I have a confession: I can’t dress myself. So, after too many mornings of feeling like I have nothing to wear despite my overflowing racks and drawers, I reached out to fashion stylist and personal shopper, Right Up Your Ali, for help.

With over 18 years’ experience (including working for Chanel and Valentino – be still, my heart), Ali helped me “shop in my own closet” with three major goals: create new outfits from clothes I already own, clear out dated and ill-fitting items, and identify what I’m missing. Here’s what I learned.

It’s better to organize same-season clothing by type rather than color. I can now easily grab pieces for layering – I just need one from each section of the rack. When I oversleep (which is basically every day), this is what saves me.

The tailor is your friend. I thought my coral sundress – a piece my mother passed down to me – was outdated, but Ali just asked me to have it shortened. Also in the alterations pile? Dresses from Maggie London, Calvin Klein, and LOFT, all in various states of disrepair, and frayed black pants. We set aside my well-loved black flats for the cobbler, too, but I’ll likely replace them.

My closet is in good shape. Don’t get me wrong – we added to my donation pile in a major way. But after ditching the cable-knit sweaters (not my style, which Ali quickly pinpointed) and oddly fitting straight-leg jeans, we discovered a trove of “new” outfits. A monochromatic look made up of polka dotted shorts, opaque tights, and a silk button-front? An oatmeal sweater paired with leather-piped brown denim? Yes, please.

But I’m still missing some basics. I’m lacking three key pieces: cream corduroys, black skinny jeans for now, and white ones for summer. And there are some items – pretty much all of my button-fronts and sweaters – I shouldn’t wear until I purchase a steamer and a D-Fuzz-It Sweater & Fabric Comb.

Confidence is my most valuable accessory. Several pieces I thought I didn’t love ended up being personal-stylist approved. Enthusiastically, at that. Which means my closet wasn’t entirely the problem – I was. New goal: be daring and hone my instincts, because that’s what style is all about.

My dressing room is now peaceful rather than a daily source of stress. Want to introduce Ali to your closet or bring her along for your next shopping trip? Find her on Facebook or Twitter, or send her an email: ali@rightupyourali.com.

By Jess Huckins, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.