How to Build a Timeless Wardrobe in Five Steps

Post contains adlinks

Building a consistent and timeless wardrobe can be challenging in a fast-changing world with endless stimuli and temptations. Even though, when we silence these distractions and become more conscious of our style and needs, we can curate our wardrobe more easily and make it timeless. The more you’ll curate your wardrobe, the less you’ll feel the need to shop for new items.

I have come a long way with curating my wardrobe. Although I cannot say, it’s complete as I wish it to be. While I am satisfied with my autumn/winter wardrobe, I’m still working on building a timeless summer wardrobe.

This blog post was requested by you, the readers, and I am more than happy to share with you the five steps that have helped me build a timeless wardrobe so far –

Step #1 – Organize Your Wardrobe and Part With Items That no Longer Serve you

When building a wardrobe, organizing your closet is an essential step. That is why I repeat it in every wardrobe curating post. Over the years, I have seen many closets in my styling consultations. I’ve found that often, we tend to keep irrelevant clothing items altogether with our staples. This causes an unnecessary mess and confusion. It will also make you feel like you have nothing to wear. That’s why you must start with organizing your closet and making space for the relevant items in your wardrobe. It will help you understand what you have and how to better work with it. For my closet organization guide, read here.  

Step #2- Find Your Wardrobe’s Staples

Do you know these items you love and can’t stop wearing? These pair of trousers or top that defines your style and are your ‘go-to’ items on days you don’t know what to wear? These are your wardrobe’s staples, and they are the building blocks of your wardrobe. That’s why It’s important you’ll know them and easily access them in your closet. These are also items worth investing in because you’ll want them to last for years. Wardrobe staples are individual and change between wardrobes. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for inspiration, you can read about my wardrobe staples here.

Step #3- Return to Basics

Your wardrobe’s basics are the items you’ll wear together with your staples. They don’t necessarily define your style, but you’ll need them to build an outfit. These items are also individual and change between wardrobes. For example – A tank top is a basic item in my closet since I will always layer it with other items. It doesn’t stand for itself in reflecting my style. On the other hand, a button-up is a wardrobe staple for me. It reflects my style, and I can wear it without the need to add more items.

Like your wardrobe staples, basic items are versatile items worn a lot. Therefore, It’s worthwhile having good quality basics that won’t lose their shape too soon.

Where can you find good quality basics?

I love shopping for basics from brands like Arket, Everlane, and Organic Basics.

Step #4 – Don’t Compromise on the Fit and Quality of Your Garments

I often find that investing in high-quality garments requires a mind shift. It has been like this for me as well. Finding a garment with the perfect fit and quality slows us down in many ways. It requires us to search more and compromise less on the size and shape.

How can you know if a garment is of high quality? You can usually see it in the stitching, the fabric’s quality, and composition. Items made of natural fibers will be more breathable on your skin, such as silk, organic cotton, or linen. Since high-quality items can be more expensive, I recommend searching for them second-hand. It’s a more affordable alternative, and you’ll also know they’ve survived the test of time. Investing in a high-quality garment will also increase the chance you’ll take better care of it.

Step #5 – Take Care of Your Clothes

When I add an item to my wardrobe, it is my responsibility to take care of it so that I’ll be able to wear it in the long run. Taking care of your clothes starts with storing them properly in your closet and washing them according to their instructions. I recommend reading a garment’s care label before purchasing it. Is it a garment that requires dry cleaning and is not practical for you? It is better to choose a garment you’ll be able to take good care of. Taking care of your clothes also means mending them or shaving them, if it’s a knit, with a fabric shaver.

Building a timeless wardrobe is the opposite choice to what the fast-fashion world offers us with its constantly changing collections. A timeless wardrobe is about slowing down. It’s about choosing each garment in your closet carefully. It requires focusing on timeless staples reflecting your style and your everyday needs rather than on the latest trend. It requires patience, and it will take you time to achieve it. However, If you stay consistent, you will see the change occurring from season to season.  

Do you have more tips on how to build a timeless wardrobe? I invite you to share them with us in the comments 🙂