 |
The Breakdown:
Pants: Thrifted- $4
Top: The Loft (on major sale)- $10
Belt: Downeast Basics (clearance)-$3
Shoes: Payless-$10
Total outfit costs: $27.
not bad eh?
My main stylistic concern in high school, was avoiding dressing from the kids section. And since I was 4-foot-nothing, that didn’t happen very often. Then I spent the entire first half of my twenties in some state of pregnancy (hello 3 babies in 4 years), so by the time I rounded into the second half of my twenties I realized that I had absolutely no idea how to dress anymore, and also, I had no clothes.
Replacing an entire wardrobe that consists mainly of maternity clothes (gag.) and anything that was on sale at Aeropostale, was a bit of a daunting venture.
And an expensive one at that.
Not to mention I had no idea where to start.
But 3.5 years later, I am happy to report that I finally feel (mostly) at home in my clothes. Here is my first tip for getting started:
Make a List.
Okay, so if you are like I was, you’ve got nothing (or next to nothing) to start with. This is intimidating. First step, organizing your clothes. Go through your closet and figure out exactly what you’ve got; what you never want to wear again, what you could actually work with, and divide them up. (You might want to wait to toss some stuff until you’ve beefed up your closet a bit)
Now make a list. Decide on several key wardrobe staples and write them down. Every time you go shopping these are your priorities. If you’ve got 5-10 items, you’re looking for, you are bound to find one of them on sale, or at a reasonable price.
Avoid buying anything overtly trendy until you’ve got everything on your list. These items will make up your wardrobe foundation, and you want don’t want a weak foundation. No matter how much you love those red pants, put them back on the rack until you’ve got yourself a great pair of trouser jeans. They won’t go out of style in 6 months and end up at the Goodwill.
So here is my personal list of wardrobe staples:
1. Trouser Jeans.
2. A great White Button-up Shirt
3. A Pencil skirt (preferably in grey, black or tan-more remix options)
4.A Blazer
5.White pants (it’s me, they had to make the list.)
6. Cardigans (a few, great for remixing)
7. A Trench Coat (short or long- and you can add color here. I’ve got a red one. It’s awesome)
There you go. Simple.
Now let’s talk about this outfit. It cost me total 27 dollars, without the shoes, this baby is a 17 dollar ensemble. Even if you can only pull together a $20 bill every month, you can add something to your wardrobe that will enhance it. Every single item in this set can be remixed about a hundred different ways. They are versatile, and that is key with your staples. Whatever you choose as your own wardrobe staples, make sure you can work-em!
Now link-up Ladies!
Great tips! I just love this black and brown outfit! I love thrift shopping!
hey! i’m actually trying to start a new wardrobe and i have no clue what to buy. thanks for your tip.
Great post, very helpful and you look lovely as usual! THANX!
Natalie
http://www.projectdowhatyoulove.wordpress.com
this is the cutest outfit! i love it!!
cori i love your style its so clean and classic at the same time! i defenitely like it :) take care! see u around! zuecossio-cabofashion.blogspot.com
Such great tips! DO you have any lists or resources for building a wardrobe other than the pieces you mentioned? I’ve seen some things on Pinterest but just wondered your take?
i recently just emptied out my closet to figure out what i have, see what new outfits i could make from what i already own and then i promised myself i wouldn’t buy anything new until i could let go of things that were just collecting dust – and the list is a great tool too. i easily lose focus when i go out shopping, but if i have a list and focus on what i need i usually am better off!
LOVING this dress on a budget you are doing!! Any tips on where to get trouser jeans on the cheap???
love the tips you posted! great outfit and great post! :)
I’m loving your monochromatic look. And WOW, I can’t believe how cheap everyone’s outfits are! What an inspiration!
Thanks for the tips, you are darling! I’ve started browsing through The Loft because you always have the cutest things from there and that’s where I found the dress I linked up! Have a great day!
Cori, I have been reading your blog for a while now and you get better with every post. Your humor, your fashion sense, your beautiful family. I’m so glad Little Miss Momma listed you as one of her faves! And you are totally killing it with the monochromatic looks! Love them!
P.S. So wish you could go through my closet!
Kristen
http://www.thepreppygirlinpink.com
Now this is my kind of linky party! ; ) Great idea, Cori! Love the brown belt with the all-black.
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and love your style! So when My first assignment as an Activity Day Leader at church was on modesty, I knew right where to go. I printed out some of the pictures of you in your outfits to show the girls that you can be stylish and modest at the same time. Thanks for dressing modestly!
It’s like you wrote this post for me!! LOL I’ve had two babies in 2 years (I don’t think I’ll be following your steps with the third ;) I seem to have my hands full at the moment. But I have been following your blog for a while, and I LOVE your style! After having the kids, I have seemed to have fallen into a style rut (there is only so many options for maternity clothes). Your post is perfect and has inspired me to get out there and get those staple pieces. Thanks so much!
xoxo, Brianna
http://www.theyfloatmyboat.blogspot.com
I found your blog last night and I have been reading and reading! When I had my daughter I went from working full time in a law office to being a stay at home mom. Lets just say over the last few months I’ve found my wardrobe to be completely lacking, but it’s been SO overwhelming to me trying to figure out my new style and just what basics I need. I took your list and tweaked it to fit me and I feel better already just having a list! Also, can’t wait until you put more pencil skirts in your store. I’ve fallen in love with them lately and can’t wait to snag one from you! :)