Being the proud owner of a streamlined and curated wardrobe is no easy feat. It takes time, patience, and planning, but once you get there, there’s no better feeling (I imagine). Unfortunately, I’m not one of those people with a streamlined and curated wardrobe (yet). My dream wardrobe is in sight, but still a little way off. What I do have though, is all the right foundations in place so that by the time I reach 40, I'll have my version of a perfect wardrobe.
Why 40? Well, in order to make those bucket list purchases (a Céline Wool Tweed Coat ($3430), a Cartier LOVE Bracelet ($8800)), I need more time to save my $$$, and in order to really understand what my dream wardrobe is, I need more time. In my opinion, your early 20s are a time to start figuring out what your personal style is—and as I approach 30, I feel like I’m starting to really understand what I like to wear, what feels like ‘me’, and what suits my body. With a little more time, and some solid planning, I’ll have the ultimate wardrobe by the time I’m 40 (because all good things take time).
This is what I’m doing now, so that I can have my dream wardrobe by the time I’m 40. Read on!
If you don't already have Pinterest (firstly, WHAT?), start an account, then set up a secret style board that only you can see. My suggestion is to make it secret so you can pin freely without worrying what anyone else will think or see.
From here, start pinning all the street style or editorial images that inspire you, or resonate with you most. You'll soon see a pattern form, which will help guide your style choices. A lot of denim? Maybe you need more jeans. All black and white looks? Then stop buying so much pink.
Now that you have your Pinterest style board, it's time to cull your wardrobe. Organising your closet will immediately give you a clear understanding of what you own, and your current style. We love the Marie Kondo method, but we've covered so many different ways to cull your wardrobe, you'll easily find the method that suits you.
With a style vision and a clear wardrobe already sorted, it's now time to set your budget and shopping list. Work out what you want your investment pieces to be—those really special pieces you'll hold on to forever and eventually pass down to your kids, and set a budget to start ticking them off. Do the same with key pieces missing from your wardrobe.
In my mind, a dream wardrobe comes from knowing the brands that suit you and discovering the brands you love season after season. For me, those brands are Bassike, Camilla and Marc, Ellery, and Acne Studios. I'm signed up to all their email newsletters, follow them on social media, and stay up to date with new arrivals so I don't miss out on key pieces that will help build out my dream wardrobe.
We're here to help you get started. We've rounded up seven fashionable women whose personal style we think is flawless. Time to start pinning!
WHO: Giorgia Tordini
WHO: Giovanna Engelbert-Battaglia
WHO: Olivia Palermo
WHO: Zanita Whittington
WHO: Caroline Issa
WHO: Chiara Ferragni
Is your wardrobe missing some staples? Shop these essentials to get you started.
Opening image: Street Smith
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