It’s that time of year again – time to take inventory of your wardrobe and decide what stays and what goes.
For many of us, 2023 was a year of transition in our personal lives or careers. And a new year often means a fresh start, a chance to reinvent ourselves if we choose.
When it comes to your clothing and style, starting from scratch is an opportunity to thoughtfully curate an intentional closet that truly expresses who you are now.
Over this article, I’ll break down the process into easy steps to create a polished, versatile collection of clothing you’ll love wearing, pointing out the basic pieces you need to build a satisfactory wardrobre.
Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
I. Jeans
Denim is an essential building block of any wardrobe. I recommend investing in at least one pair of lighter blue jeans and one darker wash. Look for styles with varying rises – low, mid, or high – to suit your personal preference and body type.
Quality jeans will last for years with proper care, so check for sturdy denim and don’t be afraid to spend a little extra. A few vintage-inspired details like whiskering or distressing add laidback style points, too.
II. Trousers
Perfect for work or casual weekends, trousers come in straight or wide leg silhouettes.
When choosing cuts, think about your proportions – tall girls look great in wide legs while straight legs often flatter curves.
III. Tops
Build a selection of basics like tanks, short sleeve tees, long sleeved tops, and turtlenecks in neutral solid colors.
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen will breathe better than synthetics in warmer weather. Splurge on a few sophisticated blouses made from different materials, they flatter any outfit and will stand the test of time.
IV. Blouses and Shirts
Ruffled blouses, button downs, poplin shirts – there are so many lovely topper options beyond basic tees.
Layering pieces in light blues, yellows, pinks, greens and other colours can add freshness to your look and prevent it from looking too basic.
Look for adaptable styles you can wear to and from work with ease.
V. Jackets, Cardigans, Sweatshirts and Sweaters
Cozy layers are essential for cold weather comfort. Keep cardigans lightweight for layering, invest in thicker cotton sweatshirts, and splurge on one luxe cashmere sweater you’ll want to wear daily.
Biker jackets, denim jackets and bright button-ups beat dull beige blazers any day.
VI. Coats
A long, durable winter coat is crucial in colder climates. Consider trench coats for their timeless appeal as well as plush faux fur styles that double as statement pieces.
For snowy days, outfit your coat with hidden button pockets, a substantial hood and faux fur trim details. Warmth without bulk is also key – down fills, wool fabrics and heritage brands deliver.
VII. Bottoms
Miniskirts and tea-length dresses call for mid-thigh boots to balance out proportions. Flowy maxi skirts feel breezy in summer and layered over leggings into fall.
Solids, plaids and simple patterns never go out of style. Ease and swingy shapes flatter all sizes.
VIII. Dresses
From sundresses to party frocks, keep a rotation of dresses on-hand to take the hassle out of getting dressed.
Fitted sheaths work just as well for the boardroom as date night with the right footwear and outerwear. Floral prints say “romantic” while solid maxi’s have boho appeal.
IX. Shoes
A variety of shoes ties any outfit together with panache.
Start with a selection of classic sneakers, weather-worthy ankle boots, and one statement heel.
Invest in neutral pumps to dress up or down as needed. Sturdy flats let tired feet rest without compromising on style.
Sneakers
Boots
Heels
Flats
X. Accessories
The perfect finishing touches. Costume jewelry stacks, layers and coordinates effortlessly. Winter calls for wool scarves, gloves and smart belts.
Come spring focus on straw handbags, cateye sunglasses and jeweled sandals.
A few key signature pieces express your personal flair all year round.
Jewelry
Scarfs
Belts
Sunglasses
Bags
Usually, these types of articles tend to help me a lot with organizing whatever I put my mind to, so I hope this post helps you choose more helpful clothing for your everyday life, just like it helped me!
