In the past, I purchased clothing haphazardly and didn’t have a strategy to build my wardrobe. Because of this, I often didn’t have anything to wear with these new pieces, and would need to shop for additional items to make them work. A great wardrobe should be more than a collection of pieces. It should consist of items which mix and match and allow you to create plenty of different outfits.
When it comes to curating your closet in this way, there are three great options to try.
Option 1) Using a mix of statement pieces, key pieces and basics
Your goal with this method is to ensure your closet contains a balanced mix of statement pieces, key pieces and basics. The key pieces in your wardrobe are those that truly reflect your personal style, whatever that may be and are highly versatile. For example, if you prefer a classic style, a well-fitting blazer might be a key piece for you because it will allow you to wear it multiple ways. Statement pieces are a little bolder, whether it be in style, colour, or pattern and will help you express different facets of your personality. This could be a unique top, red high heels, or a great patterned jacket. Basics help balance out the other pieces in your wardrobe. These can include basic t-shirts, or dark wash jeans, for example.
Using this structure, you will start shopping to maintain balance, vs. purchasing pieces exclusively that fit into one area. Building outfits using this method is also simple. If you want to be casual, wear your key pieces, with a more basic shoe. If you need to be dressed up, layer your statement pieces. When revamping your wardrobe, focus on getting your key pieces first as they’ll have the most impact on your ability to express your personal style.
Option 2) Building versatile colour palette.
Whether you prefer neutrals or bold brights, a simple way to build your wardrobe is to select a colour palette with a good mix of main, accent and neutral colours. Once you have tailored your closet to your colour palette, putting together outfits and shopping for new additions becomes much simpler.
A colour palette should consist of 6 to 12 colours that work well together and reflect your personal style – you like to wear them. Each colour should also have a clear function in your wardrobe, depending on how large a role you want it to play in your daily outfits.
Pieces in main colours are those that will be most prevalent in your wardrobe and are the equivalent of your favourite style colours – whether it be white, pink, turquoise or camel.
Accent colours should work especially well for statement pieces and accessories you pair with your main colours. Choose accent colours that work with each neutral and at least two of your main colours. Neutral colours help balance out all your other pieces and could include white, grey, black, navy, camel, or denim as an example. Pick your neutral colours after you’ve selected your main and accent colours, to see which will compliment your looks the most. To get started, look in your current closet and see what colours you already love to wear. The number of colours you select is very personal, but 8-9 is often a good place to start – 3 main colours, 3 accent colours and 2-3 neutrals.
Option 3) Using Outfit Formulas
The final closet organization strategy to try is outfit formulas. This method is highly effective in helping you build a mixable and versatile wardrobe. An outfit formula is basically a specific combination of items that you wear, with lots of different versions. I can guarantee you are already wearing a version or two of this today.
While the clothing combinations are the same in outfit formulas, you want variety in the individual pieces. Some examples of formulas I use are blouse + jeans + jacket and in the winter, dress + black tights + booties. I know this combination already works and makes me feel confident. I have numerous blouses and jackets, which I can mix together. A few times a week, I wear this exact formula, but in different versions.
If you’re interested in giving this a try, pick 3-4 formulas and select pieces that are mixable, but vary greatly in design from one another. This will ensure that others don’t recognize your formula. Many famous designers use this method – like Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld – as it simplifies their mornings and allows them to focus on their creativity while still being put together.
Taking a long-term approach to building you wardrobe, and starting to shop with a plan will help you maximize what already exists in your closet. Which strategy resonated the most with you lovely? Comment below.
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