It’s been 1 year since I originally posted my Developing Your Wardrobe Palette series. In the lead up to my short, 1 year review of the process, I wanted to repost the series, in hopes of hearing about your own developments in it, along with inspiring others to evaluate their wardrobes in the same way. Original Part 4 & Comments.
Planning Future Purchases (“if money were no object…”)
I’ve explored why I want to refine my wardrobe palette; then I went on to share how I developed my color palette. Most recently, I’ve talked about the wardrobe I’ve currently got, and now I want to explore the pieces I need & want to make my wardrobe more cohesive, dynamic, and flexible.
The two sets below are kind of representations of the ways I want my wardrobe to grow: the provide both literal wants and ideas of the types of things I’m looking for. Patterns that incorporate several of the colors on my palette, and that can mix and match easily. Basics with a +1 for detail and interest. Ways to expand upon what I have, and provide pieces that are versatile and functional throughout most, if not all seasons.
♥ Basics in simple colors, but with beautiful details– a white shirt & a classic striped oxford, solid colored skirts with interesting details (the red skirt has a high waist & bow in the back), neutral dresses that can be layered upon easily. Ideally, this list can grow each season: turtleneck sweaters & cardigans for the fall & winter, tanks tops, t-shirts, and skirts to layer year round.
♥ Shoe Expansion: The shoes are more interpretive. Ideally, I’d like a pair or two, in varying styles, of the colors represented in my wardrobe. Right now I’ve got a major crush & case of the wants for a pair of duo/tri-tone flat brogues/oxfords, as well as flats-to-mid-heels in purple, royal blue, and nude/flesh toned– they’re topping my list of “to buys.”
♥ Diversifying & strengthening my patterned pieces. I love Trashy Diva for always making floral patterns that are accessible and easily integrated in to my wardrobe. I love that they have a variety of colors in them, making them stretch across my palette needs. Finding basic pieces in my favorite patterns– black & white striped shirts, striped cardigans and vests. These will add interest to my outfits, while remaining flexible.
♥ Comfort Above all, I want the pieces I buy to make me comfortable. To make me feel hip, stylish, and lovely, while being flexible for my lifestyle.
It’s hard in ways to have limited myself. When I see things like a yellow shirt, all I can think is “OOHH, PRETTY! I want to wear you with jeans and my grey/yellow flats!”
But then I stop and think: what ELSE would I wear this with? Because while I could wear it with the colors within my palette, I know that I wouldn’t. Wearing yellow with purple, pink, or black isn’t something I would do. I would only wear it with grey or denim.
It makes me seriously reconsider my wants & desires, to know whether or not it’s worth it–spending the money to know that I can’t and won’t wear it often.
Thanks so much for making it this far with me– I’ve appreciated all the comments, support, and suggestions I’ve received with this series! I hope to revisit it throughout the year, as my style evolves, grows, and changes with the purchases I make.
Many of you expressed interest in pursuing this yourself– please do! Please let me know how the process works for you, what you’ve discovered along the way, or any suggestions you may want me to try out. If you ever want help, suggestions, ideas, or someone to bounce ideas off of, please don’t hesitate to email me!
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Great advice. It’s also important to buy outfits rather than single pieces to avoid the problem you mentioned of “what do I wear this with?”
.-= Laura Connell´s last blog ..BCBG Denim Day for CURE =-.
A million times YES to Trashy Diva! A friend turned me on to them, and I have yet to order because I will be in New Orleans next weekend and plan to go see it all in person and pick up something gorgeous — hopefully!
Regarding conscious wardrobe building, I decided 2 years ago I was no longer going to wear brown. I would buy brown things and could never make them work.
In addition to color I am very conscious of silhouettes I buy too, and that’s meant that even though my shopping options are more limited I make a lot fewer buying mistakes.
Great series of posts, I’ve really enjoyed reading them!
What it is about brown? I wonder if people as consciously say “I’m not going to wear black, I just can’t make it work” the same way…..
Great tip on limiting silhouettes, too! I’ve actually found that the Trashy Diva cuts are VERY Flattering on me… defining my figure more… so I def try to pick pieces with similar cuts.
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