Applying Allison Bornstein's 3-Word-Method to Streamline my Closet

Lately, I've been going through a styling slump. Cold temperatures, so much snow, and no real reason to buy or wear a cute pair of shoes didn't really help. At least I've been cozy and my mood has been great (thank you wool underlayers)...

I've been toying with the idea of doing a little styling challenge, like I did back with the 10x10 challenges back in the late 2010s. Following this March styling challenge has also been a great source of motivation.

If, like me, you've been spending some time on Tik-Tok, you might have come across Allison Bornstein, the stylist who came up with the 3 Word Method.

I love her videos where she sums up someone's style with three words (one realistic, one aspirational, and one emotional).

Examples:
Jane Birkin: simple, casual, sexy
Kim Kardashian: exaggerated, fitted, sculptural
Jimmy Hendrix: ornate, daring, bohemian

Check out this video for an example of a consult she did while going through a friend's closet.

Her book Wear It Well: Reclaim Your Closet and Rediscover the Joy of Getting Dressed was next on my reading list.

Now, let's dive into what each word embodies:

1. The Realistic Word

Pull out the things you wear all the time, the "regulars. They'll help you find your practical, realistic, or current style word.
Examples: casual, loungy

2. The Aspirational Word

What's in your Pinterest, saved folder, or mood board? What's your North Star, where do you want to head?
Colors, silhouettes, themes, decades

It's OK for these 2 first words to be contrasting.
Examples: fitted vs undone

3. The Emotional Word

How do you want to feel in your clothes?
Examples: casual, sexy, powerful

4. Word Wheel

• soft, romantic, sensual, demure, floral
• hard, edgy, sexy, futuristic, tough
• minimal, sculptural, neutral, polished, graphic
• elaborate, global, opulent, colorful, ornate
• bohemian, witchy, flowy
• western, crafty
• daring, exaggerated, playful, artsy, printed
• classic, tailored, sophisticated, preppy, elegant
• sporty, tomboy, practical, oversized, casual
• vintage, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s

5. The Plan

I took some time going through my closet and my lookbook.

Inventory

The seasonal rotation of my closet from winter to spring is a great opportunity to do an audit. Last week, I removed the items I hadn't worn last season -whether I don't like them or they don't fit me- and either listed, reworked, or put them in a donation pile.

Inspiration

I added a few silhouettes to my Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter Pinterest boards and started following a few brands that inspire me on Instagram (using the obvious purpose of this "social" app).

Lookbook

I started documenting my looks by taking mirror selfies when I'm really happy with them.

Shopping list

I keep a list of items I feel are missing in my closet, like a black leather belt or a pair of not-so-casual shoes.

I'm taking things slow as I don't want to impulse shop and end up with a closet full of items I won't realistically wear, like uncomfortable shoes or a coat that is too formal for my lifestyle.

My three words

I've had a hard time narrowing the list down to 3 words, so I decided to choose a pair of words per category

Realistic: practical/utilitarian

Think shoes that make sense in a dusty desert and layers that keep me warm in the wintertime.

Aspirational: polished/intentional

I want to look like I thought about putting together an outfit, rather than layering things kinda randomly. I want to pay attention to outerwear and accessories too.

Emotional: confident/inspired

Like I said, I've been in a rut and feel like my closet is going in all directions. I simply want to feel inspired by what's in my closet and have a few silhouettes to reference when I'm not feeling like playing dress up in the morning.

I've already taken a few items out of my closet. Some of my friends are hosting a clothing swap in a few weeks, so the timing is ideal!

I've reworked a white dress shirt I never wore (too stiff) and turned it into one of my spring staples: a tie-top!

I've ordered a new belt and a pair of heeled slides.

And I keep having fun with the collage option on Pinterest!

What are your three words (realistic, aspirational, and emotional)?