Guidelines and Tips For Building Your Wardrobe
1) The basics you should have
Accessories
-Shoes
You will need a pair of pumps, sandals (heels or flat), boots, sneakers and slip-ons.
-Bags
You will need a big everyday bag (neutral color-black/dark brown), an evening bag and a cosmetic purse.
Clothes
-Jeans
Blue and black/dark gray. Choose a style to suit your body shape.
-Cardigan or soft jacket
This you can use instead of a formal jacket.
-Skirt
Length depends on your legs and your preference. Remember to dress according to your body shape.
-A classic button up shirt
Linen, cotton, silk or modern viscose are good fabric choices.
-Shorts/cropped pants/Capri pants
Choose styles to suit your body shape.
-A classic white short sleeved T-shirt and a long sleeved T-shirt.
You can use this instead of a vest; just make sure it is 100% cotton.
-A smart/ tailored jacket
Choose a length and style to suit your body shape.
-A black dress
A little black number is always easy to dress up or down, just add accessories.
-Smart black pants
Choose a style to suit your body shape.
2) A step up from the basics
Accessories
Accessories are a great way to change the look of an outfit and to add some character.
-Belts
-Gloves
-Hats
-Jewelry
-Scarves
-Sunglasses
-Watches
Clothes
-Different colors and fabrics
Anything will really go with your basics (as mentioned in the above section).
-Fashion items
These items come and go and so you can add them to your already existing classic/basic wardrobe. This way you can stay up to date without having to keep buying a completely new wardrobe.
3) Keeping up with trends
I personally don’t go for everything that is in fashion as a lot of the times there are things I just don’t like or things that don’t suit my body shape. Never force yourself to wear something that you don’t like, don’t feel comfortable in and doesn’t suit you, just because it is trendy! Keeping up with trends helps keep you up to date with whats hot and whats not. This does not mean that if you are in your 40s you must dress like a teenager. You will find, in one or more of the below sources, clothes to keep you up to date within your age group and/or preference.
Magazines
Movies
Music videos
TV Programs
4) Shopping tips