BUILDING A WARDROBE YOU LOVE PART 3~ MAKE A LIST

We're on the home stretch of Building a Wardrobe You Love! We've cleaned our closets, we're Pin-spired...so now it's time to go shopping!!! Woo Hooo! For the record- I used to HATE shopping. Hate it. I can't pinpoint exactly why--i think partly because I found it more fun to shop for kid's clothes...partly because post-3 babies I didn't feel great about my body....and partly because I just didn't know what to BUY!!

Although I can't help you so much with the first two....I am going to try to guide you in the right direction with the "not knowing what to buy" part.

I think most of us go shopping, see things we like and buy them without really thinking in terms of building a wardrobe...or how the pieces we buy fit in with the other items in our closets. In the past year, if I find a piece of clothing I love, I ask myself, "Can I make at least 3-5 outfits with this item?" If the answer is no, I rarely make the purchase. Now that I'm getting older, I really feel "less is more." I want a smaller amount of items, but I want all of those things to be items I LOVE and that are versatile pieces in my closet.

 Now, before I give out the "shopping list," it comes with some caveats:

~ DO NOT get hung up on the EXACT items I post pictures of. This "list" is all about Building a Wardrobe you Love. Make it your own! I am purposely not putting links to items because you don't need these exact items!! I am just trying to give you a ROUGH idea of what "printed pants" or "sneakers" might look like. If you really want to know where a particular item is from, just leave a comment or email me!

~ Switch it up! Look at this list as I rough outline of things needed to build a wardrobe.  The goal is the build a wardrobe of clothes that are practical for your lifestyle and that you can mix and match with each other. If you don't like a particular item, no worries! But just note, that even if you've never owned or thought about owning a certain item, think about trying it out or getting Pinspired. Change happens when you can go outside your comfort zone :)

~ The items I list are targeted toward an on-the-go-mom/gal--casual and comfy.  Some items are also appropriate for a business casual environment and other more dressy events such as date night. Feel free to just use the list as a building block, adding in more casual or dressy items that fit your lifestyle.

~ These items are skewed for a Spring wardrobe, but many of them can also be worn all 4 seasons. I will post updated lists by season when the time comes :)

~ Building a wardrobe takes TIME. Don't expect to run out and find everything all at once. Hold out to find items that fit well and that you truly LOVE. And the good news is, you probably have many of these items already in your closet!

~ In upcoming posts, I will show you how to mix and match these items to make a TON of outfits! You discover that you definitely don't need "a lot" to make a great wardrobe. 

JEANS & PANTS

• Dark Wash Jeans ~ A great pair of good fitting dark wash jeans will serve you throughout the year. They can easily be dressed up or down and are a wardrobe staple in my opinion. Skinny, straight leg, boot cut...whatever flatters your figure and makes you feel great!

• Other Jeans ~ These can be any other pair of jeans that you love, that you can see yourself wearing a lot. There are a zillion styles to choose from--boot cut, straight leg, skinny, distressed, cropped....sky's the limit. Find a pair that fits well and that are super comfy. 

• Colored jeans or pants ~ Colored jeans and pants had their hey day a couple of years ago, but you can still pull them off now and still be totally on trend. Having a pair of non-neutral pants in your closet really opens up so many more outfit possibilities! If this is your first pair of colored pants, choose a pair that is more of a muted color, such as the "red" ones below. If colored pants still scare you, opt for more neutral tones such as sage green, grey and my personal fave, white! (is white a color? can't remember what the research says about that one!)

• Printed jeans or pants ~ Printed pants scare you more than colored pants, don't they?? Don't worry, they scared me too. Although you aren't going to fill your closet with printed pants, having a pair around can really add some spice and interest to your wardrobe. Did you see how many ways you can wear camo pants in last week's post?? The black dot ones on the left would be great for an office or business casual setting. If you don't believe me, use your Pin-spired skills from last week and start searching for camo pants or printed pants outfits!

• Black pants/jeans ~ Wardrobe staple, no? The key to this is finding the right pair to fit your lifestyle. If you need more work appropriate pants, opt for a dressier pair that are not denim. If you just plan to wear them as "everyday" pants, choose a "chino" or denim material. Again, fit is everything. Find a pair you LOVE--you will wear them again and again.

TOPS

Sky's the limit with tops. It's nice to have a wide variety of tops in your closet that will pair well with the bottoms you choose (above). When shopping for tops, it's really important to ask, "Can I pair this top with at least 3 bottoms in my closet?"

1. Striped Top:A striped top (or ten, in my case) is a wardrobe staple. It can turn a simple "jeans and tee" outfit into something a little bit more special. Striped tops are essential!

2. Solid tees: Great fitting, solid color tees are the perfect building block. You can jazz them up with great accessories such as a necklace or scarf. Never underestimate a perfect fitting tee. They are my go-to's for sure! (remember, I'm a jeans and tee kinda gal)

3. Printed blouse: A printed blouse is a great piece because you can pair it with colored bottoms, jeans or black pants. A nice blouse paired with jeans is a perfect for a night out with the gals or a casual date night. If your lifestyle is super casual like mine is, look for blouses with no collar for a more relaxed, casual look.

4. Solid blouse: Ditto of above. I recommend a nice black or ivory that can be dressed up or down.

5. Printed tops/tees: Go crazy here! Choose tops and tees that fit well and insert your own personal style! I happen to love graphic tees! Printed tops/tees are easy to pair with colored bottoms or shorts.

6. Button downs: I'm not the biggest button down fan, but I am coming around! They are great on their own, or as a layering piece. My personal faves are chambray and gingham (gingham is HUGE this spring!), but you can also find a cute printed one or even a plain white one. If the traditional "button-down" look bugs you, look for a "popover" style shirts or shirts without a collar.

SHOES

Girls, we can never have enough shoes. However, I absolutely love my shoe collection because I wear almost every single pair...often!!! I love having an arsenal of comfy, neutral shoes.

1. Neutral Flats: Comfy flats can turn a frumpy outfit into a classy outfit. Jeans, tee and tennis shoes=major frump. Jeans, a tee and flats....pulled together and comfy! I LOVE my nude flats and wear them all the time! Leopard is also a neutral (FYI) and are the most worn shoes in my closet!

2. Cognac/Tan Flat Sandals: My faves for spring and summer! Find ones that are comfy and easy to put on....ain't nobody got time to sit and deal with buckling straps! These are the perfect, classy alternative to your flip flops!

3. Cute Flip Flops: Speaking of flip flops, I can't diss them because flip flops are literally my best friend in the summer! If you can find slightly dressy, "blingy" ones, it will just take your whole outfit up a (small) notch.

4. Sneakers: I cannot tell you how much I am LOOOVING the sneaker trend! They are the absolute perfect shoe for busy gals who also want to look slightly "on trend" yet comfy. I will profess my Converse love until the day I die, but Toms or slip on sneakers also have my heart :) Don't worry...if you are barfing right now at the thought of sneakers, I TOTALLY hear you! That was me, too! Try some on...they'll grow on you...to the point you'll want to be buried in them...trust me :)

5. Wedges (optional): A pair of neutral wedges are great to add to your shoe collection for more "dressy" occasions. I LOVE my Toms wedges because they are slightly dressy, but comfy and functional.

FINISHING OR LAYERING PIECES

Whatever you want to call them, the purpose of these pieces is two-fold-- they can add warmth and that extra layer you need on cooler spring mornings. And also, they can add a little interest and depth to your outfit.

1. Plain cardis: To me, a cardigan can pull an entire outfit together. There is just something about a good-fitting cardigan that just says, "Yep, I'm classy, yet casual and I got this under control." (maybe I'm the only one who hears their cardigans talking to them...i should probably get that checked out...)

2.  Jean Jacket: Gotta have it. Find a lightweight, great fitting one and it will take you to the moon and back! You can pair it with your colored jeans, printed pants, maxi skirts and dresses, shorts, you name it! My distressed jean jacket might be the most worn item in my closet.

3. Lightweight vest (optional): I love my military-style vest. I wear it with everything from jeans to shorts. Peruse Pinterest if you are on the fence about a vest. It can definitely add some spice and interest to your wardrobe.

4.  Casual Blazer or Cropped Jacket (optional): Again, if you are having trouble picturing yourself wearing this, consult Pinterest. Shop for a jersey-knit blazer for a casual "throw-on-with jeans"-type feel. It will definitely take jeans up a few notches. With blazers, fit is KEY! Look for one that hits right at your waist and that isn't too long...otherwise it's frump-central.

SKIRTS & DRESSES

I recommend 1-2 of the following:

1. Maxi skirt (striped or solid)
2. Maxi dress
3. Short cotton dress (solid, stripe, etc)

These dresses/skirts are a nice alternative to your jeans and pants, yet don't sacrifice comfort in any way! One of my favorite outfits is a short jersey dress, jean jacket and sneakers!

ACCESSORIES

I didn't use to be a proponent of accessories at all! I thought my money was better spent buying items of clothing. Boy, was I wrong! I came to realize that accessories are a KEY component in making a simple outfit into something special. On any day when I look at my closet and think "I have nothing to wear," I almost ALWAYS turn to jeans, great fitting tee and a scarf. OR jeans, a great fitting tee and a long necklace. Simple to special. Or as I like to say, "drab to fab." :)

Go crazy with accessories! But if you don't know where to begin, here's the short list:

1. Solid and Printed Scarves: Simple, inexpensive way to amp up any outfit! Look for scarves that coordinate with other items in your closet. Again, the essential question of, "Does it go with at least 3 other items in my closet?"

2. Long Necklace: LOVE long necklaces! They elongate your torso (score!!) and add just the perfect "pulled together" touch without being fussy. Layer them under your scarves like in the 4th picture in this post.

3. Gold or silver dangly earrings: Jeans, tee, nice dangly earrings just says "I made an effort." I wear my gold or silver ones almost daily!

4. Watch: I didn't use to be a "watch" person (who wears a watch when they can just check the time on their phone??!). But I finally got one and now I can't live without it! It's functional (apparently it tells time) and beautiful (i got a blingy one). It's the perfect accessory. Mine is Fossil and great quality-- I got it for less than $50 at Nordstrom Rack. It will last forever.

5. Small, Dainty Necklace: Love these for layering and just that "feminine" look.

6. Statement Necklace: You get a lotta bling for your buck here! I love simple outfits and a statement necklace. Again, it can take jeans and a tee from "drab to fab." :)

Ok, girls..who's ready to shop 'til they drop??!!! Once you have these basic items in your closet, they make great building blocks for adding in more trendy pieces later on. If you buy good quality items and take care of them, they should last at least a few years...hopefully more!!

The last installment of the Building a Wardrobe You Love Series is next week! The topic is "Shopping Mistakes." My misfortune will be your gain because Lord knows I have made TONS of shopping mistakes!!

In case you missed the last two posts in the Building a Wardrobe You Love series, you can find them here:

Part One: The Two-Step Closet Purge

Part Two: Getting Pin-Spired!

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Linking up with a few of my favorite blogs: Get Your Pretty On,  The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, Jo-Lynn Shane, A Little Bit of Everything, Grace and Love, Momfessionals, Tucker Up, Happiness at Midlife, More Pieces of Me , On The Daily Express, Fizz &Frosting,
Rhea Et Cetera & I Do deClaire, Style Elixir