Uncover Your Wardrobe Essentials

February 20, 2014

Last week we talked about the importance of shopping lists and today I give you another iteration.

It seems the majority of us–male and female, both–are engaged in an eternal quest to cultivate the perfectly well-rounded wardrobe. Constantly, we fret over the essentials our library of fabric is missing, we troll the pages of magazines and the interwebs for clues…

In general, focusing on areas of lack is a counter-productive strategy. It prohibits us from enjoying what we already have, and blocks the way for us to receive what we desire. But there is a middle ground, which is: possessing the particular knowledge of what you might like and need, while not disparaging one’s current goods.

Where it regards clothing, we can’t deny the fact that we need the garments we need, the ones that help us to both feel our best, and allow us to perform our daily tasks the most effectively (comfortably). Nor can many of us deny that what we have currently in our closets doesn’t quite reflect our ideals. In fact, too many closets are overstuffed with the stuff of compensation–cheap, trendy items that we know full well aren’t cutting it in the long run, but that pacify us momentarily.

I condone the practice of cultivating a better wardrobe. I encourage you to spend some time in your closet and think about what pieces might truly help to add to your wardrobe/alleviate the daily stress of dressing/Live Simply. Brainstorm your essential wardrobe.

Referring to one of the many “wardrobe essentials” lists might be helpful, but ultimately, I can’t really advise following them too stringently. After all, each one of us has differing sartorial needs–what is essential for the woman working on Wall Street is entirely unnecessary for the woman working at the hot yoga studio.

If you feel a bit lost in the fashion department, then at least seek out more specialized capsule closet lists–ones created for people in your similar profession, or made for those living in your particular climate.

Clear out whatever items you’ve picked up along the way that are merely “fillers,” and allow yourself to see how your closet could be refined, how the pieces you already own and love can inform your future shopping decisions.

Then, make a list (write it!) of the items you feel you would benefit from having. This list can be specific, if you have a certain item made by a certain designer in mind, but it can also be general: “perfect white V-neck Tee that’s slouchy in the front and doesn’t pill.” Or, “Leather pants that don’t recall the Ross/Friends/baby powder incident.”

This isn’t meant to be a list you go out and shop for this weekend, but one that you can have in mind going forward, one that will help guide you during future shopping trips. Like all shopping lists, it will help to dissuade you from making impulsive purchases and keep you focused on your larger needs.

So…gotta list of your own? What are two things on it, huh?

Image credits: J Crew, A Fashion Love Affair 

5 Comments

  1. jennifer b on February 20, 2014 at 9:57 am

    a camel-colored pencil skirt and a good white button-down shirt

    • Annie on February 21, 2014 at 7:21 am

      Classics. Love it.

  2. Meghan on February 20, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    I totally agree with this approach. I keep a clothing “wish list” on my phone and I try to only buy clothes that are already on the list – helps with impulse purchasing and budgeting. I’m currently searching for the perfect pair of white jeans.

  3. Nanette on February 21, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    Ballet flats and circle skirt

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5 Comments

  1. jennifer b on February 20, 2014 at 9:57 am

    a camel-colored pencil skirt and a good white button-down shirt

    • Annie on February 21, 2014 at 7:21 am

      Classics. Love it.

  2. Meghan on February 20, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    I totally agree with this approach. I keep a clothing “wish list” on my phone and I try to only buy clothes that are already on the list – helps with impulse purchasing and budgeting. I’m currently searching for the perfect pair of white jeans.

  3. Nanette on February 21, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    Ballet flats and circle skirt

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