How To Build A Better Wardrobe
First things first: take a look at your lifestyle. How much time do you spend at work? Do you wear a uniform? How much time do you spend at leisure? Do you live in a diverse climate or is it 60 degrees and sunny all year long?
If you live in a warm climate chances are you don’t need a winter parka unless you hit the slopes often during the ski season. If you wear a uniform to work chances are you don’t need to have all of those ‘business’ clothes, but keeping a suit around for interview purposes is a good idea.
Step 1: Make an inventory list. If you know what you have down to the last detail then you can figure out what is missing from your closet and what you have too much off. Don’t forget to go through your accessories too. My list showed me that I own way too many tees and not enough business-casual pants for work.
Step 2: Make a wish list. This list should contain all the items that you want your closet to be full of, but isn’t convenient for you to have or out of your price range. For instance, my wish list contains a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, but since I cannot afford them they will remain on my wish list until I can.
Step 3: Purge your closet. Get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year. If these items have sentimental value consider placing them in storage to make room in your closet. Everything else should be donated, trashed or sold online. I always take my items to a re-sale shop like Plato’s Closet before donating or trashing.
Step 4: Determine your budget. Do you have Net-a-porter taste on an H&M budget? Then set aside some money each month so you can buy in your taste range instead. There’s no point of going out and buying a whole new wardrobe in one day if you cannot afford it.
Step 5: Shop! Once you know what your closet missing (and have space), buy some new pieces! Search for quality over quantity items (unless you’re buying basics like tees and underwear).
