Basics And My Wardrobe Building Formula

Do you like buying basics? I always liked the ease of minimalistic dressing, but somehow ended up always buying special pieces and never I wanted to spend money on simple black pencil skirt, white shirt or navy v-neck.

The problem with basics is that they usually don't go on sale, like the more trendy pieces. I thought that since I am spending my hard earned money I should be getting something more unique and special, right? Wrong. I perpetually ended up staring into the vastness of my closet with nothing to wear. Because by the time I was able to wear my bought-at-the-end-of-the-season sale leftovers, my crazy print asymmetrical skirt was out of style and felt dated.

I started looking at magazines and pictures of celebrities and style icons and analyse what was it that attracted me to their looks. OK, so most of the time it was the faces and bodies but I cannot really change that (or at least I don't want to go there just yet). But when I focused on just clothes and styles, I realized that I am drawn to very simple shapes and colors.

It was rarely the multi-layered, statement jewelry covered, shocking color combinations or mismatched prints that attracted me. So why was I buying those things for myself?

Some of it was an influence of my mother. My mother is a very stylish woman, but her sartorial preferences are very different from mine. She would buy a navy v-neck sweater only if it had a asymmetrical sequin covered ruffle attached to the bottom of it. She is an Anthro girl at heart and totally at home with over-the-top, unusual and unique. She wears it well and somehow manages to make it look classic.

My mother would rock this

 

I can do this

What I like, is the most simple styles but with perfect fit and relaxed, feminine vibe. Sort of Calvin Klein look but without the scary looking severe hair and blank faces (at least I hope my face is not blank). Now, of course, this is is not too say that at any point in time I did not have a white shirt or a pair on black pants in my closet. I did, but they were the-wrong-kind. They were the I-can-buy-it-cheaper purchases. Bought under an illusion that everybody sells basics, so I can compromise.They ones that give basics bad rap as being bland and boring and I-can-never-make-it-work.

My theory is, that if you find those great basics, you would be thrilled to just wear them on their own. If you can only wear your black pants when you cover them with your blazer or you need to wear your white t-shirt with a cardigan or a statement necklace, you probably don't like it as much and they the not THE basics you need.

So here is the wardrobe building formula that works for me:

For neutrals, white, black, navy and camel are my staples. I own skirts, plain dresses, trousers, shorts, t-shirts, cardigans or v-neck sweaters in each of those colors in warm and cold weather version. More white and navy for summer, more black and camel for winter. I keep it simple and free of embellishment. Plain pumps, boots and sandals in black/navy and nude. Purses in black and light brown.

This is my base. No multiples but just the best I could find.  From my experience, if I have multiples, I end up wearing one version over the others. The only exception for me is white button fronts and t-shirts because I wear them so often and they need to be replaced frequently.

I try to resist the temptation to buy just any pair of black pants or white shirt. Of course almost every retailer would carry basic colors but I make sure I get exactly what I want and never compromise on fit. If you want to test it for yourself, try wearing just your basics for a week. And I mean actually wear them, not just do a Polyvore of them. Your basics should have fabulous fit and you should feel great wearing your jeans with your white shirt or your camel skirt with your black t-shirt.

Life would be boring with just solids so I add couple of neutral striped t-shirts. Or maybe neutral color polka dots or colorblock.  Then I pick two other colors I like. This summer it is blue and red. I get a few tops in those colors.  Then I add printed skirt and dress where my favorite colors are the base. Same for couple of printed tops. I add other colors in shoes, belts and purses, they work great with neutrals.
 

 

That's it, really. It is not for everybody but it works for me. Everything goes together and I find it super easy to dress this way. 

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How about you?

Do you start with basics?

What is your dressing formula?

Please share, it would be no fun without you!!!