Reinvigorating my wardrobe with Allison Bornstein

and 10 looks inspired from our 1:1 styling session

The ultimate style handbook

I was in need of a wardrobe refresh.

I don’t mean the kind where you throw out everything in your closet and buy a bunch of new clothes.

I was in need of a fresh pair of eyes because my inner voice was driving me bananas:

“This isn’t working”

“This isn’t me”

“I can’t style this look”

“My clothes are boring”

I couldn’t think of a better person to count on to help me reinvigorate my wardrobe than Allison Bornstein, whose book, Wear It Well, and viral three-word method TikTok videos intrigued and inspired me for all of 2023. I still look up to her videos, tips and recommendations.

Allison discusses the “inner voice” in her book and how it affects us in negative ways. For me, it was no different. As someone who is constantly on social media, inundated with looks and styles that are trending faster than I could ever keep up, I was feeling overwhelmed. Even worse, I felt that all the pieces I invested in were no longer working because I had no idea how to make them “look good.”

Allison’s 1:1 styling session was an early birthday gift to myself, and it is, to this day, the best investment I could make.

Of course, a one on one styling session with the Allison Bornstein is so exciting but also so so nerve wrecking (in a good way):

• What will she think of my clothes?

• Do I need to buy a bunch of new stuff?

• My room is a mess. Will she notice?

As my husband and I were undergoing a six week renovation in our home at the time, I decided to set up my laptop in my office on a West Elm side table that slightly wobbled from the uneven flooring so as to minimize the chaos that was going on in the living room and kitchen.

At the exact hour, the call came.

“Hi Pamela!”

She greeted me with the biggest, most authentic and engaging smile. Immediately, I felt so comfortable, like I could be completely honest with her.

I excitedly shared how much of an honor it was to have her share her knowledge with me, like, seriously, I really really needed her expert eyes and feedback because I felt lost.

One of the outfits Allison styled that helped me rediscover sky blues and suede jacket combinations.

Allison’s feedback:

• Allison is so gentle and intentional with her suggestions, advice and recommendations. Like at one point, she suggests, how about wearing the white tee under the v-neck sweater? I like how it looks with the v-neck exposing much of the shirt.

“Is it weird?” she asks me.

No, it isn’t weird. In fact, it is so good. I would’ve never thought of it that way. And the best part of it is that I can keep the sweater. For reference, here it is (and yes, I was actually reconsidering if it was still a keeper):

This handmade cap from July Knits is in a similar shade of red as the knitted pattern on the Bode sweater. Styling them together is fun as the cap is such a whimsical and cute accessory.

• Allison talks you through things. It’s like she is on this styling journey with you, so it is like rediscovering your closet with a trusted advisor who knows what will or will not work for the long haul. I love her sustainable approach to fashion, styles, which made me feel like me without having to buy new things. Like for instance, incorporating a 70s look with top I found at a vintage store and pairing it with wide legged dark denim:

  

  The "twist" here is the Phoebe Philo Gig bag, which I thought was quite modern considering that the rest of my outfit is more 70s inspired

  …or styling this top with a light wash denim jean:

I would've never thought of styling a light wash denim jean with this cashmere knit layered over an embellished and semi-transparent silk Bode top.

• Allison is an excellent listener. For the longest time, I’ve been thinking of my three words and I was always stumped on the third. I knew that on an emotional level, I love love love a good OVERSIZED look. And I want to be CHIC when I put together looks because I want to be modern yet simple and intentional. I don’t want to sacrifice style for comfort. But the third? Good things come in threes, and this one always had me in a tailspin.

  “I heard you use the words ‘quirky’ and ‘unexpected’…” so perhaps we can incorporate that into an outfit?

  Done. I always assumed that my closet was boring. I realize that by shopping my closet, I can mix and match things in a way that is fun and new-ish.

Outfits that were pulled together in real time during our session

Pairing an oversized denim shirt jacket with a linen pant to stay cool but also covered up without breaking a sweat. My favorite piece is the Jil Sander Tangle bag that is so easy to carry and pack up when traveling

The same July Knit cap with the cowboy boots, Max Mara coat and drawstring skirt . It’s hard to see in the picture, but I wore the skirt with a linen button down (similar here) for when I felt too warm for the coat. The cute cap is reminiscent of my favorite childhood winter story.

Cuffing the hem of my jeans is a must because of my short height but it works because of how roomy these jeans are. The leather jacket is a thrifted piece and in a men’s size medium. I love browns with reds, and the Ganni crossbody purse juxtaposes well with the masculine jacket. The “quirk” here I would say are my beloved Margiela ballerina flats.

Ganni is one of my favorite brands because they mix classic tops/bottoms with pieces with eclectic patterns and styles. I opted for a more classic look here…

…and then Allison suggested I wear this oversized menswear blazer and the Ganni top with the collar folded over the blazer collar. I love mixing masculine and feminine pieces together, and it worked together beautifully.

What I learned about styling:

• I can make vibrant colors work. Remember this color wheel from my previous post?

For the longest time I stayed away from Ring 4 because I wasn’t comfortable with bright colors. While wearing clothes in conjunction with pieces belonging to muted Ring 2s and 3s, I gradually worked my way towards the outer ring by “rewiring” my thoughts.

• I can play with colors, shapes and styles to add a twist on classic outfits

• Texture can go a long way

• Layers, layers layers

Ten recent looks inspired by our styling sesh

…after realizing just how much I could work with what I already have:

Look 1

Weekend Max Mara trench with cuffed Levi’s (ribcage is my favorite), chunky loafers and red jumper. To give my classic outfit something extra, I accessorized with a metallic pouch that fits a surprising amount of essentials.

Look 2

Layering is so fun with all the right pieces, especially with a men’s style poplin dress shirt for a more clean yet still oversized look. The shrunken wool vest doesn’t make me feel like I am drowning in garments.

Look 3

A denim on denim look is so timeless all year round. I recently learned that it is called a Canadian tuxedo, which I absolutely love. I would say the unexpected piece to this look would be the long belt. Bucket hats are so easy to pack and style, this black straw one is my favorite because of how it holds its shape. Out of all the denim jackets I’ve seen online and in person, this one with the multiple pockets and drapey silhouette is a must have.

Look 4

My experimentation with Ring 3 began with these unique Borg shoes. I wore them with an incredibly oversized, but versatile and appropriately named everything pant by Jamie Haller, and threw on a nylon/silk blazer over a classic vintage rollneck sweater.

Look 5

I styled my very first Row pieces with the nylon flats, pleated shorts and oversized park n/s tote. The cinnamon nylon shirt is low maintenance and high quality with creases in all the right places. I feel the most comfortable in pieces that are also easy to pack, and I feel like this outfit (with the exception of the bag which would most likely be carried on anyway) will hardly take up much space in my suitcase.

Look 6

I incorporated Allison’s wrong shoe theory here with my chunky sweater and cotton/linen pants.

Look 7

My best purchase for spring was this drapey jumpsuit that is breathable and lightweight. For cool, cloudy mornings, I like to throw on a wool coat. Instead of going for a classic black sock boot, I opted for metallic flats.

Look 8

I first styled these acid washed sweatpants during a styling session when Tibi was in L.A. for a couple of days. Stylist Darianne suggested I try these on with a fitted cinnamon tank and I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I loved them. As soon as the sweatpants went on sale, I had to snatch up a pair. I love curling up on a couch or in bed with a good book wearing these sweatpants. For coffee outings, I dress it up with a lightweight blazer. To give this look a more summertime vibe I accessorized with my Clare V. bag.

Look 9

These wide legged canvas pants were on my radar for months. Because of how vibrant the pants are, I wanted to do something fun with the shoes so I wore two pieces together that are Ring 4ish, with more muted colors on top. Primary colors are fun to style; I don’t think you can do any wrong while wearing them.

Look 10

Whether it was my mood or the weather, I was feeling more “under the radar” today. The skirt was new at the time I wore them out, and though it isn’t the stark white color I initially wanted, its grayish yellow tone is a good contrast with the black Tabi boot and blazer.

What I am wearing under the blazer: this fitted black top is so pretty when it is styled under a heavy, oversized crew or v-neck pullover.

My key takeaways from the styling session:

• It is 100% okay (and so much fun!) to shop your own closet.

• Accessorizing with a beautiful belt, a whimsical hat, or fun shoe is like tying a beautiful bow to a wrapped gift.

• A simple white tee shirt can go a long way. So can a French tuck.

• You can wear the same pieces for different occasions.

• Having a professional stylist consult with you gives you new perspective on your wardrobe (and it helped me appreciate what I have)

Our call ended after Allison asked me if there was anything else I wanted to add to my wardrobe?

“I would love some recommendations on pointy toed boots or something with low heels that I could wear with my jeans.”

Allison then sent me an email with her recommendations in the styles that I requested, along with the most encouraging comment:

“You have really great style and a great handle on what you like and what works for you!!”

Oh my gosh, thank you so much!