Planning A Wardrobe

When you are planning a wardrobe that you’ll have and love for years to come, these are the 8 things to consider.

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LOVE YOUR STYLE The Course For Women

You can’t build the right wardrobe until you know what you like and what your personal style is. If you’re not clear on what feels authentic to you, how will you know what pieces to add? When I work with someone, one of the first things I do is help them hone in on their unique style. Once we figure that out, the process of creating a wardrobe becomes so much more effortless.

Related: “How To Find Your Style”

2. Invest In High-Quality Basics

You want to invest in high-quality basics that reflect your personal style. This is where the idea of a capsule wardrobe comes in. It’s the foundation of your closet. However, it’s not about everyone having the exact same pieces. A capsule wardrobe checklist should be used as a guide, not a strict list of must-haves. Not every item will be right for you or your style, so pay attention to what items work for you. When using a capsule wardrobe guide, adjust the basics to align with your personal style.

Take jeans, for instance. Most of us need a good pair of jeans, but the right style will vary based on fit and silhouette preferences. Maybe a flare for a boho look, slim straight for a classic style, or skinny for a preppy style. The key is to take the foundational items and customize them to suit your unique personal style.

3. Create A Mood Board

The next thing I recommend is creating a mood or inspiration board. This can be on Pinterest, or you can collect photos from magazines. Anywhere you can gather ideas and fashion inspiration. Sometimes we may not even know why we like something, but once you start pulling these images together, you’ll begin to have an idea of what you love about certain looks, styles, and pieces.

As you collect these images, you’ll start to see a common thread that connects the elements you’re drawn to, helping you define what feels authentic to you. It’s also a great way to learn how to style your existing pieces. When you find a look you love, you can look in your closet for ways to replicate it. It doesn’t have to be the same pieces, it could be similar elements or ideas that inspire you.

4. Quality Over Quantity

The next key to building your perfect wardrobe is to focus on quality over quantity. In my 20s and early 30s, when I had a more limited budget, I thought it was better to have more. Buying five inexpensive tops instead of one more expensive (and often higher-quality) piece. I figured I was being smart, but what I learned is that those inexpensive pieces don’t tend to last.

When you have more, you also have more clutter. You end up buying more pieces, but not wearing them. Over the years, I’ve realized that I spend less by having fewer, higher-quality items that I wear than those who buy lower-quality pieces they don’t love. That’s so much more valuable than having a closet full of pieces that are just taking up space.

5. Know What Your Wardrobe Is Missing

You won’t be able to build your perfect wardrobe if you don’t know what pieces are missing. Often, it’s the foundational items that are lacking. These are the versatile pieces that help put outfits together. If you don’t identify what gaps are in your wardrobe, you won’t know what to look for, and you’ll struggle to put together outfits.

Pay attention to the gaps in your closet. When you’re putting together an outfit, ask yourself what’s missing. Is it the right shoes? The right bag? This is where having neutral, classic foundation pieces is so important. A capsule wardrobe for your closet. To build your favorite wardrobe, focus on what makes you feel your best, and tweak capsule wardrobe guides to match your style. This will help you figure out which pieces you’re truly missing and would enjoy wearing.

6. Limit Statement Pieces

Statement pieces are colorful items, unique fabrics, or bold prints. They can add interest to your wardrobe, but they aren’t the foundation for building outfits. Wearing too many statement items at once can overwhelm your look. I always advise focusing on one statement when planning an outfit. For example, if your bag is a pop of color, keep the rest of your outfit neutral and minimal.

To create a cohesive wardrobe, you need neutral, solid basics. These are the pieces that help you style those statement items effortlessly. Ideally, only about 10-20% of your closet should be statement pieces, with the rest being neutrals. This balance allows you to showcase your favorite bold items while keeping your outfits wearable.

Neutral colors don’t have to be limited to white, black, and gray. Neutrals can include cream, ivory, blush, camel, navy, and more. Finding neutral colors you enjoy is key to building your perfect wardrobe. Whether your personal style is romantic, preppy, minimal, or one of the other common personal style types, having a solid base of neutrals will make putting together looks so much easier.

7. Have Classic Pieces

Another important factor to consider when building your perfect wardrobe is having classic pieces in your closet. Classic pieces are versatile and can work in a variety of settings. They’re not trendy or statement items, but more streamlined, timeless pieces. No matter your personal style, incorporating classic pieces will make it much easier to style other items in your closet and put together outfits effortlessly.

When assessing your wardrobe, take a look at which items are likely to stand the test of time. Which pieces are versatile and won’t go out of style in six months or a year? These are the types of items you want to prioritize and bring more of into your closet. Classic pieces serve as the foundation of a well-rounded wardrobe, making it easier to mix and match with trendier or statement items.

8. Look For Versatile Pieces

When building your perfect closet, it’s important to think about how versatile each item is. Is it a piece that can be styled in multiple ways? Is it something you can only wear with one specific item or for one specific event? There are exceptions like formal dresses, which are meant for special occasions, but the majority of your wardrobe should consist of pieces that can be worn across different settings.

Consider whether the item can work with a variety of pieces in your closet or if it’s limited to just one aspect of your life or one season. For example, a heavy winter coat is functional, but most other items should be versatile enough to mix and match for different occasions. This is why I never recommend buying “outfits” that are put together for you in stores. When you buy an outfit, you might feel like those pieces only work together and hesitate to wear them separately. Having versatile pieces means you can wear them in many different ways, making it easier to create outfits for different occasions and maximizing the value of your wardrobe.