One of the most frequently asked questions I get about clothes is “what should I buy?” or some version of that. This is a hard question to answer because a. it’s not a one size fits all response and b. it’s one that can’t really be answered quickly. As someone who is on social media a lot, follows the trends and always keeping an eye what’s in stores, I see how overwhelming it gets first hand when product is constantly being presented to us. With more outlets now than ever it’s up to the consumers to be able to cut through the clutter. This is certainly not an easy task, and my simplest solution is to create a buildable wardrobe.

I think the worst thing that can happen after you’ve went shopping for something, once the initial purchase gratification has worn off, you utter the dreaded words “I have nothing to wear”. It’s happened to me, and it’s so frustrating. I’ve noticed that when this happens there’s usually been some sort of shift in what I think I want vs. what I actually need and really like. It’s fine to want things, those are usually the items that speak to us and we truly love. But when it’s a purchase made on impulse without a lot of thought is when the issues can arise.

The approach I take is putting importance on having a buildable base, then adding in all the right key items to create your style or just to look “put together”. If you stick to this method you’re almost always guaranteed to have something to wear, even when the entire outfit isn’t new.

Investment pieces to wear over and over. If you don’t own these key pieces, make it a point to find some that you love and add them to your closet:

1. A great fitting jean (Madewell and Everlane are great options)
2. A white button up (I have 2 from J.Crew that I wear a lot)
3. Your favorite good quality white t shirt, (this Madewell tshirt is my fave)
4. A black romper or black jumpsuit (or both to have for warm and cold seasons)
5. A neutral sweater/s
6. Trouser pants that flatter your body type (wide leg, cigarette, peg, straight leg, etc.)
7. A thick pair of black skinny pants (not cotton leggings, but stretch is fine)
8. A neutral skirt that fits your body type (pencil, a-line, structured midi, high waisted bubble, etc.)

My favorite neutrals to buy:  White, Creams, Tans, Black, Camel, some Grey then I add in colors that compliment those neutrals like pink and rust tones. You could also do this with White, Blues, Black, Greys and Tans, for a cooler color pallette.

How to make those items work from season to season and what to look for:

These are the pieces that are based on your personal style and/or trends you want to incorporate into your wardrobe. If you aren’t sure what or where to find these items, I’m giving examples of brands and stores I like to find these particular things myself.

*Budget: mostly under $100, Mid Range: $100-$350, Splurge: $350+ 

• Statement Shoes: This one is probably my favorite because I am such a shoe person. I know once I find a great statement shoe I have to have it, but realistically I can’t buy every shoe I fall in love with. I do try to come up with how many outfits I can wear the shoes with especially if it’s on the pricier side.
  • Budget: Zara, Asos, Topshop, BP. – Mid Range: Schutz, Jeffrey Campbell, Sam Edelman –  Splurge: Yuule Yie, Loeffler Randall, Aquazzurra
• A Favorite Bag/s: There are your staple “investment” bags (maybe you have a Gucci or Louis that you carry all the time, mines a Proenza Schouler messenger bag). Then, there are your bags that may be a bit less classic and a little more fun and unique. For me this has meant different shaped or textured bags like a circle, bucket, or woven bag. Honestly, I tend to favor these pieces that offer a flair of personality and cost a lot less than designer bags. I try to get one statement bag a season in either the budget or mid range. Also, a little bit of color here such as camel, pink or even red goes such a long way.
  • Budget: Vintage, (like this Etsy bag shop), Free People, Zara, Asos – Mid Range: Sézane, Clare V., Serpui Marie, Nannacay – Splurge: Mansur Gavriel, Trademark, Ulla Johnson
• A Good Piece of Seasonal Outerwear: Thinking beyond a winter coat, I’m talking items like a great denim jacket for casual outings, a blazer to add polish, faux fur pieces for texture in winter, lighter fabrics and colors for fall and spring. The best part about outerwear is you get to wear them a lot without it being a “repeat” outfit. There are so many lengths, prints, colors and textures that I always like to have a choice based on what I’m wearing. An outer piece can transform and pull together entire outfit, just like I talked about in this post.
  • Budget: Zara, H&M, Chicwish – Mid Range: BB Dakota, Free People, Asos, Topshop – Splurge: Frame
• Hats: Ok, this one might not be for everyone, but if you are a hat person, a nice selection of this accessory to top off an outfit can change the entire look and feel you are trying to achieve. And it almost always hides a bad hair day.
  • Budget: Topshop, Asos, Madewell – Mid Range: Brixton, GigiPip, Hat Attack – Splurge: Eugenia Kim

While this doesn’t cover every sort of clothing item you may need, it’s a good start. Remember when you are shopping to have an idea of what you need and what will work with what you already own. Keep this buildable wardrobe guide in mind so you are prepared and at the least, I hope it makes the process a bit easier!

Red Bag: Zara (similar here) | Bucket Bag: Sézane | Round Bag: Clare V. | Bow Shoes: both are Zara, pink bow pumps here and polka dot slingbacks here (size down, they run big) | Pearl Slides: Gabes (similar here) | Black Suede Hat: Gigi Pip | Floppy Rust Colored Hat: Topshop (got it final sale)

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