One of the biggest challenges I set as part of my organisation challenge, was to take the time to shop for and find clothes that I actually want to wear and look good on me. This is a huge challenge as I loathe shopping for me and I usually get so frustrated that I only buy necessities or things I don’t really like. I’m sure I’m not the only one (or at least I hope), so I’ve been looking ’round the internet for the staple items I think could be a good start for my new, fabulous wardrobe.
found here: long sleeve top, t-shirt, dress, scarf, handbag, jeans, leggings, toms, sandals, ballet flats
What’s on the list:
- Long Sleeve Basics & Cardigans – These are for everyday wear, and are great in a climate like Melbourne where it can be a little chilly, even in spring and summer. Great for layering in the winter too!
- T-Shirts – Whilst I’m probably technically too old for the text t-shirt, I’m still love a tee on a casual day (and this one for a good cause). They look great paired with a cardigan, jeans and ballet flats and are super comfy!
- Dresses that suit your shape – This is one of the reasons that I don’t love shopping. It can be so tricky and exhausting to find dresses that suit my shape and are flattering. I’m determined to find a couple of semi-casual ones that I can wear to conferences and/or parties.
- Scarves – I was once in the anti-scarf group, but I’ve grown to love them. They are great for keeping your neck from getting chilly and brightening up an outfit. They are pretty inexpensive a lot of the time, too!
- Handbag – I’ll admit that I bought the actual handbag above when I was on my trip through the USA. I don’t like to switch mine and just have one for all occasions, so I splurged when this one was on sale at Kate Spade.
- Jeans for your shape – Another reason I don’t love shopping is that jeans are so depressing to try on. I finally found a pair I like in the US that are made for curvy ladies and actually fit! I’m on a mission to find some more.
- Black leggings – These are a must in Melbourne if you want to wear your summer dresses through the winter (and sometimes spring). I find they are great for mix and match outfits and are great for travel.
- Cute Shoes – You can so tell I’m planning for spring with the lack of boots, but these are on my list to acquire for the warmer months ahead. Toms for dressed up casual, Saltwater sandals to go with dresses and ballet flats for all occasions. Shoes are the one part of my wardrobe I find easy to buy (that and winter coats, which I seem to have a great collection)
Everyone has different tastes and clothes that suit them better than others. I work from home and my attire is pretty casual, so I don’t have many office things (I’ve always been bad at dressing well for office environments, smart casual confuses me). These seem like a good start for me to build my wardrobe up from the 4-6 outfits I currently have. I may have given most of my clothes to charity before I went away thinking I wouldn’t be back for a long time and came home with very little. Oops!
Have I missed anything you think should be there? What’s a wardrobe staple for you? I’d love to hear!
Happy organising!
I always say to knitters of my patterns that colour is just as important as choosing the right shape. Take yourself to Bennetton, Uniqlo or any of those shops that have t-shirts and tops in EVERY colour. Grab one of each, go to the fitting rooms with a friend and take quick snapshots of ALL the colours next to your face in a spot that has the closest thing to natural light. Ensure your choice of colour is the right one for your skin tone for your wardrobe to reflect positively!
And, even if you’re one of those people that love nothing more than wearing black (or maybe you have to because of work?) do the same to your jewellery, glasses, handbag, socks… A pop of colour in the right place will do wonders for your mood and style!
Thank you for these suggestions! They are awesome! :)
Dresses and jeans. *sigh* Jean shopping is the worst. Well, pants shopping in general. I need to find the “fit your shape” pair, though sometimes I feel like I’m chasing a unicorn when looking for those. I don’t want mama jeans (even if that’s where I am in life)! I want ones that look nice.
I used to be anti-legging, but I’ll admit, I tried a few and … well … now they’re awesome.
I was never anti-scarf, but I just forget to wear them. Maybe it’s having babies around who like to yank them or gnaw on them that dampens their appeal. Heehee. They are cheap and fun, though.
I need to get some more flats. I usually live in sandals all summer, but I do love a cute pair of flats.
Pants shopping can be so painful!! It’s great when you find a store that will take your measurements and actually find your correct size. I found that in the US Levi’s stores, it was a much nicer shopping experience. I think that extra care makes all the difference with a difficult purchase!
Good luck on your shopping adventures! :)