This is the last in a four part series around building your ideal wardrobe. This last session is focused on the tidbits to go after the items you want, and have them for awhile.
- Fabric – if it’s something you love, stick to cotton, silk, denim and wool. With cheaper or synthetics, you never truly know what you’re going to get
- Location, location, location – if you’re purchasing an “investment” item, stick to reputable places and places you know well. You can do online but make it a place that has history, etc.
- Become a seasonal shopper – always be looking out for your favorite designer’s end-of-season sales; shop for cashmere in May; mid-March kicks of sample sale season; January and August are the biggest sale months; April is the best time to get sneakers; June is ideal for women’s lingerie and undergarments; and snag your denim in October!
- If it’s cheaper, stick to darker colors; it hides a multitude of sins
- Versatility lowers overall cost – if you cannot find at least three ways to wear it then don’t buy it…honestly!
- The devil is in the details – opt for metal zippers instead of plastic; look for flat-felled and French seams; and ensure that when you have patterns or prints they line up
- Denim can be patched, knits cannot (generally speaking)
- Sales trance – don’t get caught up in the joy of the sale; one of something fabulous is better than three of nothing special
- Accessories – jewelry, shoes and handbags don’t discriminate based on size and thus only require that you take care of them
11 Wardrobe Gamechangers
- Fitted black blazer (with peplum, ruching, or structured shoulder) or sports coat
- Long-sleeve cashmere tee (v-neck or crewneck)
- Dark print cropped pants (no cuffs)
- Lined, leather wallet (with at least 4 slots) – men
- Lace-up shoes with almond-shaped toebox (black or leather/saddle-colored) – men
- Oversized semi-structured print clutch (python, or dark metallic)
- Dark, structured flats (not ballerina’s….)
- Jumpsuit (with deeper v-neck and sleeveless) – it’s the rage right now but it won’t go out…guaranteed!
- Sleeveless trench (love this one by Steven Alan) – you can wear it across three seasons and it adds instant panache to your look!
- Leather pencil skirt – it’s a bit edgy but you can tone it down for work or amp it up for after-hours
- Print tie (with medium blue and yellow) – men
