I’m going through a bit of a style
rut at the moment. I wish I had some profound reason for why this happens, but
if I’m being completely honest I think I’m just a little bit fickle when it comes to fashion.
When I’m on the top of my game, I
love my everyday wardrobe. It’s a mix of tailored jackets, intricate prints
(bees are my current favourite), frayed denim, simple blouses and printed tees.
On paper, these are the things I like, suit me and make me feel my best.
In theory, they’re the items that I
try to invest the most time and money in – and for the most part, I do. I
transition happily from season to season; adding the odd trend piece into the
mix to keep things fresh.
But every now and again the balance
tips and I give into too many impulse purchases and panic buys. A pretty
ruffle, a bit of embroidery, a smattering of embellishment. My favourite staple
pieces get lost under a sea of ill-advised purchases that I never wear and find
months later bundled at the back of my wardrobe.
I’m not saying that it’s all bad. As I’ve said before, stepping out of my comfort zone has led to some great discoveries. Most recently, the realisation that I actually quite like pink, but if I’m being completely honest it’s also led to a lot of wasted money and is probably the reason I find myself caught up in these bi-annual style ruts.
So this year, I’m following my own
advice and turning over a new leaf. Here are my tips, and in my case strict
rules, for making any style-related purchase – whether it’s a leopard print
scrunchie, a pair of denim dungarees or that amazing camel blazer.
1. Work with what you’ve already got
Years of panic buys, impulse
purchases and “magpie moments” have left me with a wardrobe full of mismatched
pieces. They work perfectly well on their own, but when you put them together
there are very few team players.
So, this year I’m trying to think of
my wardrobe as a bit of a capsule collection; considering what colours, styles
and textures will work with my current wardrobe. Does it fit nicely with what
I’ve already got, or does it add a fresh twist to my favourite staples?
2. Is it worth the money?
I can’t tell you how many blazers
and blouses I’ve bought only to realise that they’re not quite the right cut,
fabric or fit – and it’s usually because I’ve bought them on a whim and haven’t
really done my homework.
They tend to only last a couple of months, before they start to feel tired and tatty around the edges – and I start feeling like I’ve got very little to wear.
This year, I want to invest more
money on my staples; spending a little more time and money trying to get them
right.
3. Does it make you feel your best?
As much as I’d love them to, there
are some items that just don’t work for me. I absolutely love denim dungarees
and bomber jackets, but unfortunately at 5”3 they just don’t work.
I’m sometimes guilty of buying into
trend pieces that I know won’t make me feel my best. I tend to wear them once,
before stuffing them in the back of my wardrobe never to see the light of day
again.
This year, I’m trying not to get
caught up in these magpie moments and try to stick to things that I know will
suit my look, style and personal taste.
I'm wearing: