It took me a long time to realize I am not Carrie Bradshaw.

When I was growing up, I didn’t have the latest styles or most popular brands. I always had nice, new clothes, but they were always a bit different than the other girls’ clothes. All I wanted was a pair of Silver jeans and an American Eagle t-shirt. (I realize those items are not high fashion; they were the ultimate in 2000s Idaho, though).

So, when I was old enough to think I could afford nice clothes, I went wild. I thought I deserved to wear nice clothes, so I purchased in excess, not necessarily what I needed, but what I wanted. I had no strategy. I just bought pretty things, sometimes multiple of the same item because I liked it so much.

What resulted was a closet full of beautiful clothes I could not wear to work (nor could I wear them all in any given season, even if I changed a few times per day). Of course, it was frustrating when I realized I had spent all of that money on a closet full of clothes that were essentially useless to me.

At first, I began donating pieces that I hadn’t worn in months or that I couldn’t wear to work, saving only a few special pieces that I couldn’t bear to part with. Then, I started selling some items on Poshmark.

After realizing that most of the time, I’ll get back only half of what I paid for an item, if I can sell it at all, the idea finally sank in: I can buy all the beautiful, high-end clothes in the world, but if I can’t wear them anywhere, I might as well have burned that money instead.

Now, I am focused on building a powerful wardrobe that fits my life as a female lawyer, not the life of a glamourous 30-something on the New York socialite scene. And now that I have realized that having a uniform of sorts (not exactly the same outfit, but a general outfit type that makes me feel powerful) will conserve brain power and sanity, I can actively plan to purchase the clothes I need.

For me, the ultimate uniform is a flattering, professional dress (or skirt with a well-fitted top) and a good blazer, as needed. That’s my “uniform.” Since that is the type of outfit that makes me feel most powerful, I already have quite a few pieces that fall in that category.

It’s also important to have a “weekend uniform,” of sorts. For me, in the winter, that’s a pair of Spanx leggings and a warm tunic or a floral maxi dress.

The rest of the clothing that I like in concept but does not fit into those categories must go. Period.

Being strategic in your style will be beneficial not only to your budget but also to your peace and happiness. After all, there is no power without strategy.