Wardrobe Building: Knowing Your Style

Most people have trouble defining their style so this post highlights traits, common stores/brands, and style icons for various fashion styles. Let’s dive in and get to know your signature style!

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Wardrobe Building: Suiting

One of the most important building blocks in any woman’s wardrobe is a suit.  While it’s easy to think of this as a piece only relevant to bankers, lawyers or hospital administrators, a suit is an indispensable item for all women and can be broken apart into many flexible looks
 
The J. Crew Super 120s Collection is my go-to low/moderate brand and can be a steal when they are running a sale, while BOSS and Theory are two top picks for moderate/high investment suiting.

My recommendation is to invest in the best jacket-pant-skirt combo that your budget can handle in black, navy or a dark grey.  Look for quality stretch wool fabric.  One-button or two-button jackets will work better than 3+ or double-breasted as will a classic shaped trouser (not too skinny, too flared).  A pencil is the most versatile skirt shape.  Tailor for an impeccable fit!

Now have fun styling your new versatile look!  For work try the trouser with a print blouse and accent-color cardigan; for day try jeans with a simple tee, blazer, bold statement necklace and platform slides or the pencil skirt paired with a chambray button-down tied at the waist, sunnies and a pair of lace-up ballet flats; for date night pair the trouser with an embellished silk tank and metallic sandals.  And rest easy you’ll never have to worry again about what to wear to that unexpected interview, that funeral, that after-hours work function of your husband’s, etc. 

J. Crew Super 120s

J. Crew Super 120’s Collection – Skirts from $128, Trousers from $138, Jackets from $248; a variety of fits are available in each category so you can find something that fits your style and best suits your body type. 

Theory Gabe Blazer
Theory Testra Trouser
Theory Lanai Blazer

 Theory Suiting Separates – Prices range from about $215-515 depending on item. 

BOSS Jabina Blazer
BOSS Tulea Trousers

 Boss Suiting Separates – Range from $180-625.

Wardrobe Building: Where to Begin Investing?

So, you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your wardrobe but are wondering how to start investing your hard-earned dollars!  

A great place to start is by focusing on pieces with low cost per wear ratios.  Cost per wear ratio is calculated by taking the price of the item purchased and dividing it by the number of times you will wear the item in a year.  For example:

  • $500 special event outfit at 2 wearings per year = $250 cost per wear
  • $500 seasonal handbag at 65 wearings per year (5 days/week for one 13-week season) = $7.69 cost per wear
  • $10 blouse bought on sale/impulse with tags still on a year later = $10 in the trash
Low cost per wear pieces often include:
  • Shoes and Boots
  • Handbags and Small Leather Goods
  • Jeans
  • For professionals: A suit in a dark color (black, charcoal, navy)
  • For cool climates: Outerwear
  • Sunglasses
As you elevate your personal style, choosing to invest in these items first makes a ton of sense as you will get repeated wear and a variety of styling options out of these pieces.