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Basic wardrobe: how to fill your wardrobe with the things you need? How to Build a Basic Wardrobe: Modern Tips

How do you create a wardrobe that is functional, cute, comfortable, and possibly one step ahead of fashion? Although, of course, the last condition is difficult to fulfill, but nothing is impossible!

Since childhood, I loved clothes and accessories that had little to do with popular trends. My favorite pastime was to create a wardrobe in such a way that all its parts were interchangeable, friendly to each other and looked great both together and separately. This hobby has remained with me in adulthood, becoming my profession. So, if you're looking for some smart advice on how to shape your wardrobe, keep reading because you've just stumbled upon the Holy Grail!

1. Start with neutral

When it comes to fashion trends, choosing bright colors is well worth it. But when it comes to building a basic wardrobe that will be relevant for many years in a row, make sure you have enough items in neutral colors. Neutrals include black, brown, white, beige, sand, navy, gray, and cream. With these flowers, you can quickly create any compositions that are relevant for the season. A couple of color splashes here and there are enough, and your neutral thing has already sparkled with new colors and healed a fashionable life. Neutral shades are the best choice for workwear, bags, coats, shoes.

2.Use layering

Knowing how to shape a wardrobe means that you are good at creating layering effectively. The mix of different layers adds personality and character to your outfits. It also helps you transition from night to day and vice versa with ease. Some layering ideas include blouses for t-shirts, blouses for blazers, and collared shirts for vests. Be creative!

3. clean your closet

Updating and cleaning your closet is an important part of building your wardrobe. We have already written in detail how to properly clean your closet and how to distribute things. Throw away or give away clothes that are worn out, outdated, or unsuitable for you. Replace items that show signs of wear, such as scuffs, stretched sweaters and tops, or faded spots on dresses and jeans.

4. Make a wardrobe staple

Every well-designed wardrobe contains a foundation. The essentials are items that you often wear and that can easily be combined with other parts in your closet. As a base, it is recommended to get a pair of great jeans, a white button-down shirt, black shoes, a little black dress, a neutral jacket, a jumper, neutral colored boots, a pencil skirt, a pair of pantsuits, and a few pieces of jewelry. Plus, a wardrobe staple usually includes a tote bag, a perfect coat, and a cocktail dress. You will be glad that you have all these things in your wardrobe for any occasion.

5) avoid fancy goods

Playing with fashion trends is fun and exciting, but with the goal of building a functional wardrobe, you shouldn't spend a lot of money on new items. It is enough to introduce 1-2 elements from fashion trends and combine them with the already existing things. Trends come and go quickly, and if you do not want to constantly update your entire wardrobe in accordance with fashion trends, approach the selection of new items with caution, prefer those that are closer to the classics to wear them for several seasons. So my advice: stay on top of fashion trends, understand styles and trends, and introduce fashion items carefully.

6. Make sure the cabinet is balanced.

If your wardrobe is all about jeans and T-shirts, or all about blazers and straight skirts, you won't be comfortable in many situations. Make sure your closet is shaped with things for all occasions, or at least most predictable ones. So, in your wardrobe there should be several correctly selected capsules: a smart capsule, walking, business or work (depending on who you work), home capsule, sports, etc., in accordance with your lifestyle.

7. Consider your lifestyle

Since we have touched on lifestyle, let's talk a little about that. When shaping your wardrobe, you must definitely take into account your life and work. Perhaps you have a sedentary office job? Or do you visit a lot of official functions? Are there children in your life who require you to be active? What are your social habits? All this should be considered when shopping for clothing and accessories.

8 add personality

While your work or lifestyle may require a certain standard of clothing, remember to add some personality traits to your wardrobe: individual taste or sense of style. There is no need to repeat someone else's style and try to be like someone else. Be yourself! Add a personal touch to any formal outfit.

9.Check completeness

When working on creating your wardrobe, never make the common mistake of thinking that a little more things will do just fine, as this will make you feel more relaxed. All your clothes should fit perfectly on you: not be too big or too small. Feel free to part with small outfits, and carry things that are hanging on your figure to the milliner and adjust them so that they fit exactly.

10 don't get hung up

Nothing in your clothes, trends, actions should make you a fan. Do not become an ardent admirer of any trend, style, color, style. Mix everything up, keep aloof, and don't get too close to any innovation. Otherwise, you risk becoming boring. Fashion should be an easy and affordable way to update a basic wardrobe a little, but nothing personal.

If you are planning to spend some money and time on putting together a basic wardrobe in the near future, my advice will surely help you with that. I have been able to use these techniques to create excellent wardrobes for so many people and every time I am convinced: it works and is very effective. If it is still difficult for you to understand this, just listen, understand, try to change something in accordance with my advice. Gradually, a lot will become clear just on an intuitive level. Don't give up trying to improve!

When I just started my stylistic search, I was very passionate about the idea of ​​a capsule wardrobe. (And not only me: we still have one of the most popular search queries on our site -). At some point, it seemed to me an absolutely universal system. However, as time went on, I figured out my wardrobe needs and preferences, bought a lot of good things, and the wardrobe remained scattered (more precisely, consisting of many separate parts-capsules, which were mixed with each other in an arbitrary order and constantly caused annoyance and irritation). Now a stage has come in my life when I want minimalism - to get rid of unnecessary things, to organize the necessary, to choose “less but better”. And it brought me back to the idea of ​​a single - basic wardrobe, which I am now gradually collecting.

In the roughest approximation basic wardrobe is the smallest possible wardrobe: several tops + several bottoms (a combination of "top and bottom" can replace dresses) + outerwear, accessories and shoes, which, in the event of an atomic war of relocation, a financial crisis and the inability to update a wardrobe, will be enough to exist in them and fulfill all their social functions.

The first rule of the basic wardrobe, which I formulated for myself: base can be any by color, style and cut. All these canonical lists like Evelina Khromchenko's list look very tempting (and beautiful), but questions arise already here.

Classic trousers and beige pumps can be useful for an office worker from Moscow, but what should a mother on maternity leave from Jerusalem, a student from Mines, a district doctor from Petrozavodsk, a front-end developer from Pattaya do with them? Can they become a staple of everyday wardrobe for everyone? Of course not. A basic wardrobe should first of all take into account the lifestyle, climatic conditions, type of appearance and, in general, an understanding of who you are.

How individual should a basic wardrobe be?

There are two main approaches to a basic wardrobe. The first is that it should consist of a rigid set of very simple and universal things (that's why it is the base) and, in principle, the list of these things will be more or less common for everyone (hence all these canonical white shirt, pencil skirt, dress- case and so on). The second approach is that absolutely anything can be included in the base, even a tutu skirt and a T-shirt with Kurt Cobain, even a boho dress with pantaloons, there may not be black and white or there may not be other colors except black and white, the main thing is what are you wearing. The second approach is closer to me, but I believe that it should be treated very carefully, and here's why.

Even if we accept as fact that the basic wardrobe can be anything, it will only work if your personal style is expressed quite clearly (due to a great awareness or character traits), and your lifestyle is moderately specific. However, what to do if you have neither an obvious craving for something specific, nor a desire to stand out in some way, nor an innate instinct or observation that allows you to unmistakably snatch “your” things from the hangers? If you actually work in an office, wear a pencil skirt and just want to look normal and have a comfy closet? Then there is the danger that after reading about Very_Individual_Wardrobe, you will start to think, should you include moto boots (which you generally like) and an Indian sundress (which really suits you) into your base. And, perhaps, this approach will simply confuse your wardrobe, making it complex and non-versatile. Therefore, it is important to immediately determine for yourself how bright and specific you would like to see your entire wardrobe and what deviation from the standard list you personally need.

In my opinion, the basic wardrobe could be like this:

And yet, how to understand that in all cases this is just a basic wardrobe, and not just random sets of things? If a basic wardrobe can be anything, why bother putting together one at all? The difference is that base is not things, it is their combination... So that the base is exactly the base and on it it would be possible to string any images within the framework of your style and lifestyle, inside the base, all things must be 100% compatible with each other... This, in general, is the main problem of most wardrobes: there are good trousers, but only one sweater is suitable for them, there is a warm sweater, but it is combined only with a black skirt. It seems that everything fits in color, and goes, and looks stylish, but the combination algorithms are too complex - and the wardrobe is crumbling.

The common rule "when buying a new thing, imagine if you can combine it with two or three" in this case also does not work very well: if these two or three are not basic and do not make up a set, then the new purchase can go dead with them load, because something will be missing all the time until the complete set. Let's say I have excellent trousers with arrows (classic, therefore, basic), they are combined with a white shirt (basic), one jacket (also basic) and shoes. Formally, the rule is observed, but I can only wear it in one combination and in one situation (pants + shirt + jacket, formal image). it set, and not the base, despite all the external signs of the "basic thing". But in fact, these trousers will become the basis if there is a sweater (to collect a more relaxed image on a cold day), a T-shirt (do the same, but with a jacket), a top in sequins (go to an exhibition), a suitable coat, ankle boots. heights (how else to wear it in cold weather?), a hat and so on. Then what comes to the fore is not what these things are, but how they are combined. Therefore, the basic wardrobe is easier. collect whole(for example, make a set in a polyvore or a list that will become your plan, and gradually buy things according to this plan).

Signs of a basic wardrobe

  • a single color scheme and a single style (it does not matter if it will be some specific style - "boho", "romantic", "business" or it is your personal story - "Bonnie and Clyde", "hipster", "space ranger" or whatever);
  • all the tops of the base (base, not the entire cabinet) are combined with all the bottoms of the base both in color and in shape;
  • thin alternates with voluminous, hard with soft, smooth with textured (this principle helps to avoid duplication of things that are identical in function and at the same time close the maximum possible combinations);
  • the wardrobe is self-sufficient in different situations of the same season (that is, if necessary, these things can be done in the office, and on a walk, and in the theater, and at a party).

In fact, there may not be so many things in the base - 10, 12, 15, but they all make up such a rigid skeleton on which everything else is strung. Someone will be comfortable with this minimum, someone will add as much or twice as much - but both will have a reliable foundation that makes the wardrobe work.

A very rough list of basic wardrobe items

In each individual case, the composition of the wardrobe will be different (someone needs more dresses, someone needs trousers), but if you are more comfortable focusing on lists (yes to me), then here is the general ratio of things in the basic wardrobe, which I formulated from watching numerous sets basic wardrobes. ( I remind you again that this list is just for the base - there can be at least 50 pieces / pairs of T-shirts / trousers / sweaters / sandals in the wardrobe, but among them there should be a minimum in which everything goes with everything ). And this minimum is:

  1. Tops - Bottom Layer (Tops / T-shirts / Shirt - Anything to the Body): 3 different items.
  2. Tops - the second layer (sweaters and cardigans): 2-3 different items - something thin, something thick, something long: for example, a small tight-fitting cardigan or jumper, a large chunky knit sweater, a boot.
  3. Bottoms: 3 different items (more formal and less formal) like jeans, pants, skirt.
  4. Versatile quick tops: for example, a basic dress or a jumpsuit.
  5. Shoes: at least a pair for the season (boots, sandals) + 1 pair of universal comfortable shoes (sneakers, sneakers, timberlands) + 1 pair of universal formal shoes (pumps, pointed ballet flats, patent leather loafers - depending on the general style).
  6. Tops - third layer (jackets and coats): at least one piece per season
  7. Bags - large / backpack (less formal) and small / clutch (more formal)

Wait, you say, so little? It's a good old capsule! (Not really)

This is a capsule

How does a basic wardrobe differ from a wardrobe capsule?

A capsule is a small, closed system. ... Moreover, the additions here will not get too much. There may be several capsules in the wardrobe. A basic wardrobe is precisely a universal skeleton that can grow overgrown with meat and be supplemented, such a necessary minimum for different occasions, but in order for it to work fully, not be boring, meet trends or fulfill some other goals, it needs additional accent things that these will not necessarily be compatible with each other.

And there is another important difference.

Basic wardrobe colors

The main paradox of the basic wardrobe is that the more monochrome and boring it is, the more varied combinations can be made with this base.

Therefore, the ideal colors for a basic wardrobe, no matter how punky it sounds, are basic: black, gray, beige, brown, dark blue ... And the basic things themselves should be as simple as possible, without unnecessary decorative details that complicate the combination.

For example, this base, as it may seem at first glance, belongs to a sad bore, who by the end of September himself will howl from melancholy in these flowers.

But if you remember what it is base, and not the whole wardrobe, then life becomes more fun. When there is a matching base, then you can buy a variety of things - matching in color - to it, and they will give a lot of ready-made combinations. So, for example, a pink Cheburashka fur coat could settle as a dead weight in any wardrobe, but in our case it can be worn with black trousers, and with leather leggings, and with a skirt, and with a white shirt, and with a rough sweater, and with gray dress - and everything will be fine. You can take a "banana" bag without hesitation to any combination of basic things. And even striped bell-bottoms, over which most women will puzzle in the store, figuring out what to wear them with, our imaginary bore can easily fit into their wardrobe.

Of course, there are limitations here as well. This base is unlikely to be combined with cute retro (although you can try adding something from the 1920s), it will argue with ethnicity, country style, and so on. The set of combinations will still revolve around rock, grunge, pop art and romance, given colors and basic things. But even in this form, this is already a lot, and for most people three or four styles are more than enough to express themselves and not get bored.

(This seemingly obvious observation I made when I went through my entire closet and found that it had tons of great things going for me, but there is not a single simple black top that would allow me to wear all my pants. basic kit in polyvore, I saw things to add).

Yes, as for "add" ...

Does a basic wardrobe have to be expensive?

There are two main strategies for allocating your wardrobe budget (and both are logical). The first is to invest in basic things, because you will wear them more often than others, which means they should be of the highest quality, and complement them with inexpensive and short-lived, trendy or unusual things (which will quickly go out of fashion or simply bore you). The second is to use the simplest and most impersonal basic things (including those from the mass market) and quickly change them as they wear out, and create an image with the help of more expensive designer accessories and shoes. ( It is clear that it is even better to be healthy and beautiful, and to have the best in general, everything, but still most of us have to choose).

Both strategies have their own arguments, pros and cons, and which one is more appropriate in your case, only you can determine. I can only assume that if your wardrobe is focused on more demonstrativeness (for some reason, you want to emphasize success, belonging to a certain social group, or follow the norms accepted in your circle), then it makes sense to choose more expensive accents (they are more noticeable). If a conservative approach is closer to you and comfort is more valuable, then, most likely, investments in the base will give you what you are looking for.

Make Your Style, where it is more convenient: v

The image of every woman is unique and inimitable. It includes a wide variety of items in various styles and colors. But the presence of individual items is not all that is in the general wardrobe. Its core is a basic set of things that everyone must have. Why is this needed and what does the basic wardrobe of a modern girl include? Let's consider further.

Mainly, the things that we select as a base and as a special version are distinguished by their practicality. The basic wardrobe consists exclusively of those elements that can be easily combined with almost any option, they are quite versatile and often convenient. Another distinctive feature of such things is the restraint of design. Here you will not find bright prints, special finishes or ruffles; absolutely discreet, even classic options.

So what, then, is the need for a basic women's wardrobe?

  1. To dilute bright clothes. For example, a discreet item from the base will perfectly brighten up a bright bottom and vice versa.
  2. Such things are ideal companions for everyday wear when you need something simple, comfortable, but at the same time stylish.
  3. For easy selection of kits. As mentioned earlier, the "base" is very easy to combine with almost any options for clothing, accessories or shoes. Thus, the problem of "nothing to wear" practically disappears.

Modern stylists recommend having at least 2-3 "basic" things in stock. In general, we can say with confidence that without a base, a complete wardrobe is simply considered incomplete. Now you need to pick up a base and find out what applies to it.

Basic shades and elements

As a rule, not all manufacturers produce a separate series of things marked "basic", which are just included in the basic wardrobe of a modern girl. And this greatly complicates the process of selecting this type of clothing. So you need to figure out what the base includes. Also below you will find recommendations for choosing shades. Plus, there are tons of basic wardrobe photos on the internet - take a look at them to find something that works for you.

Top

There may be different options here. Usually 2-3 different models are enough for each season.

  • T-shirt or T-shirt. The running colors are, of course, white, black, beige. As for beige, you should choose the most neutral shades that will only slightly shade the overall gamut of your future image. Sometimes grays, blues or blues are good options. But again, you should pay attention to the fact that the color is not flashy, calm.

    • Tops and T-shirts


  • Shirt or. Base shades for a shirt are white, cream, sometimes beige. Don't overdo it with saturation.

    • Blouse with a bow, as a base option


    Examples of shirts

  • Turtleneck. A warmer option from the base. Here, richer, deeper shades can be used, but at the same time, those that can be easily included in the general gamut of the wardrobe. These are white, black, brown, gray, blue, beige tones. The muted shades of the above tones are the perfect harmonious option.

Bottom

Almost all possible elements of the bottom are black. it is considered the most calm and neutral color, and if we talk about clothes, it also gives harmony and attractiveness. These are the elements that are considered the base here:


Other options

There are other things that should definitely be included in a basic wardrobe:

  1. A classic element of outerwear. Get yourself a standard beige, medium-length black, or your choice of style. These models are ideal for both a romantic and business, everyday look.

    2. Basic outerwear


    Outerwear models


  2. Trouser suit or suit with a skirt. A standard for a business lady and a very comfortable everyday option for work.

    3. Jackets & Blazers

  3. Pumps. A timeless classic that matches both trousers and skirts. Undoubtedly, preference should be given to the black and. You can choose between open or closed spout.

    4. Base of summer shoes


    Demi-season basic models

  4. Perhaps it is worth getting it just in the first place.

    5. Black dress style options

  5. A very important element of every girl's wardrobe - basic too. Two sets in black and flesh color will suit any look. And for ladies with forms, one more recommendation: buy a high-quality

  6. Accessories. Buy a ready-made kit or customize it yourself. Perfectly matched handbag, gloves and scarf will perfectly complement your fall and spring looks.

Before going shopping, carefully consider the photos of modern models. Very often, their clothes can include items from the basic wardrobe. This will help you make the right and stylish choice in the department.

Basic dress options for different seasons

We select the right style

For a basic wardrobe, you need not only standard classic shades, but also standard styles. Do not forget about the peculiarities of appearance: the recommended options can be slightly adjusted for yourself, as well as your wardrobe.

Top details


Bottom elements


To dilute the basic wardrobe and add some piquancy to it, you can pick up a few more elements to complete the picture.


Base Accessory Options

Do not forget to get acquainted with fashion trends from designers every new season. Study photos of models and feel free to experiment!

There is absolutely nothing to wear, although the closet is bursting with an abundance of blouses, blouses and dresses? The problem is that you do not have a base on which a stylish look will be strung like beads.

At first glance, simple things can turn an incompatible variety of clothes into harmonious sets. So what is a basic wardrobe and how do you put it together?

What should be in a wardrobe?

The basic rule of drawing up a basic wardrobe is the choice of clothing, depending on your field of activity and interests. If you are an office worker, then the base should be strict, neutral clothes.

However, such things are not at all useful for a young mother, who travels around the city with a stroller all day long, so the base should be comfortable for her first of all.

Having decided on your needs, you can find a middle ground that will combine everyday and weekend sets, its style.

The percentage of basic to regular items in your closet should be 30/70. The following things should get permanent registration in the wardrobe:

  • plain T-shirts with short sleeves (colors: gray, white, black);
  • dark blue straight jeans without decor;
  • a sheath dress of your favorite shade (it does not have to be black, the choice depends on personal preferences and color type);
  • classic pants;
  • light blouse;
  • turtleneck or sweater with a high collar - will warm you in bad weather;
  • jumper or cardigan with a swoosh neckline (neutral color);
  • light jumper of any cut;
  • plain classic trench coat;
  • dark blazer;
  • wool coat.

We recommend choosing high-quality items made from natural materials, because once settled on your shelf, they will serve you for many years. It is better to choose a cut according to the figure, without draperies and decorative inserts. Then one and the same thing will look different every time if different accessories and more characteristic things are used in the set.

calm colors are used

Women's wardrobe shouldn't be flashy. Even the shocking stars of show business make up a base of simple things of neutral shades. A black and white palette, deep blue, dark green, beige, gray and other calm colors are used. Gray is most often chosen in melange colors, as monolithic gray can seem boring.

We compose the basic wardrobe correctly

Many girls wonder how to dress stylishly without spending too much money. Answer: rely not on the number of wardrobe items, but on their quality. A well-chosen item that adorns the figure and hides imperfections is the perfect investment.

Before updating your wardrobe, it is worth considering in advance what basic things it lacks. And if they do not exist at all, then you need to start with underwear.

Basic T-shirts with thin straps will help to concisely arrange a too revealing neckline or hide everything unnecessary if the blouse is too much. If you like to wear tunics or dresses that are too short, then black leggings are another possible element.

This is followed by T-shirts with different sleeve lengths, blouses and shirts. If your style is more youthful, then choose plain longs. If you stick to the dress code at work, then buy several shirts of a fitted silhouette in light shades (white, blue, pink).

Sweaters, cardigans or jackets should be worn over T-shirts and shirts. It is worth purchasing at least one item from the above list. The jacket should not be too shiny and pretentious. Recommended color is black. It goes with everything and allows you to play with a wide variety of clothing sets, so you will always have a thing at hand for going to work, shopping and going to a party.

The underwear collection is composed of a feminine pencil skirt, well-fitting trousers and a proper fit. If your style assumes a slight casualness, then traditional skinny jeans can be replaced with a boyfriend model, they also go well with many wardrobe items. When choosing jeans, do not blindly follow trends, but give preference to the cut that adorns your figure.

Also, don't forget about dresses. Even if you do not wear them at all, then one model of a straight cut should be introduced into your wardrobe. A versatile dress will help out in any situation and make you more feminine.

The outerwear for the base should be well tailored. A coat, raincoat and jacket should be chosen in dark colors or beige.

How to combine basic things

To learn how to look stylish, you need to try different combinations of basic items with other wardrobe items. The simplicity of universal things should be supplemented with bolder details: a voluminous scarf, jewelry, unusual shoes and a bag, sunglasses.

You can complete the basic thing with any clothes, that's why it is the base. Depending on her mood, a complete image is formed. For example, when you combine a tight-fitting skirt with classic things, you get an office version, and if you add a white T-shirt with a youth print, the image transforms into a fun casual.

Basic accessories

Accessories are also basic. They are suitable for any set and do not carry a decorative load.

Read about how to properly complement your look with jewelry and accessories.

One of these accessories is a small purse with a laconic shape, without flashy fittings.

Its size should be such that it does not get in the way in the hands, but it contains everything you need. Here you should focus on your own needs.

Basic Shoes

Beige boats are considered a must-have shoe, without which a shoe shelf will be incomplete. This model of shoes visually lengthens the length of the legs and allows you to look elegant in any outfit. They should be made of suede or matte leather, there should be no shine, otherwise all the versatility will be lost.

Ballerinas are another magic wand which will save you if you don’t know which shoes to add to the set. Basic ballet flats have thin flat soles, are devoid of decor and are painted in a calm color.

For the cold season, you need to stock up on boots. They must be comfortable and made of natural materials. It is optimal if these are black boots with stable heels. The tops of the boots should not be too tight on the calves, then it will be possible to tuck skinny into them without crushing the legs.

Basic things-investments

Finally, we will tell you what things will make a fashionable wardrobe not only universal at the moment, but also long-lasting for many years. According to fashion experts, the list includes 25 wardrobe items:

  • camel cashmere coat;
  • khaki trench coat;
  • cashmere jumper in universal color;
  • standard short-sleeved T-shirt;
  • alcoholic T-shirt;
  • men's white shirt;
  • vest;
  • almost black jeans;
  • pantsuit;
  • sheath dress;
  • a tight-fitting skirt of reasonable length;
  • Evening Dress;
  • black hairpins;
  • laconic sandals;
  • beige ballerinas;
  • comfortable moccasins;
  • clutch bag made of matte leather with a strap;
  • book-sized bag on a chain;
  • large bag with 2 handles;
  • aviator glasses;
  • silk scarf of bright color, size 70x70;
  • pashmina;
  • pearl necklace;
  • watches in masculine design;
  • belt.