If you’ve felt uninspired or overwhelmed whenever you open your closet, a new year is a perfect time for a fresh start, including your wardrobe. Is it time for a serious style reset? Enter Elysha Lenkin, an image consultant with decades of experience in fashion and personal styling. We talked to Elysha about purging that closet, rediscovering your style, and stepping confidently into your next era.
From Fashion Shoots to Personal Style
Elysha’s career started in the 1990s, styling celebrities and models for high-profile shoots, magazines, and commercials. But by 2019, as she entered her midlife years, she decided to pivot. “Working on shoots was incredibly physical,” she explains. “Running around New York City to gather wardrobe pieces, schlepping bags, and hanging items took its toll on my body. I realized I needed a new way to do what I loved—helping people create impactful looks.”
Her solution? Personal styling. By shifting her focus to private clients, Elysha found a more meaningful connection with everyday women who could benefit from her expertise. “My mission is to help women see themselves differently, through a lens of self-acceptance and style,” she says. “It’s not about trends; it’s about helping them show up as their most authentic selves.”
Why Midlife is the Perfect Time to Purge Your Closet And Revive Your Style
According to Elysha, midlife is a decisive moment to reassess your wardrobe. “You’re not who you used to be, and that’s beautiful,” she says. “This is your awakening—a chance to redefine who you are and want to be. By clearing out your closet, you’re creating space for your next chapter.”
She sees closet cleanouts as more than a practical task; they’re a transformative practice. “It’s an opportunity to examine your past decisions and align your wardrobe with the person you’re becoming,” Elysha explains.
Letting Go: The Emotional Side of Decluttering
Parting with clothes can be challenging. “We’re emotionally attached to pieces because they carry our stories,” Elysha says. “But holding onto outdated items can keep you stuck in the past.”
She recalls her own experience with a floral jacket from 2009. “It represented my comeback after having kids,” she shares. “But eventually, I realized it no longer served me. When I looked it up on Poshmark and saw it was worth $20 after multiple price reductions, I knew its real value was sentimental, not practical.”
Her advice? Honor the emotions tied to your clothes, but let go of what no longer fits your current life.
Top Tips for Tackling the Closet Purge
- Set the Mood: Start with uplifting music to help you connect with your body and emotions.
- Divide and Conquer: Break your wardrobe into manageable categories, such as jeans, tops, or dresses. Focus on one at a time.
- Decide with Intention: For each item, ask yourself: Does this align with who I am today? If not, donate it or discard it.
- Try It On: Sometimes, the decision becomes clear when you put something on and assess how it feels.
- Think Five Years: Clothes older than five years may no longer reflect your current style or stage of life.
Rebuilding with Purpose
After a purge, Elysha advises rebuilding deliberately. “Examine why you let go of certain pieces,” she says. “Did the neckline never feel right? Was the fabric uncomfortable? Use these insights to make smarter shopping choices.”
She also emphasizes creating a cohesive and versatile wardrobe. “It doesn’t have to be a minimalist capsule,” she says. “But every piece should serve a purpose and make you feel great.”
The Emotional Payoff
For Elysha, the ultimate goal of a closet cleanout isn’t just organization—it’s transformation. “When you clear out the old, you’re making space for the new,” she says. “You’re showing up for yourself in a way that’s empowering and inspiring to others when you revive your style.”
Ready to Revive Your Wardrobe?
Elysha is offering a special gift for Ageist readers: her 5-step closet cleanout guide. This guide will help you revive your style and clear out clothes you don’t wear. Click here to get your free guide now.
For more thoughtful styling advice or to explore working with Elysha, visit her website at elyshalenkin.com and follow her on Instagram at @elysha_nyc.
