How To Create A Classic Wardrobe

Creating a classic wardrobe does not need to be a difficult task. In this blog post series, I will teach you how to create a classic wardrobe from scratch. 

Are you tired of looking at a closet full of clothing and not knowing what to wear?

Do you wonder how certain people always look so put together?

I have had the same questions and found myself irritated in the mornings before work, trying to figure out what to wear.

It is not difficult, and I’ve GOT YOU! All you need are a few foundational principles and some key pieces, and you will find that it is easy to look classic and put together every day.

In this first post, we are discussing the foundational elements of creating your classic wardrobe. As we continue this series, I will discuss the essential pieces for each category in your closet. We will go through Outerwear, Knits & Tops, Basics, Dresses, and much more! This journey is not only an opportunity for you to build a wardrobe; it’s an opportunity to get to know yourself again. My motivation behind the classic wardrobe creation journey was to get to know myself all over again and connect with who I want to be in this next chapter of my life. I encourage you to do the same and enjoy the process!

Take your time!

I have simplified the process for you even more by creating an optional checklist that you can print and use throughout your journey of building your classic wardrobe from scratch.

Print it and keep it somewhere safe, put it on your fridge, and check off the items you collect over time. This checklist will help you avoid unnecessary purchases and keep you on track toward building the timeless wardrobe of your dreams. 

At first glance, this checklist may look overwhelming. There are many different pieces, but I want to clarify that THIS IS NOT AN OVERNIGHT PROCESS. Creating a classic wardrobe from scratch can take months or even years. The goal here is to curate classic, timeless, and quality pieces that will last you for years to come at a pace that you are comfortable with. 

This post is all about how to create a classic wardrobe.

How To Create A Classic Wardrobe

Let’s get started!

Classic Wardrobe Essentials

What Is A Classic Wardrobe?

A classic wardrobe emphasizes quality over quantity. The pieces in a classic wardrobe are characterized by timeless, versatile, and, more often than not, neutral pieces that won’t ever go out of style, irrespective of trends. The goal of a classic wardrobe is to provide functional, elegant options to wear every day.

Some of you may ask, Basia, what is the difference between a classic and capsule wardrobe? The differences are subtle, but sometimes, I use the two terms interchangeably. Usually, a capsule wardrobe consists of a small number of pieces. These pieces are then mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. These capsules are often tailored to a specific season. So, you may have a fall or spring capsule wardrobe. However, a classic wardrobe will usually be worn across seasons. You can create capsule wardrobes from your classic wardrobe. While both concepts can emphasize quality and versatility, a capsule wardrobe focuses more on minimalism and functionality. A classic wardrobe focuses on enduring style and investment pieces that will never be outdated. Trends will come and go, but the classic is forever.

I am no stranger to a capsule wardrobe. I create capsule wardrobes on this blog for each season. But, foundationally speaking, a classic wardrobe is the best long-term investment if you are looking for quality and simplicity.

Classic Wardrobe Color 

You need to take a few steps before starting to make any purchases. The first step is to determine a color palette that works for YOU. A classic wardrobe usually includes white, neutral, black, navy, and gray pieces. These colors work together very well and will allow you to create various classic looks. However, some people may lean toward the color navy, or some may lean toward black. Figure out which colors you want to focus on and start from there. You do not need to pick up one of each. 

Fit v. Size

You do not need to be a particular size to build a classic wardrobe. One of the most important things to remember when building your classic wardrobe is to focus on fit, not size. So don’t worry about all that old programming; we are here to feel our best in clothing that fits our bodies, not molding our bodies to match our clothing.  Also, remember that sizing varies tremendously from brand to brand. 

That is why it’s so important to care less about what size you wear and care more about how the piece fits you.  People get so caught up in wearing a specific size that they overlook how the items fit. You could have the most gorgeous item in your closet, but if it doesn’t fit you properly, that classic aesthetic will not hit. Sizing is so far off nowadays that I don’t even notice it. I look at my average size, and I work from there. I will also usually order two of the same item if ordering online. It sucks, but it’s how we work with sizing in our world.

Quality

Quality over quantity every time is rule number one with a classic wardrobe. If you have one good quality coat and care for it, you will have it for 10+ years. I have learned to take excellent care of my clothing, and some have lasted me for well over ten years. I have a high-quality leather jacket that I still wear that I purchased almost 20 years ago. If you have a lower-quality jacket, you may have to buy five more coats over ten years. It is a difficult pill to swallow because it may require a higher investment upfront (I do have a hack for this). However, over time, it can save money.  If you invest in quality items from the beginning of this process, not only will they last, but the price per wear will justify the investment.

How to build a wardrobe on a budget

Tip #1

One of my favorite tips is to shop off-season. I’ve snagged quality pieces at 75-80% off simply because I shopped off-season. It does require some planning, but this checklist will be able to help you with that. For example, we enter the fall and winter seasons, the ideal time to shop for spring and summer-specific items. With a classic wardrobe, you’re not focusing on trends, so you already know what you’re looking for. You could get a high-quality pair of linen shorts for over half off.  

Tip #2

If you are in a position where you need to choose where to invest and where to splurge, I would start from the outside and work your way in. For example, a high-quality coat is a better bet initially than investing in a pricier long-sleeve shirt. If you are in a position to invest in a white T-shirt, more power to you. I’m not saying don’t. But if you are in a situation where you want to save a little here and there, this is an option. 

Tip #3

Another excellent budget tip is to look at what you already have in your current wardrobe. When I rebuilt my wardrobe and turned it into a classic closet, I looked at what I already had, kept what fit my checklist, and donated what didn’t fit the aesthetic I was going for. Some items didn’t fit me anymore, and some didn’t fit the classic aesthetic. It’s a beautiful thing to donate your gently used items for another person to enjoy and give life to. Keep the nostalgic pieces, but don’t overdo it. 

How to build a wardrobe with basics

To build a classic wardrobe, you will focus heavily on the basics. Nowadays, people think basics are only t-shirts and tank tops, but for me, basics are the fundamental pieces in a wardrobe that go with everything. Creating a timeless wardrobe doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to restrict yourself to only a classic style down the line. However, having a good arsenal of basics will allow you to experiment with trends as they come up while always having your foundational wardrobe to come back to after the trend movements have expired. 

We will dive deep into each wardrobe component you’ll be building. Here are the categories that we will be diving into:

Outerwear & Blazers

Knits & Tops

Pants & Denim

Shoes

Dresses & Jumpsuits

Skirts & Shorts

Bags & Accessories

How to build a wardrobe you love

Please remember to have fun with this. A wardrobe is for you to express your style. We can get so caught up in what others are wearing or doing that we must remember to have fun. I have always thought of fashion as art and a form of self-expression. If some pieces on this list don’t fit your lifestyle, you are under no obligation to buy or wear them.

For example, if you lean more towards denim and pants, don’t invest in the skirts on the list and invest in more denim and pants. Conversely, if you are more into dresses and skirts, you can avoid the pants, trousers, and denim list portion of this checklist. Classic style isn’t necessarily about wearing all the items on this list. 

Good luck, and I can’t wait to see your classic style! 

This post was all about how to create a classic wardrobe.

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