There’s nothing I love more than taking the time to revitalise my wardrobe, going from store to store and picking out beautiful pieces to add to my collection.
It’s easy to walk into a store or log on to my favourite site and get way too excited with all of the options I’m presented with.
But all of that leads to impulse buying and spending far too much money on things that I’ll most likely never wear because they don’t go with anything else in my wardrobe.
Shopping aimlessly like that is no good and only hurts your bank account, but if you shop consciously then you can build up a wardrobe of versatile pieces that all go together to create timeless outfits.
Start with a foundation of basics
Here’s where you’ll gather the pieces that will become the foundation for many outfits. These items should be able to transition from look to look easily, and also be full outfits on their own.
Jeans & Trousers – Jeans and trousers make up half of your outfit so it makes sense to have them in multiple styles. Slim jeans and trousers are great for a smart casual vibe, while straight and wide leg give you a more relaxed vibe. In terms of colours you can’t go wrong with black or mid blue denim and black trousers.
Long & short sleeve tees in a range of colours – These serve as the foundation layer that can be worn under statement vests, camisoles and, shirts.
Fine knit jumpers and sweaters – The perfect foundation layer for cooler days.
Invest in your wardrobe
It’s important to buy clothes with the intention of not having to buy them again for at least a few months.
So you need to invest in quality clothing that isn’t prone to pilling or tearing.
Of course, there will be some general wear and tear, but lower-quality clothing will take more damage over time than clothing made from better materials.
Pima cotton – The superior older sibling to Upland cotton, Pima cotton has longer finer fibres so more can be packed into a weave and provide great protection from the elements and last much longer than regular cotton products.
Linen – Linen is great for the summer and hot climates as it’s incredibly breathable and resistant to lingering smells so it needs less washing. Because it’s made from bast fibres, Linen fabric is both very durable and flexible.
Alpaca & Merino wool – Alpaca wool is one of the most durable mammal fibres as well as being resistant to wind and water damage, while the fibres of merino wool are long and fine, meaning they create a softer weave that is also flexible and durable.
As well as investing in better quality fabrics, buying selvedge denim jeans is a great and more affordable way to keep jeans ship shape for longer. Selvedge woven edges keep jeans from fraying and unravelling, helping them stay in ship shape for a long time.
Final thoughts – Earlier I mentioned impulse shopping and how it leads to buying things that you’ll never wear. So if you want to avoid building a collection of things you’ll never wear, you need to shop mindfully. Take the time to think about how an item will look with your foundation pieces, and whether or not it fits your style and makes you feel confident and stylish.
– Think to yourself, ‘Will I want to wear this again and again?’
– Leave the item on your wish list and wait a week before looking at it again. If you still love it after some time, then it’s a keeper.
– Consider what styles have always spoken to you. Whimsigoth, coquette…
Capsule collection
Product list
Extra fine merino crew neck jumper (Uniqlo) £29.20
Grandad collar Linen shirt (Uniqlo) £34.90
Performance denim slim straight jeans (Duer) £129
Alpaca wool jumper (Superdry) £74.99
Oversized pima cotton T-shirt (Arket) £25
501 Levi’s original (Levi’s) £110
Double breasted wool coat (Monki) £75
Linen jersey T-shirt (H&M) £24.99
Ninety Two 