Question:
I usually buy my clothes at consignment stores because this is both cheaper and “greener” than the mall. Therefore, I have lots of quirky, cool things I love in my wardrobe, but not many basics. So here’s my question: What are the basics I need to add that can complement my consignment-quirky wardrobe?
--submitted by M.L.
Hello M.L.,
Thanks for your question.
This is a good problem to have. I find it easier to add the necessary basics to a collection of quirky and cool clothes than to inject whimsy/personality into a closet full of basics. So, in my book, you are ahead of the game!
To start, think of your wardrobe as a bite of cake with a good balance of frosting and cake. The ‘frosting’ is your accessories, including the quirky or cool items you already have. The ‘cake’ is your wardrobe basics – shirts/blouses, slacks/skirts, dresses – that you wear regularly. Right now you have a lot of frosting, and you need more cake.
The particular basics you need (and how many) will be determined by several factors, including your occupation and your company’s dress code. If you work from home and rarely have face-to-face meetings, you may not require an extensive wardrobe. Regardless, there are key garments that a well-dressed person should have in their closet when the need arrives. My recommendations are below.
Wardrobe basics for women:
-Tailored dress slacks in black and gray (and perhaps in taupe and navy).
-Skirts in the same colors. If you never wear skirts, add more slacks.
-Tailored blazer that you can wear with jeans, a skirt, or slacks.
-Dark wash jeans.
-Day dress. (Try a wrap style or coat-dress style, depending on your
preference and body type.)
-White cotton blouse.
-Black turtleneck.
-Woman’s tee-shirts (v-neck or scoop neck and colors depend on your preference).
-Cocktail or ‘little black dress.’
Wardrobe basics for men:
-Two-piece suit in charcoal or navy.
-Sport coat.
-Blue dress shirt.
-White dress shirt.
-Dark wash jeans.
-Flat front khaki pants.
-Polo shirts or your preferred style of casual shirt with a collar.
-Tuxedo. (Rent only if you’re a groomsman and all tuxedos must match.)
These lists do not include shoes, belts, coats or the various accessories you will need to complete your look. However, the items listed provide a good foundation to get you on your way!
