By Aida Hassan on December 1, 2025
We all know the feeling of opening a closet full of clothes yet feeling like we have nothing to wear.
The same thing happens with music — an endless library of songs, yet somehow you end up listening to the same three tracks on repeat.
Curating a playlist is a lot like curating a wardrobe: it’s not about having more, it’s about choosing with intention. When done well, both help you feel more aligned, more inspired, and more like yourself.
Here’s how to build a playlist with the same care and clarity you use to build your wardrobe.
1. Start With Your “Essentials”
Just like a capsule wardrobe begins with timeless basics, your playlist should start with core tracks — songs that always resonate with you, no matter the mood or season.
These are your:
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Never-skip songs
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Day-one favourites
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Tracks you can listen to anywhere, anytime
Think of them as your musical white T-shirts and favourite denim: reliable, effortless, and uniquely you.
2. Define the Mood (Like Defining Your Style)
Before buying new clothes, you ask yourself:
What’s my style? What colours or silhouettes do I feel good in?
Do the same with your playlist.
Ask:
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What feeling do I want this playlist to create?
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Is this for mornings? Evenings? Workouts? Travel?
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Do I want it soft, upbeat, nostalgic, or empowering?
A playlist with a clear emotional tone is more cohesive, the same way a wardrobe with clear identity feels more put together.
3. Mix Statement Pieces With Staples
Every wardrobe needs a few statement pieces — that bold jacket, that unique accessory — but not too many.
Playlists work the same way.
Your essentials set the foundation, but your statement songs give personality:
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A track from a new genre
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An unexpected artist
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A song that shifts the energy in an exciting way
Add them thoughtfully, just like you would a standout piece that complements everything else you own.
4. Prioritise Fit Over Trend
Trends come and go, in fashion and in music.
But the goal isn’t to fill your playlist with what’s popular right now. It’s to choose what fits you.
Ask:
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Does this song genuinely match the mood I’m building?
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Does it elevate the playlist or distract from it?
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Would I still enjoy this a month from now?
Just like in your wardrobe, longevity beats novelty every time.
We hope you’ll use this guide to create the perfect playlist. Here are a couple of playlists Dia made for your enjoyment: Feels Like a Road Trip and Lifted. (The titles say it all.)
