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Closet Philosophy

Closet Philosophy

Written by: Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski
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Think it doesn't matter what you wear? Hosts Jennine Jacob and Kristen Philipkoski uncover the ways your personal style is not just personal. What you choose to wear every day is a political act, whether you're aware of it or not. And putting thought into your personal style is not superficial, unintelligent, or a waste of time. Along with guests including bestselling authors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and more, the Closet Philosophy podcast explores how what we wear influences and reveals what's within.Closet Philosophy 2025 Art
Episodes
  • Ep. 34: Style cheerleader and Sr. UX designer Asta Gaur on how to dress for the occasion, the location, and still be fully you
    Feb 22 2026

    Asta Gaur is a Google exec by day and your internet style cheerleader by night. On Instagram, she shares unfiltered takes on dressing in a male-dominated industry, daily GRWMs showing how she dresses intuitively, and the mindset shifts women can take to stop playing small with their style.

    This week on Closet Philosophy, Jennine and Kristen go deep into Asta's styling process and what she's learned about getting dressed by wearing what feels completely her to her job as a Sr. UX designer at Google.

    We talk about the male gaze, the many problems with "flattering," and how she went from having two completely separate sets of clothing for work and the rest of her life to integrating her closet into one kickass wardrobe.

    Asta's confidence and presence is infectious and inspiring—we both came out of the interview ready to style the heck out of our next outfit, and feel totally OK if someone called it "interesting."

    You can also find Asta on her popular Substack, Fit Happens, where she breaks down detailed frameworks and the psychology behind why outfits work—so women can dress without self-doubt, ditch the male-gaze rules we grew up with, and build a closet full of items that are uniquely them.

    Join us to learn more about Asta, and get some tips to make you feel not just more stylish but more like you next time you get dressed for work!

    And please like, follow, and comment if you enjoy this episode!

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    44 mins
  • Ep. 33: Dress for the Life You're Actually Living
    Feb 15 2026

    In this episode, Jennine and Kristen talk about something that's often overlooked in personal style advice: how your wardrobe needs to match the life you're actually living, not just your Pinterest boards.

    Jennine shares her recent experience moving from San Francisco's busy Mission District to the quieter, beach-adjacent Sunset neighborhood—and how it's making her completely rethink her wardrobe. City loafers don't work on sandy beach paths, and those pristine sneakers aren't cutting it on dirt trails. Her style is evolving out of necessity, and it's raising a bigger question: are you dressing for your real life, or for some imaginary version of it?

    The conversation digs into why so many of us collect inspiration for outfits that would never actually work in our day-to-day routines. We pin quiet luxury looks while working from home in sweats. We save "mob wife" aesthetics while living in Silicon Valley. The disconnect is real.

    Jennine and Kristen discuss:

    • How your environment should directly influence your wardrobe choices

    • The trap of aesthetic trends that have nothing to do with your actual activities

    • Why you might be boring yourself with your own closet (hint: you're not honoring your actual life)

    • How to handle special events without the last-minute shopping panic

    • What our grandmothers can teach us about getting dressed with intention—even when staying home

    • The difference between dressing for what other people think vs. what you want to communicate about yourself

    This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like their closet doesn't match their life, or who's struggled to translate style inspiration into clothes they'll actually wear. It's a reminder that the most stylish thing you can do is dress authentically for the life you're living right now.

    Got questions? Suggestions? Email us at hey@closetphilosophy.net

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    24 mins
  • Ep. 32: What happens when you stop trying to be pretty
    Feb 8 2026

    In this episode of Closet Philosophy, Kristen and Jennine explore what it means to age visibly, dress authentically, and resist the pressure to always be striving for youth and prettiness. We start with a reflection on the cultural impact of Catherine O'Hara, her premature passing, and the rare visibility of older women who embrace their faces, bodies, and style without apology.

    From there, we dive into a wide-ranging discussion about beauty standards, midlife identity, and the complicated relationship many women have with being seen. We unpack how personal style can serve as both armor and self-expression—and why midlife is often the moment when women finally begin dressing for themselves rather than for approval.

    The episode also touches on:

    • How media and celebrity culture shape expectations of aging

    • The politics of visibility for women over 50

    • Why confidence often grows as the pressure to please fades

    • The role of clothing in reclaiming identity during life transitions

    • Letting go of "flattering" rules that were never designed for real bodies

    As always, Closet Philosophy reminds listeners that getting dressed is never just about clothes. It's about power, self-definition, and the freedom to show up in the world exactly as you are.

    Connect with us!
    Follow along for more conversations about personal style, aging, and cultural shifts. Share this episode with a friend who's rethinking what it means to be visible and fully expressed in midlife!

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    24 mins
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