Wardrobe 101
I love style and fashion and have always gravitated toward putting together an accessorized outfit. The clothes, the shoes, the bag alllllll make a difference, and the combinations and how they work together can go from blah to ta-dah!
Here is the good news: You can pull together a fabulous wardrobe for not a lot of dollars. There are certain staple items that you are best investing in. Other pieces in your wardrobe, albeit clothing, bags, shoes and accessories can be “disposable”. That translates to trendy and budget friendly. These parts and pieces do not need to be keepers since you can toss them when they look tired. And if they are cheap, they may just last one season.
Once you have your basics, or better “the foundation” for your wardrobe, you can shake it up and create so many variations on a theme.
Here are the items that are worth investing in. I cannot stress enough that “You get what you pay for” . When you are building a wardrobe, buck up and buy quality, basic pieces. You don’t need to buy them alllll at once. Budget for them. I have one classic item of clothing that I have had for 28 years. It is a gorgeous black chenille wrap that my best friend, Clare, bought for me at the Laura Ashley store on Newbury Street in Boston for my 30th birthday. It is so cozy that it feels like a big hug. It was a big nut for her at the time, but I still wear it. And every time I put it on, I think of her generosity and how much I love her
So, now you know my age.
Here are the items that I suggest you include in your foundation wardrobe:
A perfectly fitting pair of black trousers. (I just bought a gorgeous pair of Max Mara cropped pants at a consignment store for $ 75.00. They probably retailed for over $400.00. The takeaway- hit the second hand shops and thrift shops.
A classic white blouse. I am not saying anything more about this. Just buy one, for heaven’s sake.
Two tee shirts- one black and one white. Buy whatever style is best fitting for you- V neck, cropped, sleeveless? I do not typically spend a lot of my tees since they tend to wear out quickly.
A strand of classic, elegant pearls . These do NOT have to be real since a good costume strand does its job just as well.
Black pumps. You will look amazing in 3” heels, or a 1” heel or kitten heel. These are worth investing in. If you buy a good quality and you will have them for a LOOOONG time. Especially if you have a cobbler tend to them when the heels and soles show wear and tear.
Comfortable flats. Metallic are a great option because they can be worn in any season but any color will do.
A long wool coat is a must, well, unless you live in the tropics. I lean toward classic black or khaki since they work with almost everything.
AND…It’s a wrap!
Color! I purchased this beret at a consignment store in Montreal last summer, along with fushia leather gloves to match. I wear it with my navy peacoat. Even a punch of color with the most neutral outfit makes its own statement.
A practical raincoat. I love them in yellow , which makes a dreary day a bit sunny. Again, COLOR makes a fashion statement. We need to protect our fabulous clothes from the elements, right? You need a jacket to keep you dry when you walk the dog, wait for the bus and take out the trash. If you tend to dress up, I suggest a waterproof trenchcoat, too. Add a cute, colorful, whimsical umbrella for a practical and fun accessory.
Beautiful tall boots. You can wear these with a skirt or dress, cropped pants, or with jeans. They are timeless and versitile.
Yup. I rushed out the door to meet with a client. When I walked into her home I realized that I was wearing TWO DIFFERENT BOOTS. Don’t do that. Pick one pair. You’re welcome.
A wrap or a poncho in a classic versatile COLOR! Here we are, my cousin, Laura and me doing what we do most when we are together. She looks like a movie star when she laughs. I have scrunched up laugh-face.
Diamond stud earrings. Cubic Zirconia work! Just don’t buy 10 Carat or they look FAKE.
I hope these suggestions offer you a basis on which to build a fabulous wardrobe. We all have our own special way that we dress and present ourselves to the world. These elements may be your canvas. Build from here, add color to neutrals, be weird if you like, take a chance and don’t take yourself too seriously. You do you.