look at the picture and see, okay, do I like it? What don't I like? And this was really helpful in the process to really try it on, because sometimes there is a picture in your imagination, and then in real life, it's like, okay, it doesn't look like I thought it would. And this helped a lot to try it on and then to save the pictures and feel like, okay, I can do this, I can do that. And it gave me so much options. And I always struggle because I thought, okay, I wear so many dresses, and I love prints, and I can never have many outfits, because when you want to have a capsule wardrobe, you need, like, a jeans and a black and a white T shirt and a blazer, and I don't own these things. And I was like, I cannot do it. But then seeing what I have and playing with it, I thought, wow, I can create so many outfits. And every outfit, it feels like me and I love it. So this was mind blowing, really.
- [08:07]
A
Skirt Quick pause.
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C
If you're listening to this and thinking.
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B
I wish my closet worked like this, I want to invite you to something special. From January 27th through 29th at 8pm Eastern, I'm hosting a free shop your closet challenge where I'll show you how to create better outfits from what you already own without a full wardrobe overhaul. When you save your seat, you'll also get instant access to my brand new signature style reset masterclass, designed to help you finally understand what makes your style unique and why copying other people has never quite worked. If you're tired of feeling uninspired by your closet and ready for clarity, confidence, and intentional outfits that work for you and your real life, this challenge is for you. Go save your spot now at her style llc llc.com challenge and let's make your closet work for you again. It's Her Style llc.com challenge and I can't wait to see you there.
- [09:03]
A
Oh my gosh.
- [09:04]
D
This is.
- [09:05]
A
Yeah, this is so brilliant and so exciting and I just want to make sure everybody heard what you just said, which is that you have now a well curated closet with dresses and prints and textures and things that traditionally you might not think of for a capsule wardrobe that mixes and matches. But in going through this process, you've really uncovered so many ways to utilize what you own, to mix and match things together and to be able to have fun and be creative with what's in your closet. That's absolutely huge.
- [09:35]
D
It is. I am so happy about that.
- [09:39]
A
Well, it's been great to watch your participation in our private membership community too, because I don't know if you've realized this, but I feel like you really understood what works for you at a new level and going through the foundational steps of discovering what flatters your figure and understanding proportions and silhouettes. And so even as you're trying outfits on, something I've really noticed is you're really great about posting those pictures in the group for feedback. But in doing that, you're usually showing a couple variations of an outfit just to make sure you've really got the styling dialed in 100%. And you always have some commentary of like, I think this is the most flattering thing. And that insight has really translated into you creating the best possible versions of your outfits and putting those pieces together too, which has been awesome. Usually the coaches and I just kind of follow up behind you and say, yes, that is the perfect choice. Here's why this works, but you've. You've come to a whole new level of understanding how to put it all together too, which is so cool.
- [10:36]
D
Thank you.
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A
And, Debbie, I know that in doing that and really working with your pieces, belts have become a huge part of your signature style. So how did you discover that that was an accessory that you really love and kind of wanted to bring into your outfits fairly regularly?
- [10:52]
D
Yeah, this was funny because I, as I told, I took these pictures of my outfits, and then I realized, okay, in I don't know, 90 or 99% of the outfits I wear, I always have a belt. It was, like, it clicked for me. And it was interesting because in the collective, we talked about, like, highlighting what you love, and for me, this really is my waist. I love my waist. And a belt is amazing to highlight your waist. And it is like, even if I wear a jeans, what not happens so often. But when I wear a wide leg jeans and I wear a T shirt and I add my belt, then I'm like, okay, I feel more like me, because this belongs to me. And it. I feel like every outfit looks more elevated when I wear my belts. So this was funny to recognize. Yeah.
- [11:46]
A
I think I love that. It's kind of multipurpose. Right. It brings the focus to an area of your body that you really love and feel good about. And also, it does add another level of kind of finish to your outfits and give you that polished feel. How does having that signature piece make getting dressed easier?
- [12:05]
D
It is so much easier because I know what works. And I know, I mean, about is nothing that is so expensive or I don't have to think so much about it. It's like, okay, I can put it on, and I know it works. And this is so great, because even if I try new things, maybe I wear a blazer, but when I have this belt in combination, then I have, like, this creative, elevated touch and feel more like me. And this helps so much with my. With my dressing every day. Yes. Yeah.
- [12:39]
A
Yeah. That's so great. I know you have filled a few small gaps in your wardrobe very intentionally, might I add. You've been very conscious about evaluating all the selections and getting feedback on what to purchase before you do, and then also coming in and making sure that you've gotten the right thing after you've ordered something. So how did you decide? In the process of looking through your inventory and putting outfits together, how did you figure out what to add and what to skip?
- [13:09]
D
I think what was really good, I realized I really need a very Long coat, because I wear long tresses and I need a coat that keeps me warm. Because we live in an area in Germany, we have so long winter and it feels like forever. And I want to wear my dresses. I don't want to skip them and wait until spring and summer and I want to wear them now. So I needed something I can put on. And I know I tried another coat and it was not long enough. And I asked for feedback and it was so helpful because all the coaches and you said, okay, it looks good. This is a. It's a beautiful coat. But I think there is another one that works much better for you so you don't have to think so much about your outfit. And this was so true because I found the perfect one. It was long enough. It is really warm. It's. It's cozy. It's in a neutral color. I can wear all different kind of colors in my scarf, in my beanie with it, and I'm always good to go. I never have to think about, okay, can I wear the skirt? Because I know, okay, I put this coat on and I'm ready to go. So this was really good. And then another thing I loved was like my knee high boots, because I felt like, okay, I need another shoe or more shoes in my collection to play more with my outfit. And I have some Chelsea boots. They are great for everyday outfits, but these knee high boots, they look more elevated. And when I have some date nights or I have church or I'm in a meeting, then I can wear them and I feel instantly better. So this is also really, really nice. And then there was like a beautiful skirt. It was like, it had. It was pleated and it was so beautiful. And I put it on and it looked fantastic. And then I realized I cannot wear it so much because I am at home with my kids. I have to sit on the ground and I. Even if I sit, then it. It goes up and it was like, okay, it is so beautiful. But I think I wait until I can wear something like that again and keep my money for something I really need. Like, I need another jeans, and I want to keep my money for that. And that helped also to decide.
- [15:36]
A
You've been so great about making those very practical decisions that serve both your personal style and the season of life that you're in. I think all of those decisions really come from doing the work and following the steps in order because you had to really figure out your signature style first and realize that you didn't want to put your dresses and skirts away. Just because of the season and coming up with new outfits and things helped you spot that you could really use another pair of boots. And so it really does make sense to go step by step through this whole system so that by the time you get to the very end and we say, okay, if you need to shop, let's do some intentional shopping. You really are so clear about what exactly you need and what is going to serve you in your daily life. And, Debbie, tell me how that has felt different from how you shopped before the collective.
- [16:29]
D
Yeah, I think for the collective, I would have bought another dress. I love them so much. And it's interesting because it's not that I don't wear them. I mean, I wear them all the time. And it makes, for me, it makes total sense to have more dresses because I love them so much. But the problem is it wouldn't help me to deal with my struggle that I feel like, okay, in wintertime, I don't know what to wear when I go outside. And every time I am outside, outside, I'm always thinking about my outfit. And when I see myself on photos, I'm like, oh, this doesn't look so good. It's not good enough. And then I'm always thinking about myself, and I don't want to think about all the time about my outfits, because I want to feel good and then be present to the people, to my kids, to my husband, to my friends and go outside and have fun and not always like, oh, this skirt. And this does not look good with this coat. So. And this helped so much to get clear. Okay, this is what I need. And when I have this coat, then I can wear all the things with it. And it really helps with all my outfits, so I can wear so much more with it. So. And this is so helpful.
- [17:45]
A
I think a lot of times we just want more options and we want more of the things that we love and that feel comfortable for us. And, you know, friend, this is judgment free. I had 32 cocktail dresses in my closet at one time. I've been very open about my kind of impulse shopping tendencies, you know, many years ago. And it's. You're right. It's so important to figure out not only what you need, but what's going to move the needle for all of your outfits and really, like, earn its keep in your closet and maximize the return on that investment. And you've definitely nailed it by picking up that beautiful coat and the boots and getting the finishing touches to take all of the beautiful dresses that you already have and make your outfits feel completely complete. Also, Debbie, I know that your color palette really meant a lot to you. You were so excited when you put that together. And tell me a little bit, just because color is my favorite thing, how has that helped you to choose and enjoy your outfits even more?
- [18:42]
D
Oh, I love my color palette. I was so happy to see it. And every color. I'm so in love. And it's so funny, because I am also one of these people who were thinking, like, okay, who am I? Am I? Some people say I am a winter. Others say I am a summer. And. And people want this box where you can say, okay, this is what I am. And it was so funny when I received my palette, and I felt so happy, and I'm like, okay, it's not important if I am a winter or a summer, because these are my colors, and I don't have to guesswork everything and think about, okay, is this color good? Or this? Does this work with this? And it gave me so much more options with color to work in my outfits. And, yeah, to. To really be creative, because there were some colors I didn't think about. Okay, I could wear this color with this color, and this was amazing for me. And to be clear about it, yay.
- [19:43]
A
That was such a fun thing to. To work through with you too. After we delivered, your color palette is looking at some examples of ways to combine those colors that you hadn't thought of before, to your point. And just to see some examp examples of, oh, okay. This soft sea foam green does really work with this deep burgundy. And here's how I can bring it into my outfits. And fortunately, you do have so many beautiful prints in your closet. I think it's easy to pull out the different colors with your accessories and all of those things too, which definitely helps. So, Debbie, I just kind of want to sum all of this up and tell me how going through the collective process has changed your daily life. How has it impacted not only the way you get dressed, but have you seen any ripple effects in going through this?
- [20:28]
D
I think what's interesting is that I was always on the search for more inspiration. I mean, I asked in the group some days ago if you have some celebrities, and I really love what you said about, okay, this is a good person. I could look for inspiration. But it's interesting because I was always looking for more inspiration, and, okay, what could I do better? And what is another trend? And so on. And now I'm at a point where I don't need this anymore because. Because I know what I love and what I want to look like, and I find the inspiration more in myself or in the outfits I have. You know, it's more like that I think about, okay, what would I love to wear and not what do other people think I should wear? And this makes a lot. Yeah, this makes all the difference. And in my mind, I don't. It's not such a big topic because I'm like, okay, I love to dress in a great way every day, even when I'm at home. I love to put on nice things and then I don't think so much about myself and I am really ready to go for everything that's on my calendar. And I'm like, this makes such a freedom. And I don't need Instagram anymore. I'm rarely on this app because I don't look like, okay, what, okay, what does she wear or what does she say? Because I am clear about myself and this is such a game changer.
- [21:58]
A
Oh, friend, that makes me so happy. I wish everyone could see my face right now because I am just smiling from ear to ear hearing that experience. And you set it up perfectly for me to say that. You will get a taste of that at our free Shop your Closet challenge next week. We're going to help you get clarity over your signature style. When you sign up for that event, you actually get access to our brand new signature style reset masterclass. You can get a head start before the challenge even begins on figuring out just what Debbie said, what you love, what works for your day to day life, getting that crystal clear vision of where you want your wardrobe to move so you know what steps to take next. And then we'll walk you through the whole framework and give you some practical steps that you can implement right away. So if you want to make getting dressed feel fun again, have that creativity, not have to look so much outside of yourself, but be able to trust your own intuition about what you love and what works for you. Then I know Debbie and I would love to see you at the challenge next week. You're already signed up and our friends can join us@herstylellc.com challenge. Debbie, thanks again so much for joining us and for sharing all about your experience inside the collective. I appreciate you so much.
- [23:06]
D
Thank you. Bye.
- [23:09]
C
Thank you for listening to today's episode. If you want to stop copying everyone else's style and start dialing in your own swoon worthy signature look, head over to take my free 5 minute personal style quiz, which you can find at the link in the show notes. If you've enjoyed our time together, please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to her style podcast so you never miss an episode. Finally, I invite you to make this a two way conversation and send me a DM over on Instagram eatherigstyle to let me know how I can best support you on your style journey. I'm always here for you in style and service. Until next time.