Building a Better Wardrobe: Stockin’ Yo’ Closet

Carrie’s closet? Well-stocked AND it runneth over.

I’m building a better wardrobe.  So some of the big questions I’ve been asking myself are: How do you determine how to stock your closet? How much is enough? How much becomes too much?

When I look at my closet, somehow I know what’s there isn’t enough.  But when does it become enough and at what point it becomes too much.

As I’m working on losing weight, the quantity and quality aren’t quite as important to me. Having fewer and less expensive pieces means I’m not investing too much in something I may not be able to wear again. But if you remain in a solid size range, how do you figure out how much you should own?

Math’s not my strong point, but I’m beginning the equation by figuring out what I don’t own (or don’t own enough of).  There are some pieces that are practically non-existent in my closet–or I wear through them so quickly that I’m always on the search for the newest one.

Keeping in mind my goals for building a better wardrobe, I’ve identified a few gaps and much needed items:

• Weather appropriate shoes: It’s amazing how easy it is NOT to buy shoes that are weather appropriate.  Women’s summer shoes? In a land where four months is 100 degree weather and the rest of the year is 60-90, how do I not own a simple pair of sandals, but own two pairs of furry winter boots?
• A solid and varying wardrobe of flats: I wear flats 95% of the time. It’s been a fantasy of mine to own a lovely, fabulous pair of flats in each color of my wardrobe palette (red, purple, teal, blue, green, black, nude, grey, and navy) and a few pairs that were in playful patterns (snakeskin, floral, leopard, plaid, or polka dot, for examples).
• Cardigans & sweaters: For NOLA winters, these are essential (and much cuter alternatives to the hoodies I have a fondness of sticking to!). While solid colors are a necessity, fun ones can also have their place in a wardrobe– like this broken heart cardigan, a sweater with heart elbow patches or a panda sweater.  They’re two-tone, with a simple graphic or print that keeps them from being “to boring,” yet aren’t so pattern heavy they’re difficult to mix and match.
• Great trousers – of the non (blue) denim and not “work” kind.  I still own one pair of pants from my “skinnier” days. They’re charcoal grey with a black and pink plaid through them. They were the first thing I bought at Urban Outfitters after I’d lost a lot of weight, were clam digger length, and I adored them.  I miss a great pair of trousers that can go from class with a t-shirt and flats to the club with a t-shirt, stilettos, and smokey eye.
• Playful, pretty blouses.  A few years ago, I banned graphic tees from my wardrobe. And while I own a few now (mostly for kickin’ at home and working out), I love a great blouse that again — can go from a day at work to a date night with a change of accessories. When paired with jeans, hey’re an instant way to feel more put together. These are all on my wishlist: lace peplum blouse; pintuck blouse with 3/4 sleeve; Carousel blouse;  and Swanning Around Blouse.
• Easy going skirts.  I own a few skirts. Mostly ones with elastic waists that make me feel like a chicken, or “interview” skirts, and a couple with awkward waist bands that never fit right.  I love the mix and match abilities of separates, but finding the right ones is so hard! I want a couple cotton jersey skirts for summer (similar to these: only shame on you Old Navy for making them so thin they’re see through! Though the lovely Mel at Full Bodied Fashion heard my cries and found these great plus-size convertible skirts from Land’s End).  Maybe a perfect pleated skirt; a great tweed or herringbone.  A few that are flippy and cute–but mostly, just skirts that are easy to wear and fit well!

Looking at that list, it’s A LOT.  There are a few items in my closet I can stop stockin’ up on: pretty dresses, accessories (necklaces and scarves in particular), workout t-shirts (event freebies are great!), socks and tights.  While having a great selection of jeans would be amazing, I can make do during the weight-loss period with about 2 pairs.

As I hunt for these items, I plan on sharing them (and soon, 10 not-so boring basics!)– and likewise, if you have a great source for skirts like that Old Navy one? PUH-LEASE pass it along my way!

So let’s chat:

• What do you own in excess of (or not enough of)?
• What gaps are missing in your closet?