Many of my clients come to me unsure on how to create a wardrobe that reflects their personality, works for their body, and is easy to create outfits from.
For some, it’s the “I have nothing to wear” problem. Most of the time this can be due to an overwhelming amount of garments in their wardrobe, that, in fact, do not work well together to create a collection of outfits. While some feel that the outfits they can create don’t work for their day to day lives or reflect their personality.
The most important part of making your wardrobe work for you is picking garments that are versatile and timeless. This can feel a little daunting, particularly if you have been following trends and building a wardrobe for years!
If you’d love to have a wardrobe that feels accessible and that works for your needs, here’s my guide to help you create a versatile and timeless wardrobe!
Assess your needs
The first thing you need to do when creating a wardrobe that works for you, is knowing what you need each day.
Ask yourself:
What does my professional working life look like?
What does my free time look like?
Do I attend many special occasions?
Do I need to change after the school run?
When you know what outfits you need, you can know what type of clothing you will require. For example, if you attend lots of special events, your wardrobe will need far more black tie and formal wear than someone who doesn’t. In the same vain, if you have a corporate job that requires suiting, your requirements will be different to someone who works in a creative company where you can wear more casual attire.
If you're a mum, your priority is probably practicality (but this doesn't mean you have to give up on style!).
Understanding your daily needs will help you have a strategy when you assess your current wardrobe and when you go shopping in the future.
Declutter your wardrobe
Now you know what you need, you want to make sure your current wardrobe works for you. If you have the “overfilled” wardrobe problem, the best way to work on this is to take out everything and go through the items one by one. When I work with a client, we work through the items and question whether the pieces either bring them joy, or work well across multiple other pieces to create outfits. If it doesn’t do this, it can be put to the side to be donated or sold.
When you have the pieces that work together, and work with your daily needs, your wardrobe will already begin to feel more approachable.
Keep your wardrobe curated and minimal, and get rid of what doesn’t work for you, especially before buying anything new. Only keep what suits you and your lifestyle and what makes you feel good. A minimal wardrobe will truly simplify your life.
Curate a wardrobe of versatility
Versatile pieces are the ones that can be mixed and matched across one another in unique ways. They should be able to be worn in different situations, without compromising on your style, personality and comfort.
Here are a few of my top pieces for versatility:
Denim – a pair (or two) of jeans are an essential for any wardrobe. They can be dressed up with a blouse, or down with a vest/tee. They are great for running around and doing errands, or can even work for a date night with heels.
Blazer – essential for a professional look, but can also work for more casual looks that you want to elevate. You may be amazed at how many ways you can style a blazer.
White (or neutral) shirt / Tee - depending on your personal style, you can’t go wrong with a plain white t-shirt or shirt. It can be paired with countless bottoms, and can balance out a statement piece that you have in your outfit.
Body suit or fitted tank top – I love a body suit, because it can be worn as a layering piece, and can be a clean, smooth garment that doesn’t require tucking in. If you don’t like a bodysuit, a fitted tank top is a great alternative.
A neutral dress – the little black dress is beloved for a reason – it works! Black can, however, be a colour that doesn’t work for many skin tones, so finding a neutral shade in your colour palette can be a great alternative. Depending on your style, you could opt for a maxi dress, mini dress, a-line – there are lots of options. Adding layers and hosiery, as well as accessories can transform the dress effectively making it work as multiple outfits in one.
Knitwear – I know this is a broad term, but, you need a few pieces of knitwear that you can throw on as the weather gets cooler. I like a cropped cardigan, a longline cardigan, and a couple of heavier jumpers in my wardrobe.
Formal trousers – even if you don’t go to the office regularly, a pair of more professional trousers can work across a multitude of events. Depending on your body shape you may want to look for wide legged, straight leg, or cigarette style.
A selection of skirts – Midi skirts have stayed in style for several years, and this is because they are so versatile! Pair with a white tee, a blouse, or a body suit to complement the day ahead.
For more ideas on how to create a wardrobe that works for you, you may want to consider creating a capsule wardrobe. View my recent article on how to do this, here.
Let your wardrobe reflect your personal style
Finally, the most important thing to consider is your own personal style. A timeless wardrobe works when you have pieces you feel confident in. Staying away from fast fashion and trends that don’t work for your personal style will ensure you have a wardrobe that lasts.
Too often we fill our wardrobes with garments that are currently in style, rather than pieces that reflect our personality. When you understand the personal style that is inherent to you, you will feel more confident when dressing and when shopping.
And it's rather simple, it's about understanding what works for you on the outside (from colours, shapes and styles) and on the inside (helping you express your personality and feel your most confident)with.
One of a Style team is here to help you create a wardrobe that truly works for you and simplify your life!
