With sustainability and ethical business practices on the minds of shoppers around the world, it makes sense that many individuals are paying considerable attention to where they spend their money. Not to mention that with the rise in popularity of the capsule wardrobe, the concept of being mindful when it comes to what you bring into your closet is finally hitting the mainstream.
Choosing to forego impulse fast-fashion purchases that are fun for the short-term but not much else means opting to spend more money on fewer pieces that are going to last for years to come.
If you are unsure about how to get started on properly investing in your clothes, read on for five essential tips for making smart choices for your wardrobe.
1. Focus on creating a base wardrobe.
Good quality pieces will last for a lifetime, while classic styles are timeless. Therefore, you should focus on creating a base wardrobe of classic pieces that you can depend on for years to come. After all, there is nothing worse than purchasing something trendy and having it instantly go out of style. Opt to spend a little bit more on pieces that are going to be there for you over and over again such as an LBD, trench coat, black booties, and a lace slip skirt.
For example, a great blazer is a worthy investment piece as it adds natural polish to any outfit. A pair of luxury Balenciaga shoes can last forever and can be worn with an inexpensive dress and still look put-together. When it comes to all of these pieces, their versatility is what makes them a smart investment.
Of course, investment pieces aren't just clothing and shoes; they also include accessories which can elevate a wardrobe full of basics. For example, pendant necklaces can be worn alone or stacked together. Investing in accessories is one of the best things to do as good quality shoes, handbags, and jewelry will last forever.
2. Be specific about what you bring into your wardrobe.
One of the most important things you have to do is to be specific about what new items you introduce to your wardrobe.
Each season, choose to invest in one high-quality piece that will last for years. This may mean a fantastic warm coat in the winter or a pair of knee-high suede boots in the fall. It may mean one go-to pair of sunglasses in the summer and a pair of sustainable white denim jeans in the spring. By slowly and steadily building your wardrobe, you will find yourself being a lot more considerate about each piece you select.
Additionally, stay focused on buying what you truly want and don't let sales prices convince you to settle for something different.
For example, if you feel as though your closet is lacking a classic black tote bag and you discover a pink one that is cheaper, don't purchase the one that you don't honestly want simply because of the price difference. This is not a good strategy for investing in your closet. Instead, wait a little bit longer until you can purchase what you wanted in the first place.
3. Invest in pieces you are excited about.
For many people, the idea of investing in a higher-quality item such as a Balenciaga bag is intimidating. Generally, this fear of committing to an investment piece stems from a concern about whether or not the thing is going to continue being in style. You need to feel confident about the item, which requires you to invest in pieces that you are genuinely excited about.
Purchasing new clothes doesn't need to be always based on trends, nor does it require you only to buy basics. It means converting your excitement towards items into purchases that help you to build a well-curated closet that expresses you and works for your lifestyle.
Read More: Tips for Choosing Outdoor FurnitureBefore you spend your money on any new thing, make sure to sleep on it and then see whether or not you are still crazy about it the next day or a week after. For more substantial purchases, you may want to wait weeks or months before biting the bullet.
4. Consider how individual pieces work with your overall wardrobe.
Before you invest in a new piece, ask yourself if you can envision at least three different ways you can wear it with other items you already own. If you can, then you know that you are going to avoid having it sitting in your closet not being worn. Additionally, consider whether you can realistically see yourself wearing it three years from now.
Furthermore, if you can style a piece year-round with various looks and for several occasions, then the cost per wear will be much lower. This, in turn, will make the investment far more rewarding.
Pay attention to specific materials. For example, when it comes to shoes, a leather insole and sole are crucial because then you know that when they wear out, you can have them re-soled to extend their lifespan.
5. Be patient.
At the end of the day, curating your perfect wardrobe isn't something that is going to happen overnight, nor is it magically going to appear.
Instead, you need to practice patience and recognize that it is going to take both time and money to obtain a wardrobe that outlives the coming and going of trends and truly represents your personal style. This is a journey, and an exciting one at that, because it is a journey toward finding your unique style.
Don't rush into any purchasing decisions, instead shop around. If you are looking for an item that is going to be with you forever, then the search can be as long as required. Do your research, read through customer reviews, and then you can ascertain whether or not a piece is worth the splurge.
While investment pieces require more of your budget, in return they give you far more than a badly-made fast fashion purchase would. Hunting for your perfect fashion item and researching your options is a lot of fun - so enjoy the process!
How do you approach making smart investments in your wardrobe? Do you have any other tips and tricks for ensuring you are spending your clothing and accessory budget in the best way possible? What are some of the best investment pieces you have ever bought?
Let us know in the comments below!8 total views, 8 views today
