top of page
Search

WHY THE DRESSING ROOM LIES: HOW TO MAKE SURE A NEW PIECE TRULY BELONGS IN YOUR WARDROBE

Writer's picture: raquelraquel
21 hours ago3 min read



We’ve all been there—standing in a dressing room, looking at our reflection under harsh lighting, thinking, This looks amazing! The fit seems right, the color feels fresh, and in that moment, it feels like a “yes.” But then we bring it home. And suddenly, reality sets in.

That perfect pair of trousers? Turns out they need tailoring. The gorgeous top? You don’t own a bottom that pairs well with it. The dress? Stunning but completely impractical for your life.

So why does this happen? Because the dressing room is a controlled environment that doesn’t give you the full story. It’s a snapshot—a brief moment in isolation, rather than a real test of how a piece will live in your wardrobe.



1. The Dressing Room Is an Illusion

Retail stores are designed to make us feel good about our purchases. From the strategic lighting (often too dim or too yellow) to the flattering mirrors, everything is curated to encourage a sale. But what you really need to know—how the piece moves, how it integrates into your wardrobe, how it fits into your lifestyle—can only be discovered outside of that tiny, artificial space.


2. Clothes Shouldn't Be Standalone Pieces

A new purchase shouldn’t just be something that looks nice in isolation; it should feel like an organic addition to your wardrobe. When you try on clothes in a store, you’re often wearing them with the wrong shoes, the wrong top, or the wrong proportions. Without seeing the full picture, it’s easy to be misled.

Instead of thinking, Does this look good on me right now?, ask:

✔️ Does this go with at least three other pieces I own?

✔️ Can I wear this in multiple ways, or is it a one-outfit wonder?

✔️ Does this fit my lifestyle, or am I buying into a fantasy version of myself?


3. The Best Test? Bring It Home and Give It Life

The real magic happens when you take a piece home and let it breathe in your wardrobe. Try it on with different shoes, layer it with your favorite pieces, walk around in it, sit down in it, see how it moves with you. A piece of clothing isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels and functions in your real life.


Before Cutting the Tags, Ask Yourself:

  • Does this feel effortless, or am I trying to make it work?

  • Do I feel like me in this, or am I forcing a new identity?

  • Does this seamlessly integrate into my wardrobe, or does it demand other purchases to make sense?


4. Shopping with Intention = A Wardrobe That Works

The best wardrobes aren’t filled with impulse buys that looked good in a dressing room—they’re built with intention. Each piece should feel like a treasure that enhances what you already own, not something that creates more problems.

So next time you’re in a shop, remember: the dressing room is just the audition. The real test is how a piece lives with you. Treat every purchase as a long-term addition, not just a quick thrill. That’s how you build a wardrobe that truly works for you.


Struggling to Make Your Wardrobe Feel Cohesive?

If you find yourself buying pieces that don’t quite fit into your wardrobe, I can help. My Style Breakthrough sessions are designed to bring clarity to your personal style, so every new addition feels like a seamless extension of you.


✨ Let’s create a wardrobe where every piece belongs. 📅 Book a session with me here or DM me to chat!





 
 

Comments

  • Do I need to be actively involved in the process once I purchase the Style Breakthrough service?
    Yes. This service is designed for individuals who are truly ready to commit to discovering their authentic style and breaking free from impulsive, unfulfilling purchases. We work with clients who are at a stage in their lives where they want a more intentional and sustainable approach to their wardrobe. By trusting the process and fully engaging in it, you’ll achieve lasting results—a style that feels effortless, cohesive, and truly you.
  • Will I have to get rid of all my clothes?
    Not at all! The goal is to work with what you already have and refine your wardrobe, not to start from scratch. We’ll assess what truly aligns with your style, what can be repurposed, and what might not be serving you anymore. The process is about intention—curating a wardrobe that supports your style, not just replacing everything for the sake of it.
  • Will the Style Breakthrough service change me into someone I’m not?
    Absolutely not! This service isn’t about forcing you into a specific style or making you dress in a way that doesn’t feel like you. Instead, it’s about uncovering and refining the style that already aligns with who you are at this stage of your life. Think of it as a process of self-discovery—one that empowers you to feel more confident, authentic, and in control of your wardrobe. You won’t be told what to wear; rather, you’ll gain clarity on what truly resonates with you, so getting dressed feels effortless and right for you. This is about embracing your style, not changing it into something it’s not.
  • Do I need to be passionate about fashion to benefit from the Style Breakthrough service?
    Not at all! The Style Breakthrough is for anyone who wants to feel confident and authentic in what they wear—whether or not they follow fashion trends. However, this service is about more than just clothes; it’s about shifting your mindset around style and shopping. To truly benefit, you need to be open to change. If you’re ready to break free from old shopping habits, stop wasting money on pieces that don’t work, and build a wardrobe that reflects who you are, this process will give you clarity and confidence. But this may not be the right fit if you’re looking for a quick fix without a commitment to real change. Style isn’t about following rules—it’s about redefining your relationship with your wardrobe and embracing a new way of dressing that truly serves you.
  • Is the Style Breakthrough service only for people who feel lost in their style?
    Not at all! While the service is perfect for those who feel disconnected from their wardrobe, it’s also designed for anyone who wants to refine, refresh, or evolve their personal style. Whether you’re going through a life transition, seeking a more cohesive wardrobe, or simply wanting to shop with more confidence and clarity, the Style Breakthrough will help you build a wardrobe that truly represents you. It’s about making style effortless, authentic, and aligned with who you are—wherever you are on your style journey.
  • Why should I book the Style Simplified session instead of jumping straight into a full service?
    The Style Simplified session is a great starting point because it allows you to gain essential insight into your wardrobe and style goals, without committing to a larger service right away. If you’re not sure where to begin or feel overwhelmed by the thought of a full transformation, this session helps break things down into manageable steps. Think of it as a powerful checkpoint that gives you the information you need to move forward with confidence—whether you choose to continue working together or implement the insights on your own. If you’re ready for a shift but need help figuring out where to focus, this session is your ideal first step.
  • What can I expect to gain from the Style Simplified session?
    n this session, you’ll gain clarity on your current wardrobe’s strengths and weaknesses, a deeper understanding of your shopping and style habits, and a personalized action plan for moving forward. You’ll walk away with key takeaways that will help you avoid wasting money on pieces that don’t serve you and begin creating a wardrobe that aligns with your authentic self. It’s a highly informative session, and by the end, you’ll feel empowered to make better shopping decisions and be clear on the direction your wardrobe needs to go to reflect who you truly are.
  • I feel overwhelmed by my closet. Can the Style Simplified session help me with that?
    Yes! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your closet, the Style Simplified session is a great way to gain clarity. This session helps you break down your wardrobe in a calm, guided way so you can understand what’s truly working and what needs to go. We’ll focus on simplifying your approach to style, making the whole process less stressful and more aligned with what actually feels good for you. However, please note that we need to focus on one season at a time. If you have a large wardrobe, we’ll begin by breaking down your favorite pieces, and I’ll provide exercises to help you continue the process on your own. The goal is to create a manageable, actionable plan for your wardrobe that’s tailored to your current needs. By the end of the session, you’ll feel more confident and in control, with a clearer understanding of how to move forward without feeling bogged down by unnecessary items or decisions. This session is a starting point, not a complete wardrobe overhaul, but you’ll have the tools and insights to carry on organizing and refining your closet with ease.
  • What if I don’t like the style you suggest for me?
    There’s no one-size-fits-all “look” that I impose on clients. This process is collaborative, and everything is built around your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. You’ll be involved every step of the way, ensuring that your final style direction feels natural and authentic to you. My role is to guide, refine, and bring clarity—not to dictate or change who you are.
  • What is a Wardrobe Audit?
    A Wardrobe Audit is a deep assessment of your current wardrobe to ensure it aligns with your personal style, offers versatility, and works cohesively as a whole. This process isn’t about discarding everything you own—it’s about understanding what serves you, what doesn’t, and how to create a more intentional, well-balanced collection of pieces that truly reflect who you are. Using a structured methodology, we evaluate your wardrobe for consistency in style, cohesiveness, variation, and balance—even if those terms don’t mean much to you yet, don’t worry! The process is designed to give you clarity on what works, what’s missing, and how to make getting dressed effortless. By the end of the audit, you’ll gain a clearer sense of direction, ensuring every piece in your wardrobe contributes to a style that feels natural and empowering. If you’re tired of feeling like your closet is full of clothes but nothing quite works together, this is the step that will change that. Check out the Style Simplified one-hour session, which will give you a taste of an Audit today and start building a wardrobe that truly works for you!
  • What is the Style Simplified session, and how can it help me?
    The Style Simplified session is a one-hour, personalized consultation designed to give you clarity about your wardrobe and your style goals. It’s a guided conversation where we explore your purchasing habits, assess what’s currently in your wardrobe, and uncover where you want to take your style next. This session is perfect for anyone feeling stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed by their wardrobe. Through this process, we’ll identify key insights about what’s working, what isn’t, and how to refine your wardrobe to better reflect your personal style and lifestyle. It’s an empowering way to take the first step toward a more intentional and functional wardrobe, with no judgment—just guidance and clarity.
  • I’ve tried finding my style before, but nothing sticks. How is this different?
    This isn’t just about picking a few outfits—it’s a deeper process of understanding why you’re drawn to certain styles, what actually works for your life, and how to break free from habits that keep you stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction. It’s about rewiring how you think about your wardrobe so that you no longer second-guess yourself or make impulse purchases that don’t serve you. If you’re ready to commit to that shift, this will be the last time you need to “find your style.”
  • I want to change, but what if I go back to old habits?
    Real transformation happens when you’re truly ready for it. This isn’t a quick fix—it’s a shift in how you approach style and shopping. If you’re open to rethinking how you see your wardrobe and willing to step out of your old patterns, you’ll come out of this experience with a completely new mindset. However, if you’re not yet ready to let go of past habits, this may not be the right time for you—and that’s okay! The best results come when you’re fully committed to embracing change.

RAXANIE LTD

  • LinkedIn
  • instagram
  • pinterest

©2019 by Raxanie. Proudly created with JAR

Privacy Policy

bottom of page