Lately friends have been seeking my advice about must have wardrobe basics. They are downsizing their closet and need to know what to toss and what to keep.
Tip 1:
A good way to test how often you wear something, is turn all your hangers the opposite way, but every time you pull something out, turn them back. Then after a few weeks you will see what you don’t wear anymore. THOSE are toss-able items!
Tip #2
If you KNOW you have not warn something for over 6 months, throw it out! (well, I’d say bag it and give it to charity) Why are you holding onto items that you never wear? Cause you think you might one day? Well I hate to break it to you- you wont!
Tip #3
Want to keep those sentimental clothes? Pack them up in clear plastic containers, that way you can see whats inside and they will never get any water or mold damage. Another great space saver tip is the space saver vacuum seal bags. THEY WORK! You can pack those bags full and the will shrink up like crazy!
Here are my 15 wardrobe basics I think everyone should have to get started:
1. A white button up shirt.
2. At least 2 pairs of jeans with 2 different fits and 2 different washes. (I recommend a straight leg and a skinny leg)
3. A pencil skirt.
The Gap, $38
4. A black (or brown, depending if you wear more earth tones) cardigan.
5. A turtle neck.
6. A v-neck layering sweater.
Old Navy, $35
7. BLACK dress pants.
8. A white camisole.
9. A black blazer.
10. Black dress shoes .(I recommend pumps, I doubt they will ever go out of style)
Steve Madden, $100
11. A casual shoe.
12. A leather purse.
13. Hoop earrings. ( Again, they wont go out of style for a long time!)
14. A simple black belt.
15. A comfortable nude colored bra.
These are the items to spend a little bit extra on. They will never go out of style, so get something made with good quality and something that fits! If you’re looking to update your wardrobe with trendy pieces, add color with scarves, and invest in some jewelery. Accessories are the best and least expensive way to update any outfit!
Hope these tips help! Happy donating!
Rachele, this is a super (and timely) post for me personally. Thanks for a basic list. All the items make sense. Gives me guidelines to focus on with pulling together a simple wardrobe to build upon when I’m overseas.
You know I did it for you right?
I love lists! My “score” is 11/15
(I’m missing the turtleneck (don’t like them), LEATHER purse, all-black dress pants and the belt (don’t wear them).
By the way, Modern Mix Vancouver switched domain names a while ago.
So we’re at http://www.modernmixvancouver.com instead of http://www.modernmixvancouver.wordpress.com!!
Happy holidays!
Vanessa
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