Guide to Building a Classic Wardrobe
I was asked a long time ago by an anon for a guide to build a wardrobe. This style caters to someone mature, slightly conservative, NOT fashionnova-esque, something that will last a long time in all fashion seasons, provided you look after your items well. I live in a relatively hot climate and the coldest temperature I’ve experienced when living in a place is like 10 degree Celsius, so I will admit that I am not very well versed with living in cold climates for a prolonged period of time (I don’t think a 2 week trip to Switzerland in the summer counts as “cold”).
I have purposely built with keeping neutrals in mind. I’ve learned that its best to first build a neutral coloured wardrobe in mind, then start adding colour to it. You might find this wardrobe boring, but if you work in a corporate environment/ somewhere where you can’t showcase too much colour or creativity/ if you come from a relatively conservative/ high profile-but-not-entertainment /modest culture, you’ll find this useful.
ALWAYS keep an eye on the material of the item you are buying. If you have to buy a sweater and you live in a cold climate, buy cashmere. Yes, it will be expensive, but it will keep you warm and last longer. If you live in a hot climate, invest in tops and dresses made out of pure cotton. Material plays a huge role in the climate you live in.
I do not endorse fast fashion or over-consumerism but I understand that it is affordable. I would therefore recommend you to buy things carefully and with consideration, not just for the sake of the environment but for your wallet. It’s better to buy 1 quality item than 10 horribly made, short-lasting items.
Never mix more than 3 colours in your outfit at a time. That’s something my father taught me, and I recommend you stick to it, especially if you’re new to building a serious wardrobe.
Lastly, do not be enthralled by what influencers buy or wear. I can guarantee you that the clothes they wear on Instagram aren’t even theirs half the time. Don’t fall into the trap of micro trends.
(Pictures for this post have been sourced from Pinterest).
Underwear
Nude bra + thong/ undie
Black bra + thong/ undie
White bra + thong/ undie
Strapless bra (black)
Strapless bra (nude)
2 sexy bra sets (optional, I have these in red, pink, blue)
Nipple pads
Tops
White silk cami
Black silk cami
White plain tee
Black plain tee
White tank
Black tank
Beige tank (or whatever suits your complexion - brown/ nude)
White shirt
Black shirt (satin/ silk)
Blue shirt
Pants
Navy blue trousers
Wine/ red high waisted trousers
White trousers
Beige trousers
Black trousers
Straight leg jeans (blue)
Another pair of jeans (not ripped, blue)
White jeans, straight leg/ mom cut
Skirts
White
Black
Red
Beige (a checked print, like Burberry)
2 maxi skirts
1 pencil skirt in black (work appropriate)
Shorts
Denim (not distressed)
Tailored white shorts
Tailored blue shorts
Tailored black shorts
Formal attire
1 maxi dress - red/ black/ a neutral colour
White/ black vest and trouser set
Everyday dresses
Knit dress in black/ cream/ brown (long)
2 summer dresses, short
White peasant dress
Outer wear
Leather jacket in black/ brown
1 cardigan in black/ white
A shawl/ silk scarf
Denim jacket
Long trench coat in camel/ brown/ beige
Blazer in white/ navy blue/ black
Sweater in black/ white/ red
Shoes
Black/ white/ brown leather boots
White/ silver heels
Black heels
Gold heels
Mules in black
Home slippers
Running shoes
White sneakers
Accessories
1 brown/ black leather bag
1 tote bag
1 clutch for parties
Hair clips
Tights/ leggings - sheer and opaque in black
Socks
Jewellery
Diamond studs
Everyday pendant
2-3 simple bracelets/ bangles in silver/ gold
Signet rings in gold
Chunky hoops
Devices
Hair straightener
Hairdryer/ Blow brush (i prefer the blow dry brush)
30 mm curling wand (for long, big curls)
