The Perfect Wardrobe – Part 2

This week, I’m sharing the details of the wardrobe I created for my retirement years. My goal is to get dressed for any event using what I already have. I no longer waste money buying cute things on sale that never get worn. A minimal classic style wardrobe that I can wear year-round serves all of my needs. I invest in the best quality I can afford because I intend to wear each item at least thirty times before replacing it.

Building your best core wardrobe starts with purging all the things from your closet that you never wear, don’t like, that no longer fit or aren’t a reflection of the woman you are now. Those items will take up valuable space and remind you of your mistake each time you see them. You will never benefit by keeping them. Let them go and forget about it. Consignment, donations to charities, and giving to friends are great options.

As you add new items, make sure you are shopping for your lifestyle, shape (the body you have now), and coloring. It is too easy to get sidetracked by what looks good on someone you admire or the display in the store. If you have to talk yourself into it, put it back. Wait for the perfect item. If you settle, you will end up with another wardrobe full of so-so pieces. Keep a detailed list of what is missing from your collection. Shop with that list because we all know how hard it is to stay focused when confronted with all those choices.

My core wardrobe collection includes V-neckline blouses and shirts, cashmere sweaters, cotton tees, short fitted jackets and vests, slim-fitting tanks, a few dressy knit tunics, and a variety of V-neckline camis. The pants and jeans are mostly slim-fitting with straight legs. I added a couple of sparkly camis to dress up my basics for special events. My light jackets, winter coats, and trenches are tailored and sleek with no toggles, large collars, fur trim, or embellishments.

Statement pieces add interest and drama to your basics, but you need a good core wardrobe first to have something to wear with those standout items.

Color is a significant consideration since all the tops should work with most skirts (if you wear them), pants, and jackets. My wardrobe includes navy, gray, white, blue shades, a few pieces in true-red, and some black. Mostly solid colors allow for endless mixing and matching possibilities. Any patterns are repeating geometric ones such as dots or stripes. When pieces are not memorable, it is less likely I will tire of them.

A variety of textures creates more elegant looks. For example, you can wear three navy items and look fabulous if the jacket is leather, the sweater is cashmere, and the pants are denim.

Taking care of my clothing and accessories allows me to enjoy them for several years. Sitting down at a table to enjoy all food or beverages, immediate spot cleaning, washing in cold water, and hanging on a hook or rolling rack to dry are the secrets to keeping things looking good. I never put anything away that needs to be repaired or cleaned. So that items will not be forgotten, I store everything so that I can see it.

We took these photos on a lane where I often go for my early morning walks. I wear similar casual pieces to walk, relax at home, visit with family, and run errands such as going to the grocery store and the Post Office.

My goal as a blogger is to share with you what I’ve learned. I use myself as a visual example, but I hope you can apply the concepts I share to help you look and feel your best every day.

Both the navy cotton tee and white cotton jeans are about three years old. Links to similar current items: Tee – Jeans – Bag – Shoes (Referral and affiliate links in my posts may result in a small commission for me at no additional cost to you.)