Magazine articles consistently give the same message; there are closet essentials to mix and match. But if you had these must-haves for 2020, would you wear them? Or would they join the dusty piles barely worn? Your favorite clothes have a secret to tell you. They are close enough to your best colors, best shapes or personal style that you want to wear them again and again.
A good stylist can demystify the current winners; the date-worthy sweater, or your favorite jeans. Once you know why these items work on you, you can buy more of them. Voila, you have your closet essentials.
My husband used to tell me he liked my wide-leg jeans (while looking at my butt). I looked at the jeans in a mirror, yep, they were flattering. The well-placed pockets on the butt gave me a butt I wasn’t born with. I loved them because they were roomy and I felt slim. They became my go-to jeans for everyday. One sad day, they were too tight. I was gaining weight.
When I consulted with a stylist, I was also at my heaviest weight. She gave me color swatches for my best colors. And she told me which shapes would flatter my figure. My figure was wider in the thighs than the shoulders. The stylist suggested I wear pants that fall straight down from the hips. Just like my favorite jeans!
After seeing the stylist, I got busy shopping. At first, I didn’t believe everything I was told. I bought tops in my colors, but I didn’t buy the form-fitting shapes the stylist recommended. Instead, I stuck with the boxy and empire waisted tops I was using to hide the weight. That year I bought a new wardrobe. I received many compliments, saw what a big difference color can make, and created almost 100 outfits in my phone app. However, one year later, I ended up decluttering many of the tops I bought. I started to see for myself and understand, a tent is not my best shape.
There is a learning period after seeing a stylist. During this time, you learn from every piece of clothing you try on. There’s no need to buy the clothes, just try them on. Slowly over time, I saw the principles of shape and design come to life. Now, I can walk into a store, walk around and leave in 10 minutes. When there’s nothing fabulous there for me, I know it.
There is a learning period after seeing a stylist. During this time, you learn from every piece of clothing you try on.
This month, I read a magazine article about wardrobe essentials. Don’t do this! It said you need 9 cashmere knits, 3 midi dresses (black, red, and print), 4 pairs of jeans, 1 red silk cocktail dress, and 1 black gown. Ok, now forget what I just said. The woman who wrote that article, these are the items she wears. Does that mean you will wear them? No.
Before following any advice on capsule wardrobes, first you need to look at yourself with fresh eyes and learn how to dress this person. What you learn from a stylist will be unique to you. Once you know the colors and shapes that look good, you find clothing you want to rewear. With these basic pieces, you can easily mix and match.
I used to have one pair of jeans that looked good, now all of my pants are in a flattering shape. Want to find your essential wardrobe pieces? Reach out and I’ll help you get started.