Stylish basic wardrobe. Fashionable basic wardrobe for women: photo, how to create a basic wardrobe
There is a common misconception that having a stylish outfit means having a large wardrobe or lots of expensive items. The secret actually lies in the ability to choose and combine clothes correctly in such a way as to highlight your strengths and your characteristic style. Therefore, it is important to understand that a good, pleasant appearance does not lie in the chosen brands, but in the right combination of clothes.
Considering how often choosing clothes can be difficult, below we have presented some rules and tips for combining clothes that will help you create a harmonious wardrobe.
What to wear with patterned clothes?
Patterned clothes are very difficult to match because if you're not careful, you can end up with a messy look. When you choose such clothes, you need to focus on them to make them stand out. With floral, polka dot and striped clothing, it's best to choose accessories in neutral colors such as beige, cream, black or white that don't distract from the patterns.
With a patterned blouse, it is better to wear pencil skirts, classic-cut trousers, capri pants or jeans. If you decide to wear a skirt or trousers with patterns, then you need to choose a simple blouse or shirt.
Although until recently it was not fashionable to combine patterns, trends have changed in recent years. If you like this trend, try combining items that are similar in color and style.
Combination of clothes depending on cut
With the right choice of clothing style, you can easily hide your flaws and highlight your strengths.
Thus, if you decide to wear wide, voluminous things on the upper part of your body, then try wearing a pencil skirt or tight trousers on the lower part. However, if you choose wide trousers or a maxi skirt, choose something for the top that highlights the line of the body. If you wear loose clothing at both the top and bottom, you will not only hide your feminine silhouette, but also add extra pounds.
Combination of clothes by length
Maintaining proportions is very important when putting together an outfit. If they don't match, you risk creating the impression of imbalance (your torso will appear larger or your legs will appear too short).
High-waisted trousers and skirts will always give the impression of longer legs when paired with a waist-length blouse or jacket. On the contrary, a low waist “steals inches” from your legs.
Combination of clothes depending on texture
If you want to put together an outfit using different materials, try choosing clothes with a similar texture for a harmonious result. In general, thick winter clothes do not go well with thin and transparent summer clothes. For example, fabric trousers do not match a sheer blouse because the contrast is too high, and a thin scarf does not match the thick yarn of a sweater.
In summer you can play with light and transparent materials. Combine silk blouses with loose or thin cotton trousers or a skirt made of lightweight material; in winter, a pair of trousers made of thick, rough fabric can be matched with a sweater with a smooth texture and a cotton blouse, to which you can add a cardigan.
However, for several seasons now the ability to incorporate different textures and materials has been highly appreciated and especially during the transition period between seasons. For example, you can get a chic look by pairing a thick sweater with a wide silk or lace skirt. So if you're a true fashionista and love to break the rules, try these modern texture combinations.
Combination of clothes depending on color
The right outfit in terms of colors will make you look stylish and attractive. Try to avoid wearing more than three colors, as otherwise you risk creating an untidy look. You can choose a dominant color that will be accompanied and emphasized by other colors in the same color palette. Choose one piece of clothing in a bright color to use as a focal point around which to build your look.
Colors can change proportions. For example, if you want to look taller, wear light colors on top and dark colors on the bottom. Also, if you want to highlight a certain part of the body, such as long and slender legs, a nice bust, or delicate shoulders, do so with a bright color while keeping the rest of the body in neutral tones.
Types of clothes that are easy to combine
There are several types of clothes that always go very easily with others and you can include them in your wardrobe.
1. Leather jacket
Extremely versatile because in addition to being easy to combine with everything, it looks modern and very chic.
2. Pencil skirt
Can be worn in the office with a simple shirt, or with a sophisticated outfit for a special occasion; it is also suitable as a casual outfit for going out on the town.
3. Black blazer
Extremely versatile, suitable for almost any occasion. Highlights the waist and adds sophistication and style to any outfit.
4. White shirt
It is one of the most popular items of clothing. White shirts are a must have in any woman's wardrobe. With the right accessories, a white shirt can be the basis for stunning outfits.
5. Regular cut trousers
Every woman should own at least one pair of trousers in a classic cut and neutral color. Just like with a pencil skirt, you can create an endless number of outfits with these pants, from office to smart to casual.
If you want to dress harmoniously, do not forget these rules for combining clothes, buy a few classic things that suit your figure. This way, you will exude good taste and style.
A woman’s basic wardrobe becomes an important indispensable rule in order not to get lost in all the variety of styles and modern trends. Many recognized fashion and style experts offer their advice on creating a basic wardrobe (for example,). In our article we have collected many recommendations and offer you a universal list that can become the basis of your wardrobe.
Women love to shop, but hate two-thirds of their wardrobe. (Minion McLaughlin)
Every woman and girl dreams of looking perfect, always fashionable and stylish, which is why our closets and chests of drawers are constantly bursting with a huge number of things in them. However, every time we open our wardrobe, we make a grimace because “there is nothing to wear.” We all dream of kilometers of a dressing room with thousands of shoe shelves, millions of accessories, 55 thousand dresses for each appearance (like a resident of Los Angeles). But our dressing rooms and closets are not rubber, and our wallet budget is limited. To do this, you just need to create the right basic wardrobe and dilute it with only fashionable things every season.
1. A casual coat is better than a classic cut, fits your figure, beige. A universal element of any women's wardrobe.
2. An evening coat is better, black, made of expensive fabric, of a “noble” style.
3. Raincoat - classic beige trench coat. In it you will always look fashionable and stylish.
4. The jacket is designed for walking. Better than neutral colors. Trendy or bright colors can get boring very quickly.
5. Pant suit of a dark neutral color, made of good fabric, classic cut, well-fitting. Even if you prefer a sporty style, then you must have one good suit in your wardrobe.
6. A skirt suit similar in fabric to a trouser suit, preferably with a jacket of a different cut, so that it can be combined later. This way you will get not 2 suits, but at least 4.
7-8. 2 white blouses with long sleeves in a classic cut. Maybe one pastel color. Opt for a style that replicates a men's shirt; it never goes out of style and will allow you to look stylish by combining it with both a skirt and jeans.
9-10. 2 long-sleeved blouses in bright colors, classic cuts or pastel colors made of lightweight fabric. They will add femininity to your look.
11. 2 blouses with short sleeves - classic cut, white and light chiffon, pastel colors.
12. Black turtleneck. Another universal element of a basic wardrobe, relevant at any age and for any fashion whims.
13. A black top is suitable for both evening outings and everyday work or walks. The main thing is that there are no prints, rhinestones, or embroideries on it and that it is made of good fabric.
14-15. 2 t-shirts in neutral colors.
16. Knitted dress for walking and for every day. Choose a classic cut and sleeve length that is comfortable for you. Refrain from flashy colors.
17. Pencil skirt or other one that fits your figure. Even if you still actively advocate the convenience and versatility of trousers, our advice is to have at least one skirt in your wardrobe. You will see how it will immediately transform you.
18. The dress is a sheath so that you can wear it separately or over a blouse.
19. Jacket in a casual style, close to classic. An indispensable element of a basic wardrobe. Today it is worn with jeans, a skirt, a dress, classic trousers, shorts... and every time girls look very stylish in it.
20. Black trousers, with arrows. A classic that never goes out of fashion. For those who still don’t know, this is exactly what trousers make you look slimmer, make your figure more graceful and, when paired with the right shoes, lengthen your legs.
21-22. 2 V-neck jumpers in sand, gray or any other neutral color.
23. A cardigan performs the same functions as a jacket and can also be combined with countless sets, only it looks “cozier”. Make sure that the color and texture matches the rest of your wardrobe and is not ultra-fashionable.
24. Classic jeans are better than two, one dark, deep color and classic style, not quite skinny, the other light blue.
26. A little black dress of high quality, expensive, carefully selected for your body type and age. I hope no one has questions why it is on this list)
27-31. 4 pairs of shoes: casual black comfortable, office, party and beige. And no matter how you look at it, it doesn’t work out less. All with heels! Just choose the heel height carefully. Shoes should become your friends, not your enemies.
32-34. 3 pairs of comfortable shoes: ballet flats, moccasins/loafers, sneakers/sneakers. Here, be guided by taste and style. Suitable for long walks.
35-37. 3 pairs of autumn-spring shoes: boots with heels (the same requirement as for shoes), low heels and ankle boots (worn strictly with trousers or jeans, otherwise they visually shorten your legs and look ridiculous).
38-42. Scarves, neckerchiefs - 5 pieces. Nothing changes the look like a light scarf or neckerchief. Here you can give free rein to your imagination and colors. The brighter and more varied they are, the better.
43-45. 3 bags: 2 classic - black and light, 1 small evening bag. Remember that large bulky bags are only suitable for very large women.
46-47. 2 belts – wide and narrow. A medium-width belt is necessary for jeans and trousers, while a narrow, graceful belt is suitable for dresses and skirts.
48. Pearl necklace and pearl earrings. A classic jewelry set that always looks stylish and expensive. Instead of a dozen sets of jewelry, allow yourself an ensemble made of natural pearls.
49. Tracksuit. Even if this is absolutely not your style, agree that you need to wear suitable clothes for sports and active recreation. but NEVER wear tracksuits “to go out”.
50-51. 2 sleep sets: pajamas or a nightgown are your choice, but remember that sleepwear should be comfortable, neat, and of the right size. You should be as irresistible in it as in your everyday outfit.
52-53. 2 sets of home clothes. Worn and stretched clothes are taboo! Only perfectly fitting, not old, high-quality items.
54. 1 warm home suit – winter cold must also be taken into account so that later you don’t look like a “cabbage”.
55-60. 3 sets of underwear and a pair of matching panties for each. For the perfect look, even this intimate detail must be taken into account.
61. 5 everyday white panties
62. 5 everyday black panties
63-69. 2 pairs of stockings, 3 pairs of tights according to the season, 2 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of golf socks, 2 pairs of dark cotton socks, 2 pairs of light cotton socks. Yes Yes Yes. And here it is important to provide for everything so that the basic wardrobe is fully equipped. Agree that it will be sad if a stunning look is ruined by inappropriate underwear. And note that striped socks and colored stockings are not included in the basic wardrobe.
in winter added to the list:
74. Warm trousers. The rules remain the same - neutral color, classic cut, no embroidery or rhinestones. Only the density and texture of the fabric changes.
75. Warm sweater. For a basic wardrobe, it is not recommended to choose an extravagant style, exaggeratedly large knitting, appliques and funny patterns. Leave the Mickey Mouse sweater to teenagers. You can afford such a whim, but remember that it will serve you no longer than 1 season.
76. Winter coat. Even when there is a blizzard outside, you should look feminine and elegant.
77. Warm down jacket in a neutral color and without unnecessary decorative elements.
78-79. 2 pairs of winter boots (for a change). Choose the style and height of the heel according to your taste, but remember that they must be combined with your wardrobe.
80. Winter boots - for winter walks in the fresh air.
81. 2 scarves for outerwear - with them you are not only provided with warmth, but with different looks, each to suit your mood.
83. Cap or hat.
In summer We also include the following items:
84. Light trousers in white or light sand color. The requirements for a basic wardrobe are the same: no unnecessary accessories, patch pockets or decorative elements.
85. Light skirt with a flowing silhouette, just above the knees.
86. Dress made of light fabric. Choose any style that suits your figure. And here you can finally go wild with the colors, but don’t get too carried away.
87. Sundress is an ideal piece of a stylish wardrobe suitable for sultry summer evenings and at the resort.
88-91. 5 tops/blouses that should be combined with a skirt and trousers, or 50% for the skirt, 50% for the trousers.
92. Beach clothes: swimsuit, tunic, pareo... depends on what you prefer. But ONLY for the beach.
93. White T-shirt with wide straps (“alcoholic”). A versatile summer wardrobe staple for both casual and classic looks (yes!).
94. A hat that will protect your head from the bright sun.
95. Beach bag.
96. Light suit (skirt or trouser). Business meetings should be held at heights even in summer!
97-99. 3 pairs of summer shoes: casual sandals, beach sandals, dressy weekend shoes.
100. Sunglasses. They must be of good quality in your basic wardrobe to protect your eyesight. Choose a frame with a classic shape and glass in a dark, neutral color.
That's probably all! Of course, no one forbids you to buy things you like that are not included in this list, but think carefully about what you will wear this item with and where to store it.
When choosing items for your basic wardrobe, give preference to quality items. Don't skimp on a nice suit and a little black dress (but don't overpay either).
In order to complete a basic wardrobe, it takes a lot of time and besides, it will cost money, but after some time your efforts will pay off in full. You will always look perfect without extra effort, everything will be in order in your closet, and your wallet will also notice the savings over time.
Good luck to you!
There is nothing more blasphemous than cheap, low quality jeans that also fit lousy on your butt without complimenting it.
When choosing the cut of jeans depending on your body type, pay attention to the location and shape of the pockets. I urge you not to blindly follow fashion trends and not buy model jeans "skinny", if you realize that you do not have the longest legs and wide hips. They are designed for thin, lanky young ladies. If you are the lucky owner of an impressive, appetizing butt, consider flared or straight jeans.
Give preference to jeans models without flashy frills - the presence of rhinestones, decorative holes, large inscriptions, embroideries or bright abrasions on the jeans of your basic wardrobe is strictly prohibited.The ideal color for jeans for a basic wardrobe is dark blue and dark indigo. If you like black jeans, then it is better to buy classic black trousers - they will look much better on you.
This is a must have for women who want their legs to visually lengthen, as well as one pair of beige shoes of different heel heights (natural shade, to match your skin tone) will suit absolutely any ensemble you have put together and will look stylish and elegant.
In general, the tone of the shoes matches the color of your clothes. But I think that it would be superfluous for my readers to emphasize that black pumps should be worn with black dress pants?
Give preference to suede or matte leather.
Never save on shoes!!! What you wear on your feet will, above all, protect your health.
If you're running around like a ballistic missile all day, there's no point in "leatherette" out of the question. Cool shoes are the key to a cool mood, beauties!
Jacket (blazer)
A fitted jacket that fits your figure well is a universal item. It can “sing” in a duet with almost any item from your basic wardrobe. In combination with trousers or a skirt, it will look strict and elegant - just what you need for office everyday life. And if you wear it with jeans, you will get an affordable option for a weekend or even a party. Choose jackets (blazers) in dark colors - if black seems too conservative, pay attention to the timeless dark gray or dark blue colors.
It is important that the buttons of the jacket are discreet or almost invisible - this will save you from unnecessary problems and you will not have to think about how to combine accessories with eye-catching fittings.
All successful women know a simple rule “Invest in timeless classics.”
It seems impossible to come up with a more successful investment than a little black dress that never goes out of fashion and so transforms a woman.
As if by magic, it is appropriate always and everywhere, and can become the basis for a great variety of your looks - from everyday to evening. By complementing it with a variety of accessories (beads, large necklaces, brooches, scarves, belts, etc., which are currently in trend), you will look new every time. A black dress can be worn with shoes, tights of unusual colors and prints
(be careful - don’t overdo it), choose an expressive necklace (necklace) or a fur boa. A nice nuance: black color is slimming.
To get the maximum effect, choose a dress with a laconic, clear cut that will fit your figure. Black dresses of a baggy style with draperies or noticeable trim are not suitable as a basic item. Give preference to a black dress with a laconic, clear cut,
You should definitely have at least one black trousers of a suitable style. This item will tie your entire wardrobe together. Taking them as a basis, you can create countless combinations - for work, for relaxation and even for special occasions. When trying on, be sure to pay attention to the length of the trousers. Remember, if you wear stilettos or just high heels, the length of the trousers should be up to the middle of the heel.
Well-known designer Christian Louboutin says that a woman should definitely wear high-heeled shoes. Naturally, after all, stilettos are the main direction of Christian Louboutin’s highly respected and highly valued activity :). However, orthopedists unanimously protest: stilettos can be worn with impunity for no more than 3-4 hours a day. The rest of the time, a worthy replacement will be elegant ballet shoes. These cute shoes with thin and flat soles, from Lanvin and Chanel to Repetto, for example, are already real classics. And they are in the wardrobe of every fashionista.
Ballet flats are essentially completely universal shoes and will suit any outfit - from everyday to evening. What’s especially nice is that the leg in them looks neat and elegant. For a basic wardrobe, you should choose suede or leather ballet shoes in soothing colors - black, brown, gray and beige.
Elegant cloak
It is unlikely that it will be news to anyone that “one meets people by their clothes.” And since the weather in Russia is often quite cool, the main thing you should pay attention to when putting together a basic wardrobe is, of course, outerwear, and it is by this that the people around you can evaluate your sense of style. A win-win option is a classic trench coat. It is designed to go with any outfit, and in it you will always look presentable and sophisticated and, importantly, the classic trench coat is one of those rare things that will never go out of style. Such raincoats should be in every woman's basic wardrobe.
Bag
A woman should definitely have a small handbag that can be worn with both jeans and a cocktail dress. It is advisable that it fit something larger than lipstick and also that the accessory itself does not get in the way in your hands. A chain bag is a great choice. This is a timeless and very elegant piece. When choosing such a bag for yourself, pay attention to whether its chain or strap can be detached. It’s great if they are removable, because this means that you will get a “2 in 1” item - just unfasten the strap and the bag will turn into an elegant clutch.
Comfortable boots
A comfortable and high-quality pair of shoes that will go with the vast majority of outfits in your wardrobe is something you can’t do without. This role should be given to high black boots with a comfortable last and a stable heel.
Beware of substitute leather and patent leather and go around a mile away, quietly spitting over your left shoulder.
THESE ARE NOT ITEMS FOR YOUR BASIC WARDROBE, AND THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SERVE YOU FOR A LONG TIME BECAUSE OF THEIR LOW QUALITY AND QUICKLY OUT OF FASHION TRENDS.
When you try on boots, pay attention to the shaft - it should not fit the leg too tightly - remember me when one day you decide to tuck jeans into your boots or the boot boot will simply feel uncomfortable in the shackles of the boot leather tightly compressed around it. Choose simple, stylish shoes. Forget about decorative buttons, buckles, zippers, fringe - all this wants to be played up in other details of the image and brings with it additional wasteful expenses.
Cardigan
“The cardigan is an integral part of my wardrobe. The best way to feel cozy and look amazing at the same time,” says celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe. She instilled the same love for cardigans in her celebrity clients - for example, Keira Knightley and Mischa Barton. Perhaps you'll follow their example and add this versatile item to your everyday wardrobe. Wear the cardigan with jeans and a feminine blouse, layered over a little black dress and accessorized with a statement belt. Another advantage is that a cardigan can be worn all year round. It will keep you warm in winter and serve as a wonderful alternative to outerwear in the off-season.
Well, and of course, any basic wardrobe must have well tailored coat, made of natural fabric (wool, cashmere), and it is better to have 2: light and dark. In different stylistic options, from the classic silhouette to the now extremely popular “oversize” silhouette, from beige to black, including gray and navy blue (dark blue) - coat is the basis of all basics!
A woman’s basic wardrobe is some kind of holy grail of modern fashion, about which so much has been written that it makes your head spin. On various websites and blogs, the treasured list of things that makes up is reprinted again and again. women's basic wardrobe, and watching it makes you yawn - the eternal pencil skirt, T-shirt, shirt, trousers and all this stuff that sets your teeth on edge...
But tireless readers are again and again looking for a magic list that will once and for all solve all their wardrobe problems, forgetting that clothes and personal style are a reflection of their personality, and there simply cannot be any universal solutions (and even Evelina Khromchenko, whose list basic things are floating around the Internet like the ultimate truth, they won’t be able to decide for you what yours, and what not).
BASIC WARDROBE IS...
... not a list of things, but a system that takes your personal style as a basis. This system will be different for each woman, and the list of items in the basic wardrobe of different women will be different. For some, the basic item will be the aforementioned pencil skirt, and for others, loose military-style trousers.
A basic wardrobe is a set of items that form the backbone of your style, reflect your taste, your lifestyle, your preferences and correlate with the characteristics of your figure and your phenotype (color palette).
The bad news: you'll have to come up with your basic wardrobe and create your list of items yourself. Good news: it's a lot easier than it sounds. And if you understand the principle once, then this skill will make your life much easier in the future.
EVOLUTION OF THE BASIC WARDROBE
You are changing. Your lifestyle, work, figure changes. Eras change. And your style is also changing (after all, you are unlikely to dress the same today as you did in your first year of college, right?..) Your basic wardrobe is also changing - some items go away, and their place is taken by others that correspond to the updated reality. Today, my basic wardrobe is very different from what I bought and wore 5 years ago - the birth of a child, leaving the office and a flexible work schedule have made adjustments to the content of my closets.
In addition to the tectonic changes that we all go through, the basic wardrobe is affected by seasonal changes: it’s all lies that trendy things cannot be included in the basic set, and that it should consist only of timeless classics (your wardrobe doesn’t owe anyone anything at all). You can plan a base for the season, and include items that are worn right now, suit your silhouette and fall into your personal style.
- a basic wardrobe is not a list of things compiled by someone, but the backbone of your personal style (a basic wardrobe from Evelina Khromchenko is just a guide to creating a base in a certain style, which is not necessarily suitable for you);
- your needs evolve and so does your basic wardrobe, so regularly review your preferences and bring them into line with the realities of your life.
OK, we've got that sorted out. If other people's lists are not suitable, then how to create your own?.. Very simple. Let's play!
STEP 1. MINE – NOT MINE
The first place to start (if you have never done this before) is to try to formulate what is a style that you like, suits and suits your lifestyle. It may well be that you like one thing, but another goes. Or that you dress not in what you like, but in what seems appropriate to your status/age, and so on. To be honest, these are all topics for a separate long conversation, and not the subject of this post - so let's imagine that you already have a style, and you more or less know what you like, you just need to bring it all into some kind of system.
And to do this, we will start with... an inspiration session!
Why is this necessary? To get some fresh ideas and try to finally make a list of your Ideal Basic Items.
The easiest way to do this is using Pinterest, a visual search engine. If you have never used this site before, now is the time to start. Register, create a board and start collecting on it the images that you like, everything in a row.
Where to begin? Enter the name of your favorite item of clothing (“pencil skirt”), or the name of your favorite actress, or the name of your favorite brand into the search bar - Pinterest will bring you several hundred pictures on the topic (important: there is much less Russian-language content on the site than English-language content - it’s better to type in English names, for example pencil skirt). Look through them, and pin the images you like to your board (the “save” button in the upper right corner of the selected image).
Once you pin one image, Pinterest will suggest similar ones, so you'll quickly find yourself within the style you like. If you like the Parisian style that I write about here, you can start by exploring my boards – perhaps there are images there that correspond to your worldview.
First, collect everything you like, without any criteria (winter, summer looks, skirts, dresses, trousers, jewelry, etc.) When you have 150-200 pictures on your board, you will see that some images and combinations are repeated - these images will be a reflection of your Self.
STEP 2: SILHOUETTES AND COLORS
Once you've collected many different looks, you need to filter down what will work for you personally. For example, I like midi skirts and fall colors, but they absolutely don’t suit me, so I don’t have them in my wardrobe.
Understanding your silhouettes and colors is very important, this is the basis of the basics. Unfortunately, a lot of women wear things that highlight their flaws instead of emphasizing their strengths, and if I had my way, I would introduce a mandatory course in school on this topic. I talk in great detail about silhouettes suitable for different body types, and how to figure out your color palette (with examples and photos) in the book “ ", or you can look for this information in different sources yourself - the main thing is to deal with this topic once and for all.
Look again at all the images that you have selected and remove what does not suit your body type and does not fall into your color scheme. Only what you like and suits you should remain on your board.
STEP 3: WARDROBE NEEDS MAP
Now you need to understand what kind of clothes you need based on your lifestyle. And to do this, you need to sit down and draw a map of your wardrobe needs - that is, evaluate what clothes of what functionality and style should be in your closet and in what proportion.
Well, here's my map as an example:
I am a young mother who works from home, sometimes goes to business meetings and conducts seminars, sometimes goes to friendly parties in cafe bars, regularly spends time with family in parks/trips/shopping centers, and once every 1-2 months at formal or evening social events.
I spend most of my time in casual clothes, while I periodically need things in the business casual style (for work meetings in offices), sports in my life have been replaced by stroller walks, for which I need sportswear, for parties with friends I need cocktail clothes tops and dresses, and for social events - a couple of statement dresses and matching shoes/bags. In a separate line - quite rare in my life now (alas) are high-status night events that require evening dresses/sets.
Actually, my basic wardrobe is based on these proportions, and consists of items that reflect my individual needs and what I like and feel comfortable wearing. The larger the segment of the wardrobe map, the more basic items should fall into the style of that segment (these are what you will wear most often).
In your database, items should be distributed in the same way: most of them should be in the style and functionality that corresponds to the main area of your life. The areas will change (for example, you will go to the office after maternity leave), and the basic wardrobe will change.
STEP 4: CREATE BASE IMAGES
Once you've been properly inspired, figured out what suits you and what your needs are, it's time to move on to planning.
Take another look at your map and at the photos you selected on Pinterest - which of the selected images correspond to which segment of your map? Ideally, you need to select 2-3 key images for each segment, and write down on a piece of paper the items that make up these images.
Well, for example, let's go through my map:
CASUAL
T-shirt, jeans and leather jacket with sneakers - this is one of my basic sets on days when I don’t have business meetings 
When I want to make this look more interesting, I change the Converse for more interesting shoes, and add accent jewelry with an interesting bag instead of my favorite backpack. Works great. 
another set - a long skirt with a cardigan or loose sweater, I like this silhouette and I feel very comfortable in it 
large cardigan, skinny jeans, T-shirt or top, Converse or ballet flats - this is my third basic casual silhouette 
An alternative to a cardigan can be a light trench coat - it makes the look a little more collected and classy than relaxed knitwear. BUSINESS
since I work in the creative industry, I don’t have a strict dress code - an expensive white shirt with cigarette trousers or skinny jeans, boots and a statement bag are my “business” base 
in my basic set there is also a more classic combination for business meetings and exhibitions, which sometimes take place in a very formal atmosphere - classic trousers with heels and silk shirt-cut blouses PARTY
For going out to bars, birthdays and other casual evening events, I keep a couple of evening tops in my set, which I wear most often with cigarette pants or jeans 
yes, an interesting little black dress just for such occasions is also included in my basic set STATEMENT EVENTS
“day dress” - daytime status dresses that I wear to social brunches and other work-social non-evening events 
Some day dresses are quite appropriate in the evening, when complemented with appropriate accessories. In general, the more versatile an item is, the more I like it, so I always keep different interpretations based on it in mind when purchasing. 
second set for the same occasions - jacket, top, cigarette pants plus statement shoes & bag 
You can go to some daytime events (for example, press lunches) in jeans if you combine them with a statement jacket and jewelry. Let’s leave sports and evening wardrobes out of the equation as highly specialized, but in general, my base consists of the above items, which I actively wear and update regularly.
What items will your wardrobe consist of? Your task is to pick 3-4 different images for each of its segments, and then make a list of the items that make up these images. And if you need ideas, or want to know more about different basic subjects, then read posts about, and.
STEP 5: YOUR FORMULA
Once you know what items your basic silhouettes consist of, all you have to do is decide on the formula - that is, the minimum required number of different things. Everything here is also individual, although there are general rules:
- One “bottom” must have at least 2 “tops” (that is, if your base consists of one trousers and one skirt, then they must be accompanied by 4 basic “tops”);
- each “top” should have its own set of jewelry;
- For each “bottom” there should be at least 2 pairs of shoes (in the same style - so that the shoes rest between socks - or in different ones, to change looks) - you can wear the same shoes with different “bottoms” (for example, shoes that suitable for basic trousers and jeans), but the main thing is that each of your basic “bottoms” is provided with at least two different shoe options;
- for each season there should be 2 outer pieces of clothing (jackets, cardigans, jackets, raincoats, sheepskin coats, etc.), which correspond with shoes.
This is the general proportion that will form the basis of your formula. What it will be like - that is, how many and what kind of bottoms, tops, shoes and bags will be in your basic wardrobe - is up to you to decide.
STEP 6: DESIGNING A BASIC WARDROBE
Now let’s sum up everything we’ve done before and design our basic wardrobe, which relates to each area of your life. For these purposes, the easiest way is to use the site Polyvore.com - this is a designer with several thousand items of clothing from different collections, and in which you can develop capsule wardrobes for the season, or plan your basic wardrobe.
UPD: On 04/05/2018, the polyvore.com website unexpectedly stopped working. I haven’t found a worthy replacement yet, but I can recommend two alternative platforms - shoplook.io and trendme.net. Both of these services are still far from what polyvore offered (and there is no Russian version), but there are no other options yet. I will definitely unsubscribe as soon as I find a worthy alternative.
Register, click on Create (upper right corner) - you will be taken to the work field. On the right you will have a catalog of things (dresses, trousers, shoes, bags, etc.), on the left - an interactive board on which you will collect your image or a set of items for a basic wardrobe.
Dig through the catalog, choose what you need and use your mouse to drag the item you like onto the board. The designer is made very intuitively, you will quickly figure it out - you can choose a color in the catalog of things, or enter the name of the item in the search, so you will quickly find what you need.
You can collect image entirely, from underwear to jewelry, or collect basic set things that will become your guide when choosing and buying things in real life.
The result of this exercise should be a set of 5-6 universal images that you like, suit and correspond to different areas of your life. And a common board on which you will collect all these items - this board can be printed, downloaded to your phone, or simply kept in your head while shopping (the visual embodiment of all your disparate ideas and thoughts makes life much easier and reduces the shopping budget, as you are looking for and buy only what you need).
STEP 7: DISASSEMBLY YOUR WARDROBE AND SETTING YOUR SHOPPING TASK
Well, when you are done with the theory, move on to analyzing your wardrobe - you need to understand what you already have of what you need for your developed basic wardrobe, and what is missing.
I already wrote about wardrobe analysis in the post “”, read it if you are interested.
The result of this stage should be setting a shopping task - that is, you will need to make something like a list of those things that need to be purchased. It’s very useful to make such a list before going to sales; it really helps to buy only what you need at a good price.
And you can also use the websites of large resellers for the same purposes, which offer the option “add to wish list” - when you more or less understand what you need, then go to the website, look at the options and mark them. Usually a wish list does not oblige you to anything, except that the store will send you information if there is a discount on the selected item. This exercise helps you set yourself a clearer framework for shopping (and if you find something that suits you perfectly, the faster you will solve your problems). Asos and farfetch have a good selection (and you need as many different options as possible, both classic and trendy) and a convenient “favorites” function (the latter is great for navigating through luxury collections and finding new brands).
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Did you like this post and would like to learn more about what items to use to create your wardrobe staples? You may be interested in my book - “Anatomy of a Parisian wardrobe: things, brands, combinations.”
