How to get the most out of your wardrobe. Versatility is the key!

Ok ladies, how many of you stand in front of your closet, almost on a daily basis and say, “ugh, I have nothing to wear”? Me too! Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. I’m raising my hand and saying this is me, me, me…and I know my sister, mother, and BFF are raising their hands too. Now, my husband on the other hand would laugh (sarcastically of course), look at me with his eyes wide open, head slightly tilted, and say “Really? Nothing to wear? You have a closet chuck full of clothes and you have NOTHING to wear?” Ok, ok, so he does make a valid point, considering his wardrobe neatly fits into an IKEA armoire that I so kindly purchased for him on his behalf (mostly because I needed the space in “OUR” walk-in closet for “MY” stuff) but I digress.

The fact of the matter remains; sometimes looking at my wardrobe, I find that I have a ton of dressy work clothes or at times, a plethora of casual basics, no happy medium. After I realized my dilemma, I knew what the problem was….my wardrobe was lacking versatility.

You Better Work!

Put your closet to work! Outfits should usually serve more than one purpose (with the exception of that one bridesmaid dress…you know which one I’m referring to!). Pick clothing that can dress your confidence in the office and then transform into after work meetings, the soccer field (or swim practice in my case), or weekend brunch (or all three if you’re a busy mom like me). Sound easy? Well, it should be and when done right, can be a very cost effective way to grow your wardrobe.

Versatility 101

• Ankle length trousers
  • Business Chic: pair the trousers with a blouse,  layered necklaces, and killer heels. Classic and classy!
  • After work dinner with clients: Replace the blouse with a racerback white cotton tank, with a half-tuck, forego the layered necklaces for a simple longer necklace, swap the heels for wedges.
  • Weekend brunch: pair the trousers with a cute graphic T-shirt, with a slight half-tuck or a stylish side knot, swap the heels and wedges for flat athletic shoes (Chuck Taylors or cute Vans), and top it off with a distressed denim jacket.

• Camo Print Capri Cargos
  • Business Chic: pair the camo capri cargo pants with a flowy coral blouse, single statement necklace, and nude heels.
  • After work swim meet: Swap the blouse for a cream and gray striped cotton tank, trade the heels for some cute snakeskin, flat sandals.
  • Date night: pair the camo capri cargo's with a burgundy off the shoulder blouse, simple necklace, earrings, and bracelet, swap the Adidas for a pair of kick-ass gorgeous heels, and top it off with a cute snakeskin clutch. This will be an unexpected showstopper!

• Blazer
  • Business Chic: pair the blazer with a dressy camisole tucked into a classic pencil skirt. Accent your look with a chunky statement necklace and top it off with a pair of heels or strappy sandals.
  • Meeting with clients: Swap the pencil skirt for a pair of black skinny jeans. Replace the statement necklace with simple layered necklaces and keep the heels.
  • Weekend appointment: pair the blazer with a pair of distressed denim jeans, cotton tank or graphic t-shirt (in a knot or half-tuck), and top it off with a pair of cute open-toe mules.

Making the most out of your wardrobe

Now that you have some ideas, I challenge you to go back to your closet, pick three articles of clothing, and transform them into three separate outfits. Play “hypotheticals” (i.e. going to brunch, going to an after work dinner meeting, etc..) and let your creative juices flow. Fashion should be fun, show your personality, be versatile, and should not break the bank. Next time when you’re purchasing that fabulous floral blouse, think about versatility and how you are going to rock it at the office, a PTA meeting, and brunch with the girls. That one purchase just paid dividends! Cha-Ching!

I would love to hear how you get the most bang for your buck from your wardrobe. How do you go from the office, to a ballet recital, and lunch with your sisters? Tell me in the comments below!