Time to Build Your Awesome Unique Style Wardrobe
Up to now building your unique style wardrobe consisted of cleaning out your closets and researching new outfit ideas by collecting pictures from outside sources. If you missed the last post click on Inspiration for Outfit Ideas.
Shop not buy
You should now have a rough image of the signature style you want to achieve. And the next step is the shopping phase. However, you are not ready to jump in and buy just yet. You are going to start trying on styles that you’ve admired. Remember the list you just made? This is where it comes in.
These concepts are from the book I am studying called The Curated Closet. Her book has a more in depth system that I highly recommend. You can click here to find it – The Curated Closet.
This resource is an affiliated link, which means I get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use my link to make a purchase.
Bring your list
You’re going to bring your list and look for style wardrobe details and colors that inspired you and start trying things on. The most efficient way is to go to a mall or department store anywhere there is a grouping of women’s clothing stores so you are not running all over town. You will probably find that some of your choices look really different on you than in the pictures. That’s okay.
You were admiring the fashion on a model who was chosen to be photographed in that style for a reason. But don’t despair. Think about some aspect of that outfit that you do look great in. You’ll have to make adjustments. Maybe you won’t like the look on you at all. That’s okay too.
You are experimenting right now with your unique style and learning what to wear for you. Keep making notes on what didn’t work and new things you’re finding that do work. Your goal is to refine and adjust so you can end up with a working plan of wardrobe ideas you will need to compliment the pieces already in your closet. Take pictures of yourself in the outfits you like so when you go home you won’t forget them.
Change Your Shopping Habits
Shopping has changed over the years. Used to be women’s clothes were better quality and more expensive. Also, there was no online shopping. We bought fewer pieces which lasted longer. These days there are outlets to buy clothes everywhere plus online. We buy a lot more but spend less per item. This is haphazard shopping without planning. You need to be a more thoughtful, selective buyer. Buying on sale is great. Just make sure what you buy has a purpose in your new wardrobe.
Bring a Shopping List with Details
Your lists should now include exact items you need to fill in your new style wardrobe plus specifics like fit, color, style. If you’re looking for pants, do you want pants for the office or errands. Do you need full length or capris. Will you be wearing flats or heals. It’s best to have the entire outfit you’re looking for already planned.
Are you wondering about your body shape and which styles you should choose? Click here for your Style Tips to use.
Don’t be in a rush
Women that carefully build a unique style wardrobe really take their time comparing similar items in different stores. Many times I have seen an expensive version of a top I love in one place only to find a cheaper knockoff version somewhere else. I have struggled to talk myself into saving money on the cheaper one. I will walk away and give it a day to see if I still want it. Nine times out of ten, if it’s still in my head, I will buy the expensive top. Even when it’s a stretch for my wallet, I’m never sorry. And when I wear it I feel like a million bucks!
Details, Details, Details
For me, it’s all about the details that make your style come to life. A plain common ordinary T-shirt can have hundreds of different looks. That’s the beauty of them. There are the necklines: round, v-neck, crew, boat. I choose a v-neck every time. You can have different types of sleeves. You can have different types of fittings. I love all the different types of fabrics: cotton, synthetic, linen. The fabrics really set the tone of a T-shirt.
Check out the subtle details on every piece you buy. They are the special little something that makes the outfit. Years ago I needed a topcoat for work. I traveled for my sales job. So I wanted a great coat that made a statement. I found a beautiful long black coat that fit properly. But without the buttons it had it was just a plain black long coat. They said this style is classic!
Time to Buy
So when is the right time to finally buy. Here are just a couple things to consider:
- Function – Does it fit my lifestyle and mixes with my wardrobe.
- Quality – Is this the best buy for my budget. Is it made well so it lasts for many years.
- Gut – Do I love it. Am I excited to wear it. Will I wear it a lot.
