As I head into the last few years of my twenties, I look back on how my wardrobe has evolved. From the age of twenty-one to twenty-seven I would say things dramatically changed in my wardrobe. My outlook on how to get the most bang for my closet came to me over the last few years.  At twenty-one it was more important to have as many pieces as possible to always keep things fresh and new. On a tight college student budget, I was buying poor quality pieces that would not last me years of wear. Now, I see those pieces do not last like your wardrobe should and I ended up getting only a few wears out of each piece before donating to Goodwill.

Now, I am not saying my approach is the best 4 methods, but I did find my new-ish 4 methods tend to stretch my wardrobe much longer.  Below is “how” I tend to shop. Yes, I like any other person still have those few impulse buys or those pieces “I have to have this” For the most part I do follow 4 simple rules that I have found to be effective for my wardrobe.

1) Make A List Each Season

Yes, just like your grocery list, make a list of items you want and need in your closet for that season. I tend to only do two lists per year; spring/summer list and fall/winter list.  I keep the small notepad in my purse at all times to keep my list handy and always with me. Try to think of basic/classic pieces that can be intermixed with almost everything in your wardrobe. If you have a tight budget, you can also catagorize your want pieces from your need pieces. Also, do your research and right down stores and the cost of your want and need items. Remember those need items come first and then your want purchases.

2) Do you really need it?

Yes, this seems very straight forward and it is a straight forward question when shopping for your closet.  You are walking through a store and spot a great grey crew neck sweater. Ask yourself, do you really need it? Do you already own 5 grey sweaters? Maybe adding a sixth grey sweater is not a great move for your closet. Always keep in mind what you have on hand and whip out your list of things you want/need to help you from making bad purchases.  Do you see new grey crew neck sweater on your list? Nope! Then put it back on the rack and focus on your wants/needs on your list.

3) Cost Per Wear

Ok, so some people do not believe in this method, however, I do believe it suits my decisions best.  No it is not a way to validate or justify your $100 pair of shoe purchase.  It is a way to see that those classic black heels are more than just the $100 price tag. Are they made of good quality to hold up over time? Are they classic? Answering yes means they are a classic pair of black heels that will never go out of style. Don’t forget to do your research and have shopped around to find your favorite classic heels for your wardrobe. Over time, you will wear these classic black heels 100+ times? Ladies, then this is a great cost per wear purchase. You love the shoe, the quality and best of all it turns out to be at least a $1 per wear. On the other hand, you impulse buy a shirt because it was on sale for $30, but you only wear it two times before eventually donating to the Goodwill. That comes out to $15 cost per wear! Get your moneies worth and get the most for your cost per wear!

4) Splurge For Quality Basics 

Basic and classic pieces are a must in your wardrobe. They help center your outfit and make your pieces interchangeable. With that being said, I do believe it is okay to spend more on your basic and classic pieces that will last many years. Basic and classics such as; jeans, leather jacket, blazers, plain crew neck sweaters, basic t-shirts, classic heels, a white button down, black trousers and a little black dress will always be pieces to wear year after year. Your cost per wear will be worth it since they can mix and match with much of your wardrobe.

Now, go make your needs/wants list!

Yay for Basics!

Jessica