Wardrobe Staples
I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this, but lately I've become quite aware how lacking I am in some of the "staples" I feel my wardrobe could use. I think it's the product of years of shopping for too many casual clothes (and let's be honest, a lot of running gear) over investing in nicer stuff, which I need to wear more often.
Casual weekend:
You know that feeling, you go shopping one weekend and buy maybe two new pieces of clothing and then you're shocked come Monday when you don't have a bazillion new outfits to wear! I know it happens to me.
In the last few years, I've been telling myself "now when you go shopping, you really need to buy an entire outfit or make sure you have other things to wear with it." Too often, I'll buy a random cardigan over here and then another time a shirt over there without having multiple outfits in mind.
Lately, I've realized I'm in need of a few staples. As spring sales are popping up left and right, I'm going to keep these staples in mind just in case I come across pieces that catch my eye. Sometimes, when you realize you need to make the investment in something, it's just time to do it and quit whining about it.
A few of the things I'm on the lookout for:
Casual weekend:
Because who doesn't love jeans and a cozy cotton long sleeve?
Business casual work wear:
I love these flats. Wish I could buy them in more colors - Audrey Brooke via DSW
In the last few years, I've been telling myself "now when you go shopping, you really need to buy an entire outfit or make sure you have other things to wear with it." Too often, I'll buy a random cardigan over here and then another time a shirt over there without having multiple outfits in mind.
Lately, I've realized I'm in need of a few staples. As spring sales are popping up left and right, I'm going to keep these staples in mind just in case I come across pieces that catch my eye. Sometimes, when you realize you need to make the investment in something, it's just time to do it and quit whining about it.
A few of the things I'm on the lookout for:
- Blouses/nice tops to go with cardigans, jackets, or on their own (for work or dates, girls night, parties, etc.)
- Cardigans in multiple colors (currently own a heathered brown, two grey, an aqua and two black cardigans)
- Black pencil skirt
- Black flats
- Jackets - navy blue blazer to be dressed up or down and perhaps a khaki trench coat
Casual Friday
Jacket: Gap scored on sale last year, jeans: Old Navy via Goodwill a few years ago for $5!
And of course, because I'm on a budget I want to find nice things that will last, but are hopefully on sale.
I'm typically on the hunt at LOFT, Gap, Banana Republic and JCrew/JCrew Factory because their styles work with my tastes and they tend to have sales quite often.
Where do you shop (even if it just means putting the item in your cart and never purchasing)? What are the staples you're looking for to beef up your wardrobe?
Comments
I have been investing in some new outfits lately, too, that are sort of staples. I had a 50% off 5 items coupon from banana so I bought some springy blouses that go with multiple skirts/pants that I own and I also bought a new white button down as I wear them so often with suits, it was time to get rid of my old ones and invest in a new one (and I probably should buy one more). I also invested in some shoes this weekend because I have basically only been wearing 2 pairs of shoes for the last 6 months (terrible I know) because i kept waiting for my feet to be able to handle heels but they still can't so I am admitting defeat and I bought some new flats this weekend and a pair of low wedges. The crappy thing is that i can no longer just get cute shoes, they have to be supportive which means they are more expensive. But I try to think about it from a cost/use perspective.
I recently started subscribing to Stitch Fix (referral link --> https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3279934) and it's been AMAZING. They send you a box with 5 items - could be tops, bottoms, outerwear or accessories (you can guide them to your needs). You have three days to try things on at home, with your other clothes, shoes, accessories. Then, you get to keep what you want and send back what you don't. They are budget friendly (probably not $5 pants friendly, but they allow you to determine how much you're willing to spend on any one item) and the more guidance you provide, the more spot-on they are with what they send you. If not Stitch Fix, maybe something like it (e.g., free shipping and free returns) would allow you to try things on at home and take into consideration your other clothes before committing to a purchase?
-dark skinny jeans (at least two pairs)
-coloured blazers. I'm obsessed with blazers
-dresses in all colours and shapes
-lots of scarves and accent necklaces to dress up an outfit!
I am feeling pretty happy with my wardrobe lately, I just got some cute new stuff last week. I basically live in yoga/workout stuff on the evenings and weekends so also need lots of leggings to keep me going!