Hello, my lovelies! In today’s blog post, I’m going to give you my ultimate guide to cultivating your dream wardrobe. This is a foolproof method I have used myself, and can guarantee that if you follow my tips, you will build a wardrobe that you love. I personally find my clothes are the thrift store, but these tips can also be applied to retail stores! Without further ado, let’s get to mimi’s guide to building your dream wardrobe ;))
Before I begin, I want to provide some background knowledge and some questions to consider before going shopping. I have been thrifting my clothes for several years now and, since then, have cycled through dozens of styles. However, there have been pieces that have survived my closet cleanouts, and there are reasons why. One reason is that I love the fit of the piece, which is an essential factor to consider before purchasing any items. The second reason is that the piece is in a color or pattern that I gravitate towards frequently. The last reason is that I like the neckline or rise of the piece, which makes me gravitate towards it. The first step to building your dream wardrobe is to look at the pieces you already have and pick out your favorites. You should ask yourself the following questions:
- What colors do I think look best on me? What colors do I feel are my best?
- What neckline do I think looks the most flattering on me? How do I like my shirts to fit? What sleeve length do I prefer?
- What rise of jeans do I think looks best on me? What wash of jeans do I lean more towards? Baggy or fitted? Flare or straight-legged?
- What pieces do I already have that I love? What do I love about them?
- Do I prefer silver or gold jewelry? Do I prefer minimalist or maximalist jewelry?
- What colors do I usually wear? What colors do I want to wear more? Do my clothes go with one another?
Once you know what type of pieces you are looking for, you can enter your store of choice with the correct lens on.
tip #1: make a list of pieces you are looking for
This tip is crucial to directing your shopping day. After you evaluate the state of your closet, you are able to make a list of the pieces that you need to add to your wardrobe. This list is your guide on the items you should be searching for and can make stores feel less overwhelming. Here is an example of a list I’ve made for one of my past thrift trips.
tip #2: if it is not an absolute yes, then it is a no.
This is my rule of thumb, especially when I am thrifting. If the piece doesn’t move my soul, make me want to cry, and make my stomach boil at the thought of someone else wearing it… Then I leave it behind. It can be very easy to overconsume, especially at the thrift store, so it is important that you are very selective about the pieces you take home with you. You also do not want to take home pieces that you loved in the moment but never end up styling more than once. If you do not love it, if the piece is not perfect, you simply do not need it! It is always worth waiting until you find an item that you consider perfect.
tip #3: select a color palette and stick with it
Yes, everyone aims to wear more color and stay away from darker colors, but I strongly believe you should select a color palette that works best with you. When you select a color palette of colors that not only look good on you but look good paired together, you will be able to style your pieces with one another. This will also help you feel more confident in the clothes you wear. You should select two or three main colors in your palette and then accent colors you use to accessorize or accent with. Let’s use me as an example. My three main colors are brown (includes beige), black(includes grey), and white, and my accent colors are pink, blue, green, and red. I also feel my best in my accent colors and love to use them as pops of color. However, I always resort to my main colors when I am stumped for outfit inspo.
tip #4: if you do not like the fit of it, do not buy it
This tip may seem obvious, but when you come across a clothing item that you LOVE the design, pattern, or style, it can be easy to overlook the way that it fits. It is almost like we are blinded. For example, if you find a top that is from your favorite brand and in your favorite color but it has a high neck, but you don’t find high-necks flattering on you. Even though you like the material and color of the top, you should not buy it because it has a neckline you deem unflattering. Because of this you will not gravitate towards the item, and it is not a worthwhile addition to your wardrobe. If an item has a neckline you don’t like, is too baggy or skinny, or sits weirdly, no matter how much you like you will not wear it.
tip #5: make a Pinterest board of outfit and shopping inspo
You have probably heard it many times before, but Pinterest is the prime destination for outfit inspiration. It is very easy to create boards of images you like. When you have trouble styling your wardrobe, you can pull inspo from Pinterest! The key is to alter the outfit to fit your own personal style and preferences. The goal is not to recreate but to take inspiration. Pinterest outfits may show you a different way to style some of the pieces you already own and love <333
tip#6: if you have not worn it in the last six months, get rid of it.
This final tip is one to take with you moving forward. Even when you have a wardrobe you love, your style will evolve, and you will replace your pieces with better versions. Sometimes it can be hard to let go of a piece because of how stunning they can be, but the truth is, if you are not wearing it you should get rid of it! It deserves a new home, one where it will be worn and loved. So, do not hoard your clothes, you are constantly changing and your wardrobe will too.
Happy styling my darlings!!
pinterest boards mentioned: outfit inspo, thrift inspo, it girl Spring 2024 wardrobe
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