How to Build a Versatile Wardrobe That Can Serve You for Years

You open your closet with piles of skirts, pants, dresses, and tops of all possible colors and textures, yet you’ve got nothing to wear. The clothes are good, but they don’t really look good together. And you start questioning yourself, saying “What was I thinking when I bought that skirt?” It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? If you dream of having a wardrobe that can help you dress for any occasion without spending a fortune, investing in a list of wardrobe essentials may be a good idea.

We at Bright Side love fashion and got curious about how to build a limited yet versatile wardrobe where everything matches and looks good together. Here are the basics we learned after reading a number of fashion magazines.

The first steps to take

• Declutter your closet. Shopping is fun, but before bringing home more clothing items, consider getting rid of some of the old ones. Toss anything that is too worn or ripped and sell or give away everything that’s in good condition but doesn’t suit you any longer. If you find it hard to decide whether you need an item or not, ask yourself several questions: “When was the last time I put this item on?” or “Does it make me feel good?” or “Does it match anything in my wardrobe?”
• Think more about quality than quantity. When your wardrobe consists of high-quality items, you won’t have to replace them often, and they will serve you for years.
• When shopping for new items, take into account the lifestyle you have. Long evening gowns may look fantastic on you, but what’s the point in buying them if you’re not going to attend fancy parties in the near future? Your wardrobe should make you feel happy and comfortable right here, right now.

Wardrobe essentials to buy

Now that you’ve decluttered your closet and decided upon your clothing style, it’s time to move on to the most pleasant part — shopping for new items! Below is a shopping list you can use as a prompt when creating your perfect wardrobe. Stylists believe that a wardrobe that includes such items is versatile enough and can serve you for quite a long period of time.

A little black dress that can be more casual or more informal, depending on your style

A flattering pair of jeans that fits you like a glove

A “statement” blazer, i.e. a blazer that has an unusual texture, color, pattern, or cut

A minimalist knitted sweater you can wear for many occasions

A day-to-night midi dress you can wear both in the office and at the party

A classic trench coat for windy weather

A denim jacket you can wear with a pair of jeans, a summer dress, or anything you can think of

Universal U-neck T-shirts in white and black colors

A classic double-breasted woolen coat that will keep you warm on a cold day

An elegant skirt suit of any color and texture you like

A flattering trouser suit

A sheath dress that can highlight your waist

An elegant lace dress that you can wear for a dinner party or an official event

A pencil skirt you can pair with a shirt, a blouse, or a sweater

A leather jacket of any color and cut, depending on your personality and fashion preferences

A timeless black turtleneck top you can pair with almost anything in your wardrobe

A silk shirt or blouse you can wear with a blazer

A denim skirt of any length and shape for a relaxed summer outfit

A floral dress for a dazzling summer look

Which clothing style is your favorite and why? Would you like to change anything about your wardrobe?