Creative, Cozy, and Comfortable: Building a Wardrobe that Works

When I entered fifth grade I started paying more attention to what I wanted to wear but I didn't like anything. I think the real problem was I didn't know what I liked. My mom and I started making a wardrobe plan that we both have based our clothes off of.

I wanted clothes that coordinate and accessories that really make the outfit look great. I didn't want to keep wearing plain colored shirts and jeans; because I didn't have thousands of dollars to redo my wardrobe it has been a process. I have determined a few keys that make my wardrobe work for me (with the help of my wonderful mom): colors I like, styles that I prefer, key pieces that I need for a great foundation.

Color:

The first step that I took to build a wardrobe that works was to determine what colors I liked to wear. I looked through my closet and realized my favorite things to wear were soft calm colors (or Tone: see below). Even though I thought my bright pink shirt was beautiful, when I wore it I felt like I wasn't myself, I felt like it pulled me down and I looked tired. I also realized that I prefer to wear gray and cream as my neutral colors. I also realized I didn't really like to wear black colored shirts. On the other hand, my mom feels like the colors that I like to wear are too soft for her. She builds her wardrobe around the bold colors (hue: see below). She looks great in black and white as well as other neutrals.

Slowly I started to weed out clothes that I didn't enjoy wearing and I started to purchase clothes in colors that I felt happy in.

I like this color chart because it shows that if we build our wardrobe from either the Tint, Tone, Shade, or Hue we are able to have clothes that will mix and match together. I think it is also important to determine what neutral colors to build our wardrobe around.

Style:

There are so many styles of clothes. I started to pay attention to what I prefer to wear. I love soft flowy pieces with scarves and soft details. On the other hand my mom loves classic tailored pieces that are more structured. It has been fun to understand what we prefer. As we see new trends it is easier to understand if it is a trend we would like to embrace or if it is something we can do without.

I have learned a lot about different styles and colors from Dressing Your Truth. She has a fabulous system. The Cardigan Empire also breaks down different styles that help determine what style of clothes you prefer (see lower left side bar on this site).

Building a Great Foundation:

1. Start with neutral shirts to layer with:

My favorite neutral colors are cream, gray, and navy blue.

Select two basic colored shirts to layer with. Mine are teal and purple. (no picture)

The colored shirts are perfect for layering with a cardigan or sweater.

(my layering shirts are from Old Navy, JCPenny, and Downeast)

2. Pants (5-6 pairs) I believe having a nice pairs of pants is an essential part of any wardrobe. I don't have a lot of pants, but I have tried to select a variety that works well. I have some skinny jeans and some boot cut jeans to add variety. Having pants that fit makes a huge difference in how we feel durning the day. I don't store pants that don't fit. I just have what works now, I enjoy these pants and wear them out!

3. Create Outfits

By purchasing clothes in similar color tones, similar style, and having great basics, I am able to have a wardrobe that will mix and match well. The outfit possibilities are endless. I decided that I prefer to have about 21 outfits they all come from the same 6 pairs of pants.

I print a picture or these outfits and keep it on my closet shelf so that I can quickly get dressed each morning.

4. Buy Items that Coordinate

I buy items that will coordinate with several different pieces of clothing.

If you are looking to buy a new skirt and it will require you to buy new shoes, a new necklace, and a new shirt to go with it, it probably isn't right for your wardrobe! Look for something that works well and offers a variety of possibilities.