Step 1: Clean Out 
Step 2: Make a List {Part 1, Part 2}
Step 3: Shop
Step 4: Mix and Match
Step 5: Accessorize

With your closet cleaned out and your style defined, you are now ready to make your shopping list! Keep in mind that you are not necessarily building your wardrobe from scratch…if you are, that is ok too. You may have some really great pieces already in your wardrobe, so the goal now is to determine what additional pieces you need in order to complete your wardrobe. However, when writing your list make sure your get specific about what it is you are looking for. This will inevitably save you time and money, and will also make shopping a lot easier because you will know exactly what you are looking for. If you need pants, don’t just list “pants”. Write down what style it is your are looking for; jeans or khakis, straight or bootcut? Below I’ve given some simple guidelines and examples of good basic and versatile pieces to include in your wardrobe. From these guidelines, determine what best fits your style then go through your wardrobe and decided what pieces you need to go shopping for.

Jeans:
You should have at least 2-3 pairs of medium to dark wash jeans in your wardrobe. Whether they are skinny, straight, bootcut, or flared, jeans are definitely a wardrobe staple. Try and look for more darker washed jeans as they tend to be more flattering, versatile, and can easily be dressed up.

Pants:
Try and have at least 1-2 pair of neutral colored pants– khakis, trousers, cargo pants…you name it! If you’re brave and love a splash of color, you can also add in a pair of colored pants as well. I have not ventured so far as of yet, but a great pair of colored pants is on my list. Having a few pairs of pants in addition to your everyday blue jeans will even further the versatility of your wardrobe.

Skirts:
It is always good to have at least 1 basic neutral skirt in your closet that can easily be mixed and matched with many of  your other pieces. It can be any style: pencil, a-line, high-low, or maxi…whatever best fits your style. Adding some great printed and colored skirts into your wardrobe can also increase your wardrobe’s versatility. However, when adding color into your wardrobe, make sure they are colors that fit in and can be worn with the clothes you already have. If you are not big on wearing skirts, you can always substitute another pair of pants.

Tops:
This area is very broad and is completely up to you and your style. I love to layer so I tend to buy tops that can easily be layered with other pieces. I also like using cardigans, vests, and jackets to add dimension and color into my outfits. Above are just a few examples of tops that are both basic and versatile. Each could be paired with a pair of jeans, a pair of neutral colored pants, or a variety of different skirts. These are all aspects you should look for when buying tops.

Dresses:
To be honest, I am not very big on wearing dresses. I almost always choose wearing a skirt over a dress but having a great dress in your wardrobe will serve you well. Even if you only have 1 dress, as long as it fits great, is comfortable, and versatile you can get a lot of use out of it and create many different looks. It is probably good to have at least 1 dress in your wardrobe that can be worn to fancy occasions but the rest can be for everyday wear.

Good luck making your list and remember to be specific! See you next week for Step 3: Shop!

Again if you missed Step 1 about cleaning about your wardrobe, click {HERE}.
If you missed Part 1 of making your list, click {HERE}.

Linked To:
http://staceyembracingchange.com/2013/09/05/creative-inspirations-linky-party-52/
http://www.everydayfashionandfinance.com/2013/09/three-fer-thursday-link-up.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20EverydayFashionAndFinance%20(Everyday%20Fashion%20and%20Finance)
http://stylelixir.com/2013/09/fridays-fab-favorites-join-the-link-up.html
http://www.naptimecrafters.com/2013/09/friday-favs-party-123.html

Related posts:

Wardrobe Basics: Mix and Match Wardrobe Basics: Make a List {Part 1} Wardrobe Basics: Clean Out Wardrobe Basics: Shop