If you’ve ever stared into your closet way too long, feeling like you have nothing to wear or zero idea how to put your pieces together… this is for you.

Getting dressed should not be the decision that sends you spiraling before you’ve even finished your first cup of coffee.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be stressful, time-consuming, or complicated.

Today, I’m sharing 7 outfit planning habits that will make getting ready faster, easier, and — dare I say — actually fun. No spreadsheets. No apps. No rigid rules. Just simple, practical strategies you can start using immediately.

You don’t need to try them all. Start with one. Even a tiny shift can completely change your mornings.

Why Outfit Planning Matters (Especially in the “Messy Middle”)

We all have to get dressed every day. That part isn’t optional.

But when you’re:

• Auditing what you own
• Trying to shop more strategically
• Realizing your wardrobe isn’t working anymore
• Or building toward a closet you actually love

…it can feel frustrating.

Yes, the ultimate goal is a wardrobe where most of your pieces look and feel amazing — where you can grab almost anything and create a great outfit.

But if you’re not there yet, outfit planning is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

It’s not about being rigid.
It’s about setting yourself up for success.

Sometimes that’s as simple as 2 minutes the night before.

Before You Get Dressed: 4 Quick Checks

Before we jump into the habits, here’s a fast refresher on what to consider daily:

1. Review Your Calendar

What are you dressing for? Meetings? Errands? School pickup? A long day on your feet?

Let your schedule guide your outfit.

2. Decide How You Want to Feel

Powerful. Comfortable. Creative. Polished. Relaxed.

Your clothes can support your goals — but only if you choose intentionally.

3. Check the Weather

A great outfit that doesn’t survive the weather? Instant regret.

Take 10 seconds. Confirm the forecast.

4. Balance Comfort and Style

If it’s a long day, walking-heavy, or high-energy, function matters.

Style and comfort are not enemies — you can have both.

7 Outfit Planning Habits to Make Mornings Easier

Now let’s get into the fun part.

I’m sharing these from easiest to most advanced — but you can start anywhere.

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1. Keep an “Outfit Library” Album on Your Phone

This one is so simple.

Every time you wear something you feel amazing in — or receive compliments on — snap a quick mirror selfie.

Create a dedicated album in your phone with your “greatest hits.”

On mornings when your brain feels blank?
Open your album.

It’s like Pinterest — but better.
Because it’s you, your body, your lifestyle, your actual closet.

No adapting required.

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2. Rotate Your Collection

If you always grab from the same section of your closet, try this:

• Move items from the back to the front
• Shuffle folded stacks
• Switch hanger placement
• Or try the ribbon trick (tie a ribbon or rubber band on each hanger and remove it once worn)

This forces you to wear what you already own.

Inside our Shop Your Closet Challenge, women consistently say it becomes easier to get dressed simply because they’re being intentional and experimenting.

Sometimes your wardrobe doesn’t need more clothes.
It needs a fresh perspective.

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3. Organize by Category and Color

This is a game changer for visual thinkers.

Group like items together:

• Tanks with tanks
• Jeans with jeans
• Dresses in one section

Then color-code within categories.

Why it works:

• You instantly see pairing possibilities
• Matching becomes faster
• Forgotten favorites reappear

When everything has a home, getting dressed feels lighter.

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4. Start with an Outfit Anchor

Instead of planning an entire outfit, choose one key piece the night before.

It could be:

• A new necklace
• Your favorite shoes
• A patterned blouse
• A blazer you love

Then build around that.

Having a starting point transforms getting dressed from overwhelming to creative.

You don’t need the whole picture. You just need a beginning.

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5. Set Up a Weekly Style Routine

We meal plan.
We follow cleaning schedules.
Why not create outfit themes?

For example:

• Monday: Neutral chic
• Tuesday: Pop of color
• Wednesday: Incorporate pink (yes, you totally could)
• Thursday: Wear a print
• Friday: Denim + something elevated

Or create situational formulas:

• Blazer + tee + jeans (casual client calls)
• Dress + slides (summer errands)
• Matching set (low-energy day)

You’re not reinventing the wheel every morning.
You’re rotating go-to frameworks that feel like you.

This reduces decision fatigue while keeping variety.

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6. Create an “In a Pinch” Outfit Section

Designate a small space in your closet for 2–3 guaranteed outfits.

These are your:

• Running late outfits
• Low-energy outfits
• “Nothing else is working” backups

Think of it like your emergency style shelf.

Knowing they’re there instantly lowers stress.

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7. Build a Mini Capsule Wardrobe

If a full wardrobe revamp feels overwhelming, start smaller.

Pull together:

• 10–15 mix-and-match pieces
• A few tops
• A few bottoms
• Shoes
• 1–2 layering pieces
• Accessories you love

Keep them front and center for the month.

Bonus tip: Build around a cohesive color story (or your personal color palette) so everything works together seamlessly.

These become your MVPs — your most valuable pieces for the season.

It’s a powerful first step toward building a wardrobe you truly love.

Which Outfit Planning Habit Will You Try First?

Let’s recap:

• ✔ Keep an Outfit Library album
• ✔ Rotate your collection
• ✔ Organize by category and color
• ✔ Start with an outfit anchor
• ✔ Create a weekly style routine
• ✔ Build an “in a pinch” section
• ✔ Pull together a mini capsule

Start small.

Pick just one this week.

Watch how much smoother your mornings feel.

Getting Dressed Gets to Be Fun

Outfit planning isn’t rigid.
It’s not about perfection.
It’s not about controlling every detail.

It’s 2 minutes of prep that can:

• Reduce stress
• Increase confidence
• Spark creativity
• And make your closet feel cohesive again

The art of getting dressed gets to be fun, friend.

And if you’re ready to go deeper — to build a wardrobe that reflects your personality, lifestyle, body, preferences, and budget — I’d be honored to support you inside HER Style Collective, my 90-day group coaching program.

For now, try one habit.
Experiment.
Play.
And let me know how it goes.