We’ve all been there—thumbing through a cramped closet filled to the brim with blouses and bottoms, only to announce, “I have nothing to wear.” If you’re not running short on wardrobe staples, how can you lack a presentable outfit?
The answer is simpler than you might anticipate: you haven’t established your foundation pieces. When paring down, you’ll want to prioritize comfort and personal style. Part of curating a wardrobe so flexible that you have something to wear all the time means having dependable pieces on-hand.
If you want to drop down from too much variety to just the right amount, this quick and nifty guide will help you tailor a closet full of clothes you love.
Defining Your Comfort Boundaries
The first step towards defining comfort boundaries is evaluating the clothes you love most. Consider what makes these pieces comfortable—do they fit just right? Are they flexibly sewn? Do they complement the rest of your wardrobe?
Get detailed listing preferences such as materials, colors, and even brand. Note characteristics that make these pieces likable.
Then, think about the daily tasks your wardrobe staples need to accommodate. Do you work in a space with high foot traffic, such as a kitchen or daycare? Does your work setting have a business-casual environment? How you move and spend your day can directly influence your wardrobe choices.
Once you’ve defined your comfort boundaries and developed your list of must-haves, allow your style to evolve. As you pare down, consider why you’re eliminating specific pieces. Is it because they no longer fit you? Or do they simply no longer suit your taste?
Asking yourself these questions can provide valuable insight into what makes you comfortable and confident.
Choosing Basic Pieces
Now that you’ve established the foundation of your personal style, it’s time to build your ideal wardrobe. When revamping your closet, consider these foundation pieces.
High-Waisted Trousers
High-waisted trousers make for a comfortable fit and ultra-flattering silhouette for all body types. You can’t go wrong with a dark and light pair, perfect for matching similar tops to create a DIY jumpsuit.
Throw on a blazer to complement your Kaddadia pants, and you’ll be the smart-casual icon at your next business meeting.
A Blazer
Adding a blazer to your list of staples adds structure to your wardrobe. These versatile pieces can be dressed up or down and are perfectly suited to every season.
A White Button-Down
White button-downs are the Old Fashioned of wardrobe cocktails—timeless, reliable, and always a good time. Not to mention, they pair well with almost anything.
Basic T-Shirts
Don’t want to think twice when you’re heading out the door? Basic t-shirts suit all environments, from running a quick errand at the grocery store to business-casual setups.
White, black, beige, and grey are dependable colors to have—you can even throw in something bright for a pop of color.
Comfortable Jeans
You can never go wrong with a sturdy pair of jeans. Jeans do an excellent job dressing down formal wear, perfect for a night out after a long business meeting.
Neutral Dresses
Neutral dresses are perfect bases for statement pieces like chunky necklaces, big bangles, and bold jackets.
The Bottom Line
Reinventing your wardrobe doesn’t mean overstuffing it with options. Once you establish your comfort boundaries and define your unique style, you’ll go from “nothing to wear” to “something to wear for every occasion.”