Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Ava:

This is a classic problem: plenty of clothes, but nothing to wear! If you're perpetually looking into your closet and finding yourself mystified, especially when you're in a hurry, here's what you do: Book a long afternoon with yourself. Grab a pad and pen and put a full-length mirror in good, preferably natural, light. Then begin the process by putting on one pair of pants. With pair of pants #1, try on every top you have one at a time and note on the pad which ones look good, such as: blue plaid pants, red heart top. Blue plaid pants, green striped tee, and so on. Do this with every bottom and top until you've gone through them all. By the end, you should have several pages of notes of what makes a good combination. Meanwhile, this is a good time to clear your closet of clothes that don't fit or you don't plan to wear.

The key to getting dressed efficiently in the morning is laying out your clothes the night before. Using your notes, choose an outfit (or maybe two) that you think will suit the weather, the activities of the day, and your mood. If you're changing purses, this is the time to do it. In the morning, you have only to put the outfit on or choose between the two outfits and you're dressed!

Good luck and have a less stressed fashion day!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl