Fashion Identity Crisis: Stylist, April Branch, offers Fashion “Therapy” By Debra Hill and April Branch
It’s International Being You Day, and one of the ways I have often shown my authentic self is through my wardrobe. I have always thought about what impression I am giving someone when they first meet me, by the way I dress. I have found over the years that my fashion identity has become a bit unclear as I have followed fashion trends and bargain sales. You could say that I found myself having a “fashion identity crisis!”
Read how I found the cure through a bit of “fashion therapy” from my stylist, April Branch.
Fashion Identity Crisis: Stylist, April Branch, offers Fashion “Therapy”
By Debra Hill and April Branch
About a year ago, I suffered from what I call a “fashion identity crisis.” Every time I had to decide what to wear, I began to feel anxious, confused and afraid that I might make some sort of huge fashion faux pas. I dreaded approaching my clothes’ closets, which were filled to the max, with clothes literally crammed together as tightly as sardines in a can. I must have had five decades of fashion trends to choose from, including maxi dresses, bell-bottom jeans, leather pants and plaid shirts. The sizes in my wardrobe varied just as much, from my athletic trim and fit styles to my curvaceous forties items. You would have thought you were looking at the wardrobe of three different women. Clearly, I had “MFPD” (Multiple-Fashion-Personality Disorder).
When I cried out for help to my good friend and stylist, April Branch, she quickly came to my aid. Her “fashion therapy” sessions began with closet editing. I shared with her that I felt I had lost a sense of myself because I was so unsure about my wardrobe choices. Losing my sight may have contributed to this sense of loss because I could not even see my clothes anymore and found the daily task of selecting something appropriate to wear more and more challenging. April listened to my concerns and addressed each of my fashion symptoms. She shares her “fashion therapy” below.
Symptom 1: Short-term and Long-term Memory Loss
When you have so many items that you have kept in your closet that over time you can’t recall what particular items you have anymore.
Cure: This is a classic case of “closet overload,” and it’s a perfect opportunity to declutter and reorganize. Here’s how I help you tackle it:
I Empty Your Closet Completely
I take everything out—clothes, shoes, accessories, and even hangers. This gives you a clear view of all your items and the available space. Then, I sort items into categories. I group similar items together: tops, pants, dresses, shoes, etc. This helps in assessing duplicates and understanding your inventory.
We Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Discard
I ask my client to ask themself: Have I worn this in the last year? Does it fit and flatter me? Is it in good condition? If the answer is “no” to any of these, then I ask you to consider donating or discarding the item.
Clean the Closet Space
Before placing items back, I clean the shelves, rods, and floor of the closet(s). I arrange everything by category and color: This makes finding items easier and creates a visually appealing setup. I also use storage solutions: bins, boxes, etc.
Symptom 2: Coordination Disorientation
This is when you have an unorganized way to determine which items go together.
Cure: This is when you have an unorganized way to determine which items go together. The closet lacks a coherent system. Here’s how I help them create structure and ease outfit decisions:
I Divide the Closet into Functional Zones
e.g., tops, bottoms, outerwear, accessories. Within each zone, I group closet items by type, then color—like tank tops → tees → blouses organized in a rainbow gradient.
I Create Outfits
I start outfit-making there: I pick foundational items (like a top, a dress, or shoes), then I layer by grabbing complementary pieces like accessories. Why it works: It shifts the focus from just storage to styling, encouraging creativity and your outfits being ready-to-go in your closet.
Symptom 3: Inappropriate Choices
This is when your clothing selection is inappropriate for the occasion.
Cure: This is when your clothing selection is inappropriate for the occasion. As a closet editor and fashion stylist, I guide them toward looks that are polished, purposeful, and personal. Here’s my approach:
I Clarify the Occasion
I start by asking: “Is it casual, business‑casual, cocktail, formal or black‑tie?”
I Try to Understand the Context
Time, venue (indoor/outdoor), cultural or dress‑code cues. For example, light linens for a garden party vs. satin or velvet for an evening setting.
I Encourage My Clients to Keep a Kind of Fashion Capsule of Go-to Pieces
A tailored blazer, navy suit, branding pieces for artists, a little black dress—pieces that flex across occasions.
Symptom 4. Fashion Overload
This is when your closet is overflowing to the point you fear you might be trapped under a wardrobe avalanche.
Cure: This is when your closet is overflowing to the point you fear you might be trapped under a wardrobe avalanche! My role becomes part fashion therapist, part curator, and part strategist. Here’s how I help:
I Start with Compassion, Not Judgment
I acknowledge their anxiety with empathy. Clothing often holds emotional value—memories, aspirations, identity, and more.
🗣 “Let’s make this fun and freeing. We’re not tossing your style—we’re making space for it to shine.” -A.P. Styles
I Also Use the “Three-Zone Edit”
As we go through items together, I sort them into:
1. Keep – fits, flatters, feels like them now
2. Donate/Sell – no longer serves them
3. Archive – sentimental but not for daily wear (store elsewhere)
I Keep the Process Moving with Purpose but Without Pressure
I suggest and also book no more than two to three hour timed sessions with my clients for closet edits to avoid overwhelming them or myself.
After a year of therapy, I finally feel that I’ve been “cured” and now feel more like myself as I get dressed each day. My clothes are organized, color coordinated and even have matching accessories. I feel like everything I choose to wear reflects my bold, bright and spirited personality. I am confident that when you see me, you are really seeing me from head to toe.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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