How To Build Your Wardrobe (Part 1)

Your closet should always give you options. If you have tried my suggestions from ‘Shopping Your Closet’ and still feel like you need to inject some new life into your wardrobe, there are a few ways to do just that. Before we take a deep dive into what pieces to hunt for or where to go, there are a few things you absolutely should do.

1. You have to know what you already have! A Closet Edit is key in figuring out what you have, what you shouldn’t have, and what you need. While you are working your way through your current selection, make a list (pen and paper or on your phone) of what you don’t see that you think would give you the look you’re after. For example, when I was recently combing through my closet, I realized that I really don’t have many dressy blouses and the ones I have are navy (long-sleeve) and black (short-sleeve and a little too sheer). Working in an office setting, I noted that as a gap in my wardrobe. I’ll be searching for more color and in shades/fabrics that are not see-through.
2. Pinterest time. I love Pinterest as a way to get inspiration whether it be for an outfit or decorating the house. Create a Pinterest board for your style. If you are in a transitional period where you’re trying to find a new style or just upgrade what you have going on and don’t want to share, keep your board private. Spend some time doing some searching for people, places, events, eras, etc. that inspire you. Love the 50’s? Start with ‘Old Hollywood Glamour’ as your search and see where that takes you. If there are style influencers that you are drawn to, search for pictures of their looks and add them. Add anything that you feel would give you inspiration in your daily looks. This board can be updated and edited as your style changes to give you a source of creativity and act as a checklist when you’re out shopping (portable on your phone!). If you’ve pinned 5 different leather jackets, it may just be time to find one for yourself!
   

   Pinterest Screenshot from Life Without Louboutins Creator Lacey Binns

3. Know what you’re after. If you are going to make yourself a wardrobe that can mix and match in the many ways you want, you have to have a clear vision of your style and be ready to commit to that when you’re shopping. Personal time: my style does not include crop tops. The trend has been going strong for a while. However, while I love the look, I know that it doesn’t work for me. It doesn’t integrate into my wardrobe well, doesn’t fit my personality, and is not the best look for my body. So of course when I’m out shopping, I always want to grab one! Whenever that happens, I grab it and try it on in the dressing room. It’s either going to be the day I see it and say ‘yes, this is it I’m going to make this work’ or I’m going to see that my gut was right: this is not my style. 100% of the time it has only reinforced that the vision I have for my style is the best compass for me to use in my buying decisions (not the pretty ads or mannequins).

If you have your closet edited and organized and have created a clear vision for how you want your style to look, you are ready to shop! Check out Part 2 of this series for my tips on how to do this and what misconceptions to avoid.

For more tips, tricks, and inspiration, you can follow me on any of my social media accounts listed below:

Instagram: @lifewithoutlouboutins

Pinterest: Lacey Binns

SnapChat: Lacey Binns (I actually took my SnapChat followers shopping with me yesterday and gave advice that will be featured in Part 2!)