Update Your Wardrobe: The Essentials
Spend less and shop smarter. If your new year’s resolution is to manage your finances better, you will have to seriously consider a shopping diet. But, this doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be any less chic.
Spending the last few months in Italy, I learned a lot about looking good on a dime. Italians are incredibly savvy when it comes to money and clothes. You always see them in the top brands and designers and you wonder, how can they possibly afford those clothes? Well, the secret is, they only buy the essentials and re-use, re-use, re-use! But, they recycle their outfits in ways you would have never realized that they wore the same jeans or sweater three times in a week. So, when it is time to hit the racks make sure you look for quality not quantity. You can spend a little more on one item that will last you three to five seasons rather than a trendy item that will last you one month. Here’s how:
THE KEY ELEMENTS:
- White shirt
- Trench
- Jeans
- Little Black Dress
- Cardigan
- Flats
- Heels/Boots
- Pencil Skirt
- Day/Night Purses (or one that converts)
When looking for your key wardrobe elements make sure you choose good fabrics and cuts, don’t sacrifice quality for price. To get the best bang for you buck, try outlets or stores that sell designer pieces from last season. Classic colors like blacks, greys, whites, reds and navy blues are always in style. Stay away from trends like big poofy shoulders or prints, as they go in and out of style every season. A straight leg, medium washed jean wont go out of style where as flares or skinnies do.
Once you have your essentials your can shop for less expensive accessories. You can find great earings, bracelets, clutches, and more all under $50. You can buy printed tights or a leopard clutch and to show off seasonal trends instead of splurging on a leopard dress or printed jacket.
Now that you have finished shopping, it is time to mix and match your buys to create great outfits for any occasion.
Night Out on the Town
Camilla and Marc dress $790 (the price is a little steep but if you stock up on cheaper accessories you can change the look of the dress each time you wear it and get good use out of your purchase), Diane von Furstenberg trench coat $565 (go classic, the less frills the better), Steve Madden booties $150 (these boots are a steal and can be worn with a dress, skirt or pants for any occasion), Kate Spade clutch $225 (a simple red clutch will always be in style), House of Harlow earrings $100 (go all out on accessories when it comes to trends).
Weekday Chic
DKNY pleated cotton shirt $195 (a classic white shirt will go with absolutely everything from jeans to a pencil skirt), Diane von Furstenberg trench $565 (a trench can go from formal to casual), TEXTILE by Elizabeth and James jeans $250 (the less dazzle the better, so make sure there is no design on pockets, etc.), Michael Kors ballet flat $150 (a classic red will add a pop to any outfit), ASOS crossbody bag $86 (browns go with everything!).
Weekend Comfort
Rag & Bone grey cardigan $240 (in the colder months I carry a cardigan everywhere, you can throw it over a blouse, t-shirt or dress), Amrita Singh bracelets $100 (add some flare and trend with your accessories, like these indian bangles), TEXTILE by Elizabeth and James Jeans $250, Forever 21 Tote $21 (you don’t have to spend a fortune on a great bag), Top Shop skinny belt (stay away from big buckles and think belts, a simple skinny brown belt will match everything), Michael Kors ballet flat $150, Rebel Yell t-shirt $69 (show off your personality with an inexpensive graffic tee).
On the Job
DKNY pleated cotton shirt $195 (a work wardrobe staple), Juicy Couture ring $88, Carven pencil skirt (A pencil skirt can take you from work to play, just switch the shirt to a silk blouse and you are ready for a night out), Steve Madden booties $130, Fossil tote $170 (this tote expands so you can wear it on your arm or shoulder).
