Timeless Closets: Four Easy Steps to Create a Wardrobe that Goes with Everything
“Clothes are never a frivolity: they always mean something.” –James Laver (1899-1975)
Carine Roitfeld was once quoted to say that fashion is not always about clothes; it is about a certain look.
In this regard, we can say that your look defines your style principles and your sartorial preferences. However, while fashion and style may still be largely personal and something so deeply innate, that does not necessarily mean that what you like wearing would be considered stylish or would even pass off as fashionable. More often than not, we tend to have pieces in our wardrobes that would have worked perfectly if we had the necessary pieces they would go with seamlessly. It might be that you have one particularly bold item in your wardrobe only to realize that you absolutely have nothing to pair it with or that everything you have in your closet clashes with it.
Not to worry, however, you are not the only woman to be beset with this kind of sartorial dilemma. Surprisingly, so many women encounter this sort of fashion predicament every single day. In this regard, it should be in our interest to curate a wardrobe that is both timeless and classic in our pursuit for all things fashionable. You might be surprised but the problem can be easily rectified. It might be that you just lack an appropriate base—may that be a closet of essential items that are pivotal in making our ensembles more versatile and workable. Whether your style is largely inspired by wholesale Steve Madden looks or something else, the key is to have a wardrobe that has balance. After all, a successful wardrobe depends on how you balance your bolder items as well as the foundation of timeless pieces that would serve as the backbone of any successful outfit.
Here are the ways you can create that perfect base wardrobe:
1.) Choose neutral hues
Sure, you have an affinity for color, but if your wardrobe largely consists of pieces in all colors of the rainbow, it is going to be a challenge to find something to match them with. It might seem like a shopping buzzkill, but having a base wardrobe that consists mostly of neutral tones would mean that they will go with pretty much everything else you have in your closet. Yes, you can go for the occasional electric blue and emerald green, but be sure to have a basic number of neutral toned clothes as well. Ideally, your closet should have an array of white, black, beige, cream, grey and navy for both tops and bottoms.
2.) Have basic items
Having a workable wardrobe means you need to stock up on basics. Sure, crewneck tees, pencil skirts, tailored slacks and jackets and button-up blouses might not look like much, but these items are crucial to creating a versatile wardrobe. Imagine it as the kind of clothing that goes with whatever you might wish to wear which effectively mitigates the possibility of you experiencing days wherein you have nothing to wear. Sure, a wardrobe filled with over-the-top outfits might be an excellent way to make a fashion statement, but what do you wear them with? Furthermore, where will you wear them? A basic wardrobe has all the necessary staples and you can always rely on it to look polished, sophisticated and classic.
3.) Find timeless fits and universally flattering pieces
A good piece of fashion advice is to always find clothes that fit you well—and by that, we mean it fits you like a glove. When it comes to looking (and feeling) like a million bucks, putting on clothes that are tailor fit for you is paramount. After all, if your clothes flatter your body’s shape, then your sartorial ensemble would instantly be enhanced—and in some cases, it would even look more expensive. Know what styles would work best for you and your unique body shape. Alternatively, you can just choose clothes that look universally flattering on anyone such as dresses that would cinch at the waist, tailored blouses, three-quarter sleeves, and skirts that hit just at the knee.
4.) Buy more high-quality fabrics and tailoring
In your endeavor of building a classic, versatile and workable wardrobe, it is best to consider buying items that would last you for as long as they can. After all, your efforts would all be for naught if the items you bought would break down only after a few cycles of wear. Sure, they might cost you a bit more than your usual retail apparel but know that it is worth every penny and in the long run might be cost-efficient considering you do not have to replace them as often. Opt for basics that are sturdy and well-crafted—ones that do not easily lose their shape after a few washes and would not pill or rip at the seams. To do this, check the density of the fabric before bringing it to the checkout. Transparent fabrics usually mean that it is not dense and would probably not last you too long.
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