How to Create a Wardrobe

Your wardrobe should reflect your personal style.

"You can't judge a book by its cover" may be a trusted adage, but looking put together goes a long way towards making the proverbial good first impression. One way to appear together is to assemble a wardrobe that won't let you down. In fact, before you think about what you wear, you need to think about why you wear clothes, how you wear clothes, and where you wear clothes. Once you have examined these issues, you will be ready to start your shopping.

Things You'll Need

• Clothing budget
• Closet
• Television
• Internet connection (optional)

Instructions

1. Look at how, where and why you wear clothes. This may seem obvious, but it is so easy to assemble a wardrobe based on advice from magazines or retail staff, only to find that you have no occasion to wear many of the outfits. It's crucial to take a good look at what you do and where you go on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. For example, if you have a job where jeans are the norm, you rarely dress for plays or concerts and have friends who dress casually even at parties, you won't need a lot of cocktail or evening wear. On the other hand, if you present yourself more formally, wear suits to work, and go to upscale restaurants often, you will need more elegant attire. Look carefully at why you wear clothing. If you choose clothing to conform, keep that in mind as you develop your new wardrobe. If your primary goal is to impress others or to express yourself, make your choices accordingly.

2. Gather ideas. If you have not thought much about clothes in the past, many tools exist to help you generate ideas for what to wear. Women's and fashion magazines always include at least one pictorial section on trendy or practical clothing ideas. You may also find makeover sections or direct advice from style or fashion editors in these publications. Check out magazine-style TV shows, such as the Today Show. These programs typically include segments on what to wear by season or by style. Of course, the web is a 24/7 source of information. Search for the online representations of fashion magazines, such as Elle.com or Vogue.com. Even print and online publications such as Real Simple, Oprah, and More can lend you ideas for your new wardrobe.

3. Consult a professional. You may wish to seek the advice of a wardrobe consultant or personal shopper. However, fashion professionals are often wedded to, and may even have a financial interest in promoting current trends, colors and styles. You will have to be careful not to be talked into a choice that will not suit your personality, lifestyle or sensibilities. If you have no occasion to wear an eggplant-colored pencil skirt with a sheer romantic blouse--and especially if you will not be comfortable in such an ensemble--you should not purchase it. Make the most of pro suggestions regarding clothing fit and cut, and otherwise defer to your own tastes and needs.

4. Acquire the basics. According to StyleBakery.com, a wardrobe should be built around a set of core basics. Those basics typically include at least a dress, a blazer, a coat, pants, and a good pair of shoes. These items should be not trendy but classic styles, like a double-breasted coat, or flat-front pants. It may be that you already own several of these items. When it comes to the basics, if you are not color-savvy or adventuresome, it may be best to stick to neutrals, i.e., beige, navy, or black. Invest in quality basics that will survive for years to give your wardrobe a strong foundation.

5. Add tops for varying occasions. If your lifestyle is such that you can wear a white shirt and navy slacks to any event, you may need only to stock up on white shirts. If not, look for colors and styles to update or spice up your conservative core wardrobe pieces. You may decide on brightly colored (coral, green, yellow) casual tees or polo shirts for running errands, pastel (pink, blue, lemon) button-down shirts for work or casual dining, and jewel-toned (purple, rust, gold) silk or satin blouses for going to concerts, for example. Choose colors in which you feel comfortable but that will also suit the occasion.

6. 

   Colorful jewelry can add visual interest to neutral basics.

   Add accessories. If you have invested in neutral-colored basics and you want to add color to your wardrobe, accessories can be an ideal avenue. Choose rings, earrings and bracelets that allow you to express your individuality. A necklace that makes a statement can mean the difference between blah and fab with a simple shirt and pants ensemble. Belts can also add flavor, whether worn over a dress or coat or with pants or skirts. Select accessories that are expressive, with an eye toward appropriateness.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't buy everything at once. If, after thorough planning, you find you have a lot of shopping to do, don't be tempted to do it all at once. Buy a few pieces at a time and see how they mesh with your lifestyle and with what is already in your closet before buying more.

• Don't buy on impulse. Plan your shopping trips, and if you are on the fence about a piece, walk away. Think about it for a few days or even weeks. Will it suit your lifestyle? Will you feel comfortable in it? If you decide it is the right choice, return to the store to make the purchase.

References

• StyleBakery.com: Create a Wardrobe You Love
• modernglam.com: wardrobing

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish