The number one question many women coming into personal style seem to ask themselves is, “how do I build my wardrobe from the very beginning?” We get it. Thinking about where to start, looking through a Rolodex of looks that you love but don’t know how to put together can be tough, frustrating, and even a bit overwhelming. But the good news is it’s not as hard as it seems. All it takes is just a few easy steps and a little bit of time to get you there. And before you know it, voilà, your entire dream wardrobe is right before you. Get into the 6 steps to your ideal wardrobe that’ll take you from flustered and confused to chic and fabulous!
START WITH THE INSPIRATION
Every great project begins with great inspiration. Before undertaking building a new wardrobe, think about the feeling you want to experience in your new look and the lifestyle you’re going to be living in said wardrobe. Write it down on paper to make it even more real and tangible to yourself. From there, put together a mood board that reflects those emotions and keep it close. Keep editing until your mood board until it feels exactly like what you want to bring to life. Pinterest, Instagram Collections, or even collaging old magazine images are great places to start to seek inspiration and curate your mood board.
EDIT YOUR CURRENT WARDROBE
Once you’re clear on the direction of your new wardrobe and the style DNA you want to express it’s time to purge the old one. In with the new energy and out with the old. Anything that doesn’t fit into you the new feeling or lifestyle that you’re heading into has to go. Don’t be afraid to edit here because it’s in the releasing of the old stuff that will make way for your the new you. Keep your mood board on hand during this step as it will guide you on what you should keep or toss if you ever get stuck. Another pro tip for editing is if you haven’t worn an item in over a year or two, chances are you’re not going to wear it in the future and that’s a good indication to get rid of it.
GET THE BASICS
Every good wardrobe has a great foundational pieces in them and that’s what we call “The Basics.” The basics include essential or classic pieces that you build your entire wardrobe around. They are key for expanding the amount and combination of looks you can create with your wardrobe. These pieces include a white t-shirt, blue jeans, little black dress, casual dress, a blazer, neutral leggings, a great coat and or jacket, accessories including some neutral colored bags, earrings, scarves, and shoes such as pair of pumps and or a flat shoe such as sneakers, flats, or loafers. With these basics you’re all set to create just about any outfit combination.
BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE
In order to stay organized and not get overwhelmed by your new pieces curate a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that is composed of interchangeable items only, to maximize the number of outfits that can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. Capsules are also great for seasonal wardrobes such a spring summer and fall winter, and even vacation wardrobes. And acts as great way to mix and match your basics with some other pieces in your wardrobe. You can keep it very tight with 8 -10 pieces to start or expand with 10 – 30 pieces for more range. This method takes the thinking out of getting dressed makes the experience super fun instead.
ADD SOME STATEMENT PIECES
Now that you have clear direction of your look, your basics, and your capsule wardrobe ready to go, it may be time to add some punchier pieces into the mix. These statement pieces should reflect more of your personality and personal flair. Try adding some colorful pieces, cool silhouettes, fun accessories to give your wardrobe more character. This step is where you can really express your signature style DNA that sets you apart from the rest.
MAINTAIN THE SYSTEM
Maintenance is key when building your wardrobe from scratch. When expanding your wardrobe you want to go back to your inspiration board and ask yourself, “Does this piece fit into the vision and lifestyle that I set out for myself?” If yes, then let the new piece(s) join the family. If not, then let it’s onto the next. Another great tip for not overloading your new wardrobe is getting rid of something you’re not using whenever you bring on something new. Now that you know the full process of building a wardrobe from scratch you can always go back to the drawing board whenever you’re ready to add to your current wardrobe or evolve into a new style. But remember style, like everything else, is a journey so have fun!
