Holding pieces that are new and things you`ve owned for years and have an emotional attachment to them. It is an ongoing project that represents you now and your future self, that is why is a never-ending job, women keep changing depending on mood and life stages.
There are some moments in life when transitions have to be made and it shows on your wardrobe.
For example: changing from school to college is one, or moving to a city with a different climate, starting a new job or a new body after a plastic surgery, a new life condition like pregnancy, sickness or habit changes.
In those moments is best to make a list of what you really need to get right away, and I mean basics.
Notice what’s essential for surviving in the next two weeks, and then maybe, make another list for what you want but don`t really need. Is a good time to take a hard look in the mirror again, think of how you want to be perceived as, and educate yourself with info from magazines, internet or by window shopping, just to get a sense of what is out there. This will help you to identify the types of clothing you are looking for.
Next, make a budget.
It is important to limit how much are you willing to spend on each item from your list, and when hitting the stores, keep in mind the following mantra: less is more.
The obvious place to start a new wardrobe is a suit.
Why? Because it will be the first ladder on your way up the pyramid of what to buy or what you already own. It could be boring if you are not an office person, but it will give you a ticket to fast lane on your morning dilemma on what to wear, make it fun with accessories, I’ll let you know more about that later.
Just in a suit, there are seven items you can play around with:
1. Jacket: they add formality to those who usually have a very informal look, you can wear them with jeans on weekends and preferably buy them made out of cold wool, so it is light and has a natural fall. Avoid polyester.
2. Skirt: for a feminine look
3. Pants: can be elegant or sport look, but always invest in a classic black pant or same color as jacket. You can also wear them with sweaters or shirts.
4. Shirts: opt for the classic option: white poplin, masculine style. Please make sure none of the bottoms opens up showing your flesh. Combine them with a skirt for a dinner date, or with jeans and flats for a casual look. Sandals or stilettos, with a striking jewel for a night out. I will recommend to have 5 good quality shirts.
5. Twin sets: classic! Coming in two pieces that can be worn separately and mixed with other items.
6. T-shirts: usually made of cotton, can be short or long sleeves, combine with jeans and a flashy necklace. It can also be worn under a shirt.
7. Sweater: basic for the everyday look, gives a formal air for working and also a sport one for the weekend, buy preferably made of cashmere.
Put it all together and make sure it all mixes and matches, that way it will guarantee you are not buying anything that will add interests to your credit card for years to come. Now is time to head home and start playing dress-up with your new and old items, because at seven in the morning, chances are that you are not going to have the time to check what looks good with what.
Now a sensible time has passed, and you can allow your self to add a few fun touches whenever you can afford them.
I know LBD is a cliché, but it really is one of the best investments one can have. Buy one made from a material that can be worn all year round. You can dress it up with pearls or a scarf. You can also dress it down with a jacket or cardigan on top.
If you feel you need something trendier go ahead and buy inexpensive pieces, may be in a bold color, look for the one that on trend right now. Look for a sweater, handbag or scarf… the basics can remain the same, while the fashionable pieces can rotate in and out your closet depending on Vogue or just your mood.
If this shopping spree becomes real on sale season, be aware to save for a really good coat, must be the biggest investment. This is why you need to work and look, if best, for a classic one.
Think about what you need to do with this coat:
If you do public transportation you will need a dark color that seems clean longer, if you go by car, you will need a fabric that will let you in and out without entangling yourself or your existence.
Start to build a wardrobe of coats that serves you for every occasion and climate. But let’s face it, no matter how big your wallet is, no one goes out and buys five coats at once. This is an item that will require time, if not years, to develop a steady closet. Plus, because coats are not easily out of style from one year to another, you can find great deals on sales.
There are many styles you can look for:
Cloth coat: a MUST! And it should be in a neutral color, able to fit a suit under it and long enough to cover the length of must of your skirts.
Shearling: big investment, but you will see it succeed over the years to come. It must hit right above the knee.
Pea coat: is a casual coat, for country or city looks, great for jean lovers, sweaters or black tights or miniskirts.
Swing coat: good extra coat to have available, because it is perfect for in between seasons.
Lined raincoat: the smartest of investments, it goes great even over a fur coat.
Fur or imitation: ultimate luxury of all time, and goes over everything.
Watch the sales!