If you often find yourself staring into the soul of your closet, full of clothes, but feel like you never have anything to wear… you’re probably doing it wrong! If you want to learn how to build a classic, functional, and timeless wardrobe, then you’ve come to the right place. These 9 staple pieces I am about to share with you are KEY to having a closet full of clothes that are going to help you build versatile outfits, elevate your looks, and save time while getting ready.
If you’re reading this then my guess is either you’re looking for some fashion advice, you’re my mom (hey mom), or you’re just a fashion lover and love learning new style concepts like me! I’ve been through the wringer when it comes to fashion and finding my personal style. From thrifted fashion, to high end fashion, to Amazon fashion, to fast fashion – I’ve pretty much experienced it all. I used to be a sucker for a good trend and needed to own all of the pieces that were “hot” and Instagram-able. During this process I’ve become seriously overwhelmed with all of the stuff I’ve acquired and the overconsumption problem that, I think, a lot of us are all starting to experience these days. And to be honest, it’s just NOT doing it for me anymore.
I too had a closet full of clothes and could never seem to put together and outfit quickly. But not anymore! I’ve been on a whole new journey where I am only trying to buy and build my wardrobe up of high quality, timeless staples, that are going to last me a long time, never go out of style, and have the flexibility to enhance, NOT replace. Not only do I think this is this better for our mental health, but obviously better for the environment too. I’ve ditched the idea that I need to have all the trendy fashion pieces to have style and instead want to have a classic wardrobe that I don’t need to buy new or replace every season.
When it comes to building your wardrobe, you want to focus on two main concepts: your foundation, and your personality pieces. First we have to start off with the FOUNDATION of your wardrobe, aka your BASIC STAPLE PIECES. After that, we will make it your own by adding in your PERSONALITY PIECES, the pieces that are unique to you and your personal style. This is a two step process so let’s just focus on the foundation today.
Here is my list of the 9 staple pieces you NEED (PLUS LINKS) to build a functional, timeless, wardrobe:
- A PLAIN BLACK TOP
- A PLAIN WHITE TOP
- A PLAIN NUDE TOP
- A BLACK/NEUTRAL BLAZER
- A GOOD PAIR OF BLUE JEANS
- A CLASSIC BLACK TROUSER
- A BLACK SHOE – BOOT OR SNEAKER
- A PAIR OF WHITE SNEAKERS
- A PAIR OF CLASSIC BLACK HEELS
When it comes to basics, you are definitely going to want to INVEST in HIGH QUALITY items because these are going to be the pieces you wear the MOST. Now I’m not saying go out and spend one million dollars on a whole new wardrobe of high quality pieces. We are trying to be sustainable here, besties. I have linked everything in these photos but this is just a GUIDE! Start with what you have and then go from there. This is supposed to be a long, slow process that you can build up over time. Pull out all of your basics that you already own, and work with those first. Figure out what you need, find a nice high quality version, and treat yourself every now and then. Just be more mindful about where you shop, the pieces you are spending your money on, and how many items you are buying.
Once you have these basics, you can then make HUNDREDS of different outfit combinations. Every piece in this collection can be worn together, all different ways, and each outfit can be either dressed up or down – depending on the occasion. Not only will you look more put together, but you’ll also have a classy, timeless, elegant vibe to your outfits. You’re going to find getting dressed in the morning is ten times easier, you’re going to feel better because you look more put together, and you’re going to have a closet full of clothes that you actually wear!
It took me a lot of trial and error, but I’ve come to understand that the best way to build up the foundation of a wardrobe starts with the basics. The next step is going to be adding in your personality pieces, which is how you make your wardrobe unique, and your own. I have my own style, and you do too, and now that we have our basics down, we can expand off of that. So stay tuned. Until then, work on getting together those basics and creating different looks with those.
If you have any other questions, feel free to send me an email/DM! Be sure to follow me on Instagram for new blog post alerts, daily fashion, outfit inspo, and my LTK for exclusive daily content of wardrobe staples!
UNTIL NEXT TIME,
TAYLOR ONZE
TAYLOR ONZE 