How do I get a wardrobe vs. just a bunch of random clothes?

[amorey]

Even though I do occasionally buy myself new clothes, I always feel like I have nothing to wear. There are lots of clothes in my wardrobe, but none that I feel like I want to wear! I think part of the problem was that for a while, I would crash diet, reward myself by buying clothes, and then gain the weight back. The result is that I have very few things that fit well and make me feel good.

I’ve just started a new job at a design firm, and pretty much anything goes. My boss, who’s a part owner of the firm, wears jeans every day, even when meeting with clients. I do feel like I should look stylish because I’m a designer, but I’m definitely digging the casual dress.

I have a few things that I like. I have a pair of jeans, a couple pair of rayon blend pants from express, some sweaters and two chino blazers from J. Crew. I feel like I really need shoes and pants and tops. I’m on a really limited budget, so I’m not really looking to “invest” in a quality wardrobe, but put together something where my clothes work together and I can feel put together everyday.

What kinds of things should I buy? How do I put together a wardrobe versus just a bunch of clothes?

A couple of things about me…

-I won’t dry-clean anything. It has to be machine washable. Even better if I can put it in the dryer.
-I should wear heals taller than 2” (shorter is better) because I’ve got the beginnings of bunions and I don’t want to have gross feet like my dad and other family members.
-I like to wear cotton socks with my shoes
-I like comfy, cozy clothes and cotton
-It’s really cold in Minneapolis

[looch]

I would say that the first thing you have to do is pick a core group of colors as the base of your wardrobe.

the first color should be dark and work with both pale and jewel tones. This can be black, brown or navy. in this example, let's choose a rich chocolate brown. buy your core pieces in this color, slacks, a cashmere sweater or blazer and shoes/tote bag.

next, select your secondary color. This should complement your core color. for example, here a camel would work well. think knit turtleneck and coat. if you can find it, a pair of pants in a tweed combining the core and secondary colors.

finally, your accent color. red is pretty here. you can add a patterned silk scarf, gloves, beaded necklace, sweater set.

then once you have this core group, switch it around so you have the basic pieces in all the colors. the goal is a blazer in chocolate and another in camel, a knit turtlenck in chocolate and another in camel, and a coat in camel and a jacket in chocolate.

i have done this successfully using black, navy and chocolate brown. hope this helps.

[craftyT]

What a great question! I'm also interested to hear how a wardrobe is created... I always feel like I'm wearing the same thing over and over again. I'd love to hear suggestions from our CC Fashionistas :)

[EmilyBronte]

I would say that the first thing you have to do is pick a core group of colors as the base of your wardrobe.

the first color should be dark and work with both pale and jewel tones. This can be black, brown or navy. in this example, let's choose a rich chocolate brown. buy your core pieces in this color, slacks, a cashmere sweater or blazer and shoes/tote bag.

next, select your secondary color. This should complement your core color. for example, here a camel would work well. think knit turtleneck and coat. if you can find it, a pair of pants in a tweed combining the core and secondary colors.

finally, your accent color. red is pretty here. you can add a patterned silk scarf, gloves, beaded necklace, sweater set.

then once you have this core group, switch it around so you have the basic pieces in all the colors. the goal is a blazer in chocolate and another in camel, a knit turtlenck in chocolate and another in camel, and a coat in camel and a jacket in chocolate.

i have done this successfully using black, navy and chocolate brown. hope this helps.

This is a great thread! Looch - I'd love to hear what you'd pair with navy. I have dirty blonde hair, blue eyes and am pretty fair with a reddish skin tone. Any suggestions? Not to take away from the OP, btw. :)

[mrsfromage]

check out www.stylebakery.com for some pairing ideas.

[wendalah]

Couple of suggestions that I hope will help you!

First of all, in my experience it's really hard to find cool, dressy pants that are machine washable. :(

So let's skip over that for right now and we'll come back to it later. First thing you want to do is take care of "fit." If it fits well, it looks good. If it doesn't fit well, it looks like shit. Simple rule :).

That said, go to the mall and try on some pants and jeans at various stores to see which style/brand works best for you. You can try Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Express, Gap, INC at the department stores, all of the common chains (I know they can be expensive, but once you find a style that fits, you can purchase that style when it goes on sale--they are always having sales).

I know that Banana Republic Martin style pants fit me perfectly--better than any other style pant in my size. They fit in the crotch, the hips, the length, etc. So I have, you guessed it, several pairs of Martin pants in various neutral colors and fabric weights that I can keep wearing season after season. Black, gray, pinstripe, etc. are all good choices that will match with many things. Once you know what brand fits best, you can buy them up at sales. Easy peasy.

Make sure to get a pair of jeans that are dark-wash and make you feel sexy and dressy. Gap has a lot of different styles--try them all on until you find one that works. Then buy two pairs...don't worry, they will last a few seasons. I've been wearing my own "same two pairs of perfect jeans" for a few years now. You can throw your blazers on with the jeans.

Skirts are generally an easier fit than pants, so for skirts, just page through a magazine and see what current style appeals to you. Find the style at the mall and if it looks nice, go for it.

Get a good pair of tall boots so you don't freeze--you can wear them with your skirts and under your pants. Black is the easiest color. You can wear them every day and nobody will notice you're wearing them every day.

Tops are also easy to fit, so go wild and buy a few trendy ones to play up your basics. Also grab a few classics: Every fall I treat myself to a couple skinny ribbed turtlenecks (always one or two in black) and I pair them with everything. I buy them cheap, wear them all the time, and when winter is over, I just chuck them. I would suggest buying a couple of these to layer with stuff. A chunky-knit hip-length cardigan with a tie belt is a style that has been holding on for a few years now too.

Oh, and get a great denim jacket that FITS and is cut well.

Since you live in MN I'm not going to tell you to get a nice winter coat. I'm sure you have plenty. ;)

You probably have some fun jewelry--go ahead and mix it up with your sleek basics.

So, imagine yourself, young hip designer, entering the room in a close-fitting black turtleneck with a pair of cool tailored pants, and a pair of great earrings. Or a pair of dark-wash perfectly fitting jeans and a blazer and a great necklace. Or a skirt, belted chunky cardigan, and knee-high boots. You can wear these looks this fall and next fall and probably the fall after that, if you take good care of the clothes (which, alas, includes dry-cleaning :( ).

I hope that helped? Phew that was long!

[amorey]

Thanks so much for the help! I think I might be on the right track. My core color is black. My shoes, belt, and purse are black. And I have a couple of “Correspondent” pants from Express in black and gray that fit really well. They don’t tend to make that cut in as many fabrics and colors as their “Editor” but I should probably keep checking back because things tend to turn over there quickly. I also love my pair of long and lean jeans from Gap, so maybe I should invest in another pair of those. I found some fits I loved at The Buckle, but they only came in destroyed washes. :(

If anyone (Wendy) ;) knows where I can get a pair of nice tall boots with a heel that’s less than two inches, please tell me! I’ve been having a heck of a time finding a pair.

Jewelry is also really hard for me. Every day I wear my wedding ring and my garnet pendant necklace. I have a metal allergy, and I can only wear earrings with platinum posts, and platinum or rhodium plated rings. Necklaces don’t bother me. I only have one pair of earrings that I can wear. They’re garnets that I had made for my wedding. Ideally, I’d like a pair of platinum hoops and studs, but they’re just too expensive. Any necklace suggestions would be appreciated!

I do have a bunch of coats, though! ;)

[wendalah]

Why, lucky you, lower-heeled boots are in this season.

http://images.ninewest.com/images/products/PULLUPR.BLACKLEPD.jpg

These have a reasonable heel, are a nice classic equestrian-esque shape, and are $159. They are Nine West so they will go on sale soon, I promise ;). They also have a style that is almost entirely flat. FWIW I had a pair of knee-high Nine West boots that I wore for four years straight. They held up well and I couldn't find a pair I liked better. So I wore them until they were literally unwearable.

Also, super-flat scrunchy boots look good too this season and I think you might be able to hang on to these for a couple years (I've seen this style hang on for a bit). These are Delia's...only $59. Take care of them and clean them often and they should serve you well.

http://images.delias.com//14892_g.jpg

[wendalah]

RE: Jewelry--check on ebay for platinum hoops; if you have a metal allergy that's a very good investment (hoops of any size will never, ever go out of style).

Oh and destroyed washes are OK. They can look utterly fantastic with black (try tucking a destroyed-wash jean into an equestrian black knee boot!). Just make sure to have one dark-wash pair.

[carrie9142]

Wendy is a style guru! I don't have much to add, sorry :) I do have these boots though. They are 2" heel and very comfy.
http://www.securerba.com/Images/CCG/Catalog/ProductImages//FT/FT00372PP.JPG
Best part? $44!!!

[Vishenka69]

I find that in the winter my basic color is black and in the summer it's white. You don't have to use the same color all year around. Also because all my coats and most of the boots tend to be black, I like to get colorful scarfs and pins to brighten them up. If you find yourself getting bored with the base color, try experimenting with texture and style and/or add a colorful accessory.

When building a wardrobe, your core pieces will have to be structured and dry cleanable. But then the rest can be fun and washable and changed often. I find that dry cleaned clothes will hold up much longer (years vs months). It's also harder to find washable winter clothes.

It's very easy to pair an understated pair of hoops with a chunky necklace or a large pin. Especially if the rest of your outfit is more muted, the necklace will immediately become center of attention. H&M and Banana have great, affordable styles.

[greenbunny]

Regarding your Express pants--I have a lot of their stuff, and Limited too. I wash the pants in lukewarm water with Woolite for darks. I use vinegar instead of fabric softener. I set it to rinse twice. Then I toss them in the dryer on delicate for 5-7 minutes. Then I hang them on their hangers and on a clothesline in the basement. The look great--no lint, no ironing, nothing.

I know you've said you prefer dryer clothes, but I've found that tossing stuff for a few minutes and then letting it hang dry will make 99% of my clothes look great, including stuff on which the tag says "dry clean only".

One specific classic clothing item I swear by is the Victoria's Secret Moda line of poorboy sweaters, here (http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=SD-186650&page=1&cgname=OSCLOSWTTUR&rfnbr=2404). Right now they have muted tones for fall, but come late winter they also offer bright and jewel tones. I own a zillion of them and they last forever.

[beachlvr]

Thanks to the OP for starting this thread. I'm in a different situation as a stay at home mom, but I'm in a serious jeans and t shirt rut. I like getting ideas that I can use from here, too. Even just getting some jewelry will help me look and feel better, so thanks!

[looch]

EB: I love navy as a core color with white as a secondary color, and kelly green as the accent color. I have also paired navy with pale pastels and caramel as the accent. I find that i gravitate towards navy in the spring, and the concept of navy and white is very practical.

I agree with the thought that the core pieces will most likely be dry cleanable, but i have found that most pieces can be handwashed with woolite or a very tiny amount of regular detergent. i don't like the "sheen" that dry cleaning leaves on clothes after a while. i usually wash 4 times then dry clean once to get that pressed look.

I am interested in that whirlpool standup steamer thing...have you guys seen that yet?

[laura]

My problem is I still haven't found my "perfect fit" pants. In any case, I agree with all that's been posted. I don't dry clean either, so I feel your pain on that one. I guess I do have all the basics, like black/gray/khaki/pinstripe pants (all different fits - blah!), a couple of go-to skirts (one denim, one black/white tweed, one gray courdoroy), and then mix and match shirts. From the descriptions above, I guess my "accent color" changes seasonally. I've gone through tons, like all shades of blues, greens, purples, pinks, etc. I am a shoe/bag person, so I have all colors and styles of those, but I rarely switch bags more than once a season.

I have been feeling pretty blah about my work wardrobe recently, also, so I basically went searching around online to find a site that offered a bunch of mix and match ideas which I can apply with things that I have, some new pieces, etc. I'm not sure if it will help you, b/c my work style is a little more "professional" than "funky", but Ann Taylor has a bunch of "work look" ideas on their site right now:

http://www.anntaylor.com/IWCatSectionView.process?IWAction=Load&Merchant_Id=1&RestartFlow=t&Section_Id=6

I don't use it as a "buy every outfit on the page", but it was a good place for me to start getting ideas on which pieces I could add or subtract to/from my current wardrobe to update it a little and have a little more cohesion. It also gave me a good overview of what colors/patterns/styles work well together.

They also have these boots:

http://fp.anntaylor.com/@v=0148@/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/101329_6600l.jpg

For accessories, I am just starting to tackle this part of my wardrobe. I have standard jewelry that I never take off (diamond earrings, diamond necklace, e-ring/wedding ring), but I want to be better about "fashion" jewelry, especially necklaces. If you really want a pair of platinum hoops, what about asking for a pair for Christmas? It's a little ways off, but it is coming up. I am slowly building up my jewelry, I just ordered this:

http://fp.anntaylor.com/@v=0148@/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/92051_8461l.jpg

Really I think it's just a process. For me it's being aware of what I need/want, and then being on the lookout for the "perfect" whatever that item is. Or a really cheap "this will do for now" version.

[Lil_Mrs_0702]

I think the biggest thing that changes your closet from random pieces to a wardrobe is to have accessories. I sometimes feel that I don't have much to wear. It seems like if I just get a cute scarf, or a belt I suddenly think of all these outfits that I never paired before.

It may also help if you rearrange your closet/ wardrobe a little. Take the off-season things out of sight and store them somewhere. It makes your clothes a little less overwhelming. I also store the clothes that don't fit somewhere as well just because I never know when my weight will fluctuate.

Since you are on a budget i suggest mixing "cheap" clothes with "classy" clothes. I tend to match my $3 thrift store shirt w/ an expensive pant and belt. I think your wardrobe is more about making it fit you rather than where you got it from.

[amorey]

My Express pants say “Machine wash, line dry,” and that’s what I do. They’ve held up really well. I’m hoping maybe I can find stuff like that. Or maybe I can get away with the Drycleaner’s Secret stuff you put in the dryer so I’d have to go to the cleaners less often.

I’m really excited to do some shopping after reading the advice in this thread.

Wendy, thanks for finding these!

http://images.ninewest.com/images/products/PULLUPR.BLACKLEPD.jpg

I was at the Nine West store a couple of weeks ago and didn’t see them, so they must be new. I love Nine West because they’re one of the few places where that carry my size. (10.5)

[PurpleRose]

I've had a hard time building a wardrobe too- I think it's because I tend to be drawn to pieces that are very distinct (lots of color or a vivid pattern, etc.) and then have a closet full of clothes that don't match! I have tried to remedy this by making a list of what I need to make use of all the clothes I have (I just have to remember to take it with me when I know I'll be shopping). I realized that if I went ahead and bought a few of what I considered "boring" basics, it would pull most of my outfits together (and I've finally realized basics aren't boring, but classics).

If you're trying to match up new things with what you already own, be sure to try them on together. It's important that the color matches, obviously, but the cut of the clothing matters, too. You've gotten some great suggestions from the other CC members here- I'm sure you'll have a great wardrobe in no time!

Oh- you mentioned boots. In the Sept. issue of Lucky, they have pages of different types of boots. You might want to flip through it and see if they show any that are what you're looking for. The more-flat equestrian boots are popular this year, and should be easy to find. I've seen them in several catalogs- Eddie Bauer and J.Jill. Nordstrom is a great place to try on shoes, since they have so many brands, but I've also had good luck with Macy's. Hope this helps!

carrie9142- I love those boots! Do you mind sharing where you got them from?

[Asha]

this is a great thread. i am definitely not a style guru, but i have to agree with others when they said get a great pair of knee high, black boots. i literally wore the same pair almost every single day during the winter. plus, they were not even real leather but got a ton of compliments on them. i have skinny legs so i need faux leather bc that tends to be more stretchy. i am so happy that shorter heels are in style this season bc going on year 3 i think i need to get a new pair of black boots.

also, i agree that the core pants in your wardrobe probably will be dry clean only. i hate this too, but i am really bad and wear them several times before i take them to the dry cleaner. the pants that are dry clean only have lasted me several years as opposed to the other pants that start to pill in less than a year.

i always go with a neutral pant - dark grey, black, and dark jeans for most of my wardrobe. these go with almost anything and then it is much cheaper to update your tops.

[Lilla]

I just bought a bunch of new pants for work from Banana Republic. They are all machine wash. I'm on a big anti-dry-clean-only-clothes kick right now, so these fit the bill perfectly. I bought each style in all available colors.

Stretch contoured pant

http://www.bananarepublic.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/357/357549/main/br357549-01p01v01.jpg

Stretch extended tab martin

http://www.bananarepublic.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/325/325296/main/br325296-01p01v01.jpg

[mgrace]

Great thread. I need to get a pair of brown and black boots, so I might check out Delia's.

[greenbunny]

Express is having a clearance sale right now, and their camisoles are $9.99. I was there last night and got a black silk and lace one, marked down from $39.50. They have tons of styles and colors, and they make great layering pieces for fall, but they also look cute alone in summer for going out on the town.

[laura]

Bump! :)

[SQ2]

Thanks, laura! :D

[PurpleRose]

Bump! I need some help. I'm losing weight (great) but I now have nothing to wear (not great). Could anyone help me find some cute things to mix and match? I don't want to spend a lot since I'm still losing, and I know I don't need as much as I think I need. I'm going shopping in the next few weeks, and I'd love a game plan. Thanks! (P.S. I need a 14 or a 16 :o )

[Pinz824]

Just bumping and subscribing...

[Sol]

Bump!

[amorey]

I’m reviewing the helpful advice in this thread, and I’m noticing it’s mostly winter/fall focused. Any tips on building a spring/summer wardrobe?

[laura]

I stick to the same principles pretty much all year 'round, but I change my colors slightly in spring/summer, I think. This winter I have found myself wearing a lot of darker shirts w/ colored camis underneath, and I find that I subconsciously reverse that in spring/summer w/ brighter tops and neutral camis. I also wear skirts a lot more in spring/summer and that branches out my wardrobe considerably. And since my work place is pretty casual anyway, and even more casual in the summer, I can get away with all kinds of sandals and even flip flops for footwear, so that is a definitely change from heels & dress flats during the school year. I also TRY to stay away from buying everything in black during the summer, and I add in a good bit of white.

I just bought these items to 'jump start' my spring/summer wardrobe:

http://www.bananarepublic.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/465/465382/quick/br465382-03qlv01.jpg

http://www.bananarepublic.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/466/466878/quick/br466878-05qlv01.jpg

http://www.bananarepublic.com/Asset_Archive/BRWeb/Assets/Product/466/466767/quick/br466767-01qlv01.jpg