The Everyday Style School

Let's talk about what I believe is one of the most destructive style habits you can have - recreational shopping. After over 25 years as a stylist, I've seen how this habit wastes money, confuses style, and leaves women with "nothing to wear" despite having closets full of clothes. Recreational shopping isn't just those planned shopping trips with girlfriends; it's any time you buy clothes you weren't expecting to, from impulsive Target t-shirt purchases to vacation souvenirs that never make it out of the closet once you're home. In this episode, I'm breaking down why this habit is so harmful, how to recognize when you're doing it, and practical strategies to shop more intentionally.I hope this helps you recognize how your shopping habits can undermine your style and clutter your closet. Remember - if you have a closet full of clothes but you still struggle to get dressed, recreational shopping might be part of the problem. Your shopping habits determine the quality of your wardrobe, which affects how easily you can pull together outfits you love. Making even small changes to how you shop can have a huge impact on your everyday style!Here's what you'll learn:What recreational shopping really looks likeThe two main ways recreational shopping wreaks havoc on your wardrobe.Why price vs. value matters more than you think - and why clearance sections create wardrobe problems, not solutions.The reasons why how you're feeling - and who you're with - can dramatically affect your purchases.Practical ways to break the recreational shopping habit.Full show notes and resources: https://youreverydaystyle.com/stop-recreational-shopping   

Are you ready to find out if what you're wearing is out of style? This is part 2 of our "Stop Looking Dated" series, and while part 1 focused on HOW we wear our clothes, today I'm sharing 10 specific pieces that have had their moment but are now killing your quest to look current.As always, remember my golden rule: wear what you love! This isn't about forcing you to abandon favorite pieces, but rather giving you the knowledge to make informed style decisions.Here's what you'll learn in this episode:Why items you still love wearing aren't necessarily still in style, and how to tell when something has truly moved into "dated" territory10 items that no longer look currentHow to spot dated items in your own closet, with a simple retail-detective method for determining if something is still currentUpdated alternatives for each dated item, so you can maintain your personal style while looking fresh and modern Why style advice shouldn't be permanentI hope this episode helps you feel empowered rather than discouraged. Remember, this information isn't meant to make you feel bad about your current wardrobe - it's about giving you the knowledge to make choices that align with your style goals. Whether you decide to keep wearing these items because you love them or opt for updated alternatives is completely up to you. The key takeaway is that fashion is constantly evolving, and understanding this process helps you to develop the skills to navigate changing trends confidently. Full show notes and resources: https://youreverydaystyle.com/stop-looking-dated-part-2

Are you adding on-trend pieces to your wardrobe but still feel like something's off? In today's episode, I'm tackling a topic that might ruffle some feathers—how to stop looking dated! Over the next two episodes, I'll share how to turn the style ship around without necessarily buying a ton of new clothes. This first part focuses on understanding what "dated" really means, why looking current matters, and how to recognize dated styling. Let's get started on freshening up your look!Here's what you'll learn in this episode:The difference between trendy, current, classic, and dated on the style relevance scale - and why everything (yes, even your "timeless" pieces) will eventually dateWhy wanting to look current isn't shallow - it signals that you're adaptable, engaged with the present, and relevant (especially important in professional settings)How modern styling has shifted from "more is more" to "let the pieces shine"Three styling techniques that have moved into dated territoryPractical ways to shock your system in order to train your outdated "style radar"I hope this episode helps you approach your wardrobe with fresh eyes and the confidence to make subtle but impactful changes. Remember, this advice is for those who want to look current but aren't sure how - if you love what you're wearing, that's what matters most!Join me next time for part two, where I'll reveal ten specific dated styles that are definitely "out."Full show notes and resources: https://youreverydaystyle.com/stop-looking-dated-part-1  

In this episode, I take you along on my sourdough bread baking journey and reveal the surprising style lessons I discovered along the way. What began as a TikTok-influenced adventure quickly turned into a personal exploration of perfectionism, fear of failure, and finding my own path. I walk you through my complete bread-making journey, from the overwhelm of too much information to the joy of finding my own approach.Through my story of exploding dough and burnt bottoms, I extract five powerful lessons that can apply perfectly to your style journey.Here's some of what you'll learn from this episode:Why fear of failure keeps us stuck in our comfort zones - with both bread and fashion - and how to recognize when your inner critic is holding you backThe crucial difference between collecting knowledge and actually practicing - and why watching all the YouTube videos in the world can't replace hands-on experienceThe turning point that came when I invested in proper education instead of drowning in conflicting internet adviceWhy finding a style approach that matches your personality matters more than trying to follow everyone else's rigid rulesMy expensive mistake in thinking success starts with shopping - and why using what you have first always leads to better resultsI hope this episode helps you recognize that mastering your personal style, like baking good bread, isn't about perfection or following every rule to the letter. It's about having the courage to start somewhere, learning the basics, and then experimenting to find what works for you. Remember that confidence comes from mastery, mastery comes from practice, and practice starts with courage. Some people think what you wear doesn't matter, and that it's frivolous to care about style. And for them, that's fine. But if it matters to you, it matters. Your everyday deserves to be dressed for, no matter what anyone else thinks.Full show notes and resources: https://youreverydaystyle.com/lessons-from-sourdough

Winter is over, and one of Style’s best seasons is here! Spring is when we get our first look at what’s big for the warm months, and this season, there are so many great looks out there. In this episode,  I’m sharing 10 trends (plus a bonus!) for Spring 2025 that you can work into your real-life wardrobe to look current without feeling like you’re trying too hard or that you raided your teenage daughter’s closet.Listen and learn what’s trending for the season and tips for making the trends work for you.Need more help getting your wardrobe looking current? Many of these styles are featured in our Spring 2025 Capsule Wardrobe Guide, available March 13th. The Guide shows you how to combine 39 pieces (mostly basics, with a few trends peppered in) to create over 200 Spring outfits.The Guide is available in the Style Circle membership, where you also get access to all of our Style Masterclasses, our Facebook Community, and lots of other style resources. Plus, you get our exclusive members-only podcast, The Everyday Style School: Extra Credit. This month, where I’m sharing 5 more Spring trends, and the pieces I’m adding to my closet this season. Join the Style Circle and get everything you need to make style easy.I hope this episode gives you some insight into what’s big this season and gives you some practical tips for making it easy to keep your wardrobe looking fresh and current.Full show notes and resources: https://youreverydaystyle.com/spring-trends-2025

Ready to transform your relationship with clutter? In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Ingrid Jansen from The Declutter Hub to explore why traditional organizing methods often fail us and how understanding our emotional connection to stuff can lead to lasting change. Drawing from her 30+ years of experience, with insights from her new book "Reset Your Home," Ingrid shares a fresh judgment-free perspective on creating lasting change.Whether you're drowning in paperwork, struggling with an overstuffed closet, or just can't seem to maintain order in your home, this conversation will help you to create the peaceful, organized home you deserve. And if you like my approach to clothes and style, I think you're going to love her approach to clutter. Here's some of what you'll learn from this episode:Discover the fascinating "5 Clutter Personalities" framework that explains why you handle belongings the way you do.Learn why those Container Store bins aren't the answer to your prayers – and where the decluttering process really needs to begin if you want lasting results.Explore the hidden emotional patterns that keep us holding onto items we don't need, and get practical strategies for breaking free from the guilt, anxiety, and overwhelm that often accompany letting go.Get expert tips for tackling the most challenging cluttered spaces in your home, with room-by-room solutions that actually stick.I hope this episode helps you realize that creating a clutter-free home isn't about following rigid rules or achieving perfect organization. Instead, it's about understanding your unique relationship with stuff and developing sustainable habits that bring more peace and calm into your everyday life. Whether you're drowning in clutter or just looking to fine-tune your space, Ingrid's emotion-based approach offers a fresh perspective that makes lasting change feel not just possible, but natural.Full show notes and resources: https://youreverydaystyle.com/declutter-hub-ingrid-jansen

Today, I'm pulling back the curtain to share something I've been thinking about a lot lately - which pieces of my own style advice I actually follow, and which ones I don't. As someone who gives a lot of guidance about building a better wardrobe, I think it's important to be transparent about how I apply these principles in my own life. More importantly, I want to share why sometimes breaking the "rules" makes sense, even when the advice itself is solid.Here's what I shared in this episode:Why I don't strictly follow a capsule wardrobe approach, even though I create and sell capsule guides - and how this actually makes me better at developing versatile collections that work for different women's needs and styles.The truth about my "no multiples" rule and when I break it.How I navigate shopping in February and August (months I typically tell others to avoid), and the specific criteria I use to decide if an off-season purchase is worth it.The complex relationship I have with "dressing for your body shape" guidelines, and why following them too strictly can actually hinder your style journey. I hope this episode helps you understand that style advice isn't one-size-fits-all, and that even experts need to adapt guidelines to fit their real lives. The key is to understand the principles behind the advice, and then thoughtfully adapt them to your unique situation, lifestyle, and preferences.What matters most isn't following every guideline perfectly, but creating a wardrobe that helps you live your big, rich, full life with confidence and joy.Full show notes and resources: https://youreverydaystyle.com/style-advice-i-dont-follow

Is there ever a morning when you feel like you just don't have time to look put together? As a wardrobe stylist who's worked with thousands of women, I know that mornings can be hectic, and style often takes a backseat to just getting out the door. But what if I told you that you could elevate your style game in less than 10 minutes? In this episode, I'm sharing 10 super simple style hacks that will help you look more put together every single day – and most of them can be done in just 2 minutes or less! Whether you're heading to the office or working from home, these quick wins will help you feel more confident and stylish without adding stress to your morning routine. In this episode, you'll discover: Why outfit planning is the ultimate game-changer for your style. The "reverse Coco Chanel" rule I swear by for adding personality to your outfit. How adding subtle texture can transform your look from basic to polished, even if you prefer a minimalist style. My controversial take on the "third piece rule" in 2025, including which traditional statement pieces to avoid if you don't want to look dated, and what to wear instead. The truth about "condition blindness" and my daily 2-minute routine that keeps clothes looking expensive. I hope this episode helps you realize that looking polished doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated.  These quick style tweaks are designed to work with what you already own and fit into your real life. Whether you implement one tip or all ten, remember that small changes can make a big impact on how you look and feel. Don't forget to tell me which tips you're excited to try over on Instagram @everydaystylewithjen. Full show notes and resources: https://youreverydaystyle.com/10-ways-boost-your-style  

Have you ever finished a closet cleanout and found yourself staring at a pile of clothes, completely stumped about what to do with them? In this episode, I'm tackling the often-overlooked but critically important question of what happens to our clothes after we're done with them. From well-loved basics to those impulse purchases that never quite worked out, the question of how to responsibly dispose of unwanted clothing is actually a global crisis. To help us understand how we can be more responsible with our wardrobe disposal, I've invited Amelia Trumble, co-founder and CEO of Retold Recycling, to share her expertise on textile recycling and sustainable fashion practices. Here's some of what is covered in this episode: Discover why traditional donation methods aren't always the answer for certain clothing items (like intimates, worn-out basics, and damaged pieces) – and learn about a straightforward solution that can help you responsibly dispose of everything from worn-out underwear to old shapewear. Get the scoop on what really happens to our discarded clothing, including those items you wouldn't typically donate to a thrift store. Learn practical strategies that make responsible fashion choices feel achievable rather than intimidating. Embrace the "progress, not perfection" approach to sustainable fashion – because small steps in the right direction are so much better than doing nothing at all. Hear about the exciting initiatives we're planning in the Style Circle this year, including our popular Closet Clean Out challenge that helps members transform both their wardrobes and mindsets. I hope this episode helps you feel empowered to make sustainable choices with your wardrobe without feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism. Here's to making progress together, one closet cleanout at a time! Full show notes and resources: youreverydaystyle.com/retold-recycling-amelia-trumble 

Do you ever wonder if you're the only one struggling to get dressed, or if you spend way more (or less) on clothes than other people? Well, you're not alone! In this special episode, I'm breaking down the fascinating results of our 2024 Style Survey, where thousands of women shared their most honest thoughts about fashion, personal style, and wardrobe spending. Get ready for some eye-opening insights that might just change how you think about your closet. Not only will you hear how your fellow style sisters responded to the survey, but I'm sharing some insights between some of your answers and some of your struggles--turns out, there's a connection! I hope this episode helps you recognize that your style struggles are completely normal and, more importantly, that you have the power to transform how you feel about getting dressed. Building a wardrobe you love is a journey, not a destination – and you're not alone in navigating it. Let's make getting dressed something you look forward to, not something you dread! Here's some of what you'll discover in this episode: The surprising breakdown of how much women spent on clothing in 2024, with some game-changing strategies to help you become more aware of your shopping habits. Why your clothing choices matter more than you might think, and how dressing intentionally can be a powerful form of self-care. The disconnect between how women want to dress and how they actually dress, with practical tips to help you bridge the gap. Why 78% of respondents struggle to get dressed, and why having the right pieces in your closet can transform your entire approach to personal style. Value vs. Price: what truly makes a clothing purchase worthwhile? Transformative tips that can solve your struggles and improve your style.   Full show notes and resources: youreverydaystyle.com/2024-survey-results