A Gentle Closet Guide

Simple Staples, Timeless Pieces & Finding What Feels Good

Let’s be honest—closets can get overwhelming. All the colors, the trends, the "I might wear this someday" items... and yet most of us end up wearing the same handful of things over and over again.

And you know what? That’s not a bad thing. In fact, I think it’s beautiful.

I've been leaning into a slower, gentler approach to getting dressed—one rooted in comfort, simplicity, and ease. The kind of closet where everything goes together, everything feels like you, and you always have something you feel good in.

Today I’m sharing my little system—a gentle closet guide, if you will—for creating a timeless wardrobe with pieces that work for you, not the other way around.

✨ Step One: Keep It Simple

Here’s a little secret: You don’t need a hundred different pieces to have a functional wardrobe. You need a few well-loved ones that make you feel confident, cozy, and like yourself.

For me, that looks like:

• Leggings (soft, stretchy, forgiving—you’ll never convince me they’re not real pants)

• Oversized cardigans and chunky sweaters

• Soft neutral tees and tanks for layering

• A couple of dresses I can throw on without thinking

• Denim that actually fits and feels good

• A good pair of boots, comfy sneakers, sandals, and warm slippers for home days

When everything in your closet plays well together, getting dressed feels like less of a chore and more of a gentle rhythm.

🎨 Step Two: Find Your Colors

Wearing colors that suit you makes such a difference—not just in how you look, but how you feel. I didn’t always pay attention to this, but once I discovered my color season (hello, autumn!), things started to click.

I lean toward:

• Warm earthy browns

• Mustard and golden yellows

• Olive greens

• Terracotta and rust

• Creams and soft taupes

• Deep warm burgundy

These colors bring out the warmth in my skin and hair, and make my closet feel like an extension of a golden autumn day.

Not sure what your colors are? Here's a simple tip:

• If you look better in gold jewelry than silver, you're probably warm-toned (spring or autumn).

• If silver flatters you more, you're likely cool-toned (summer or winter).

• Hold different colored tops near your face in natural light and see what makes your skin glow (and what makes you look tired).

Once you find your palette, shopping becomes easier and way less overwhelming. And mixing and matching? A breeze.

🧣 Step Three: Dress for Your Life

You don’t have to dress like Pinterest or Instagram. Dress for your real, everyday life.

My days are filled with yarn projects, art, writing, cleaning, and playing with the dog. So I lean into stretchy, breathable layers. When the weather turns chilly (my favorite!), I live in leggings, boots, and warm oversized sweaters.

I aim for clothes that:

• Don’t pinch or restrict

• Move with me

• Layer easily

• Make me feel like me

There’s grace in choosing comfort. There’s beauty in dressing in a way that feels sustainable—for your body, your lifestyle, and your peace of mind.

🌼 A Few Gentle Staples I Swear By:

• A long cozy cardigan that goes with everything

• Neutral tank tops for layering under sweaters and flannels

• Soft leggings in black, brown, and olive

• At least One good dress that makes you feel confident and cozy

• A lightweight scarf that adds warmth and style

• A flannel shirt, or denim jacket for casual layering

• Simple slip-on shoes or boots for every season

💛 A Closet Full of Grace

This isn’t about building a perfect capsule wardrobe or following rules. This is about getting dressed in the morning and feeling settled. Feeling like yourself.

Your closet should feel like a safe, simple place. Not a source of stress or pressure. If it doesn’t bring you peace, it might be time for a little wardrobe grace—a reset rooted in who you are now, not who you used to be or who you think you should be.

So, what are your colors? What do you reach for again and again? What pieces make you feel most like you?

I’d love to hear. Share in the comments or send me a note—let’s cheer each other on toward cozier, calmer closets that support the lives we’re actually living.

In comforting style🧣,

XO, Marie

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