Whenever friends ask me for help in re-doing their wardrobe I have a few key pieces of advice. I tell them they need to start with the closet in its entirety by trying everything on (not just analyzing shoes or tops, etc. but tackling the whole thing), tossing anything that A) doesn’t make them feel confident with it on or B) hasn’t been worn in over a year and simultaneously they should make a list of classics that they don’t yet own.
As I’ve discussed here before I am a big believer in investment pieces but I also didn’t start building my wardrobe of investment pieces until my late 20s when I had a bit more discretionary income. Given I have always worked in more casual environments I also personally took into account classic pieces that could go from desk to drinks like a leather sleeved blazer.
A silk cami is also a great piece to have because it looks great on its own but equally as good layered under a blazer or even a V-neck sweater. I picked up this one in last month’s Shopbop sale and I love the fit of it and delicate trim. This one is a less expensive version (although a bit more nighttime) and this one is also pretty.
If you already have some great classic pieces, make a list of anything you’re missing. Do you have a black pump that you love and doesn’t hurt your feet? (My favorite are here.) Do you have a pair of jeans to put on that make you immediately feel ready to hit the town? What about a trench coat? Or striped tee that looks great on and will never go out of style? Having a list will arm you for the next time you’re shopping. (And when you have an armful at Zara of trendy pieces that basically add up to $300 and probably won’t be worn more than a few times before they potentially go out of style…dump ’em and take that money and buy something you’ll love for a really long time!) Some of my favorite classics can be found here in case you’re curious. Timeless things I wear over and over again.
Once you’ve gotten your classics you can start to build in more fun pieces and you’ll start to think more critically about what you’re purchasing.
And of course one thing to note is to tailor those “classics” to your everyday life. If you work in a more corporate environment your classics may be a bit more conservative in style because you spend 5 out of the 7 days of the week in your office. If you work from home you may invest in the coziest, softest cardigan you wear over and over again. You get the point!
That’s class for the day, kids! I kid, I kid but I do truly believe in being somewhat methodical in the way you shop (which is why you don’t see me wearing a lot of fast fashion or a different $25 top everyday on here or on Instagram.) I certainly own plenty of non-classic pieces that are less functional but day-in and day-out I do tend to reach for a lot of the same pieces that I invested in.
Do you guys have a methodology for how you shop and what you buy?!
Shop the Post:
Lace + Silk Cami // Jeans // Helmut Lang Blazer // Sunglasses // Sandals
p.s. cute trench coats for Spring and a typical day in the life for me.
I love that top, and those heels!! Love these tips, thank you for sharing! 🙂
Kendal // Life With Kendal
Thank you so much, Kendal!! Always appreciate your sweet + thoughtful comments!
Love this outfit ! Its so New York. The little hint
of lace with the leather detail is the perfect mix
of edginess and femininity.
xo,
Cindi
Breakfast at Cindi’s
Thank you so much, Cindi! I always love a mix of edge with feminine details – you summed up my goal perfectly 😉