Wardrobe Basics

Planning a basic wardrobe....
It can be a daunting task, to say the least. Heaven knows, I’m in my 50’s and still trying to get it right! Reading all those 2012 blog posts that include goals such as  “closet makeover” or “wardrobe re-do” or just plain "wanting to get a good basic wardrobe…finally" has inspired both Lori and I to open up the subject of planning and sewing some wardrobe essentials.

So we  have been emailing and brainstorming. And emailing some more. 
What does a basic wardrobe include? How do we plan what to sew? 
Lori has put up a recent Nate Burkus Show wardrobe list. 
Just today, I read one on “Girls with Curves.”
and Angie came up with a list that she describes as personalized wardrobe essentials...one that can be personalized to fit your own lifestyle.
Real Simple has a pretty complete and comprehensive basics checklist, too.
I actually loved the Good Housekeeping Wardrobe Basics...a pared down list of navy shirtdress, striped tee, red tank and cardigan, dark jeans, white skirt and khaki suit. So sharp, so simple!

There are about as many different “must have” lists out there as there are personalities, lifestyles and imaginations!

So, here is what I came up with…a Casual/Weekend Wardrobe Must-Have's.  I did this, because, believe it or not, work is pretty easy for me. It’s the weekends where I find myself giving up…wearing the same old stuff…looking like a shlumpadink.  Sometimes I think I may have too many choices, so this Spring, I’m going to try to focus on a few items that can go a long way, that will transcend the trends, always look sharp, and can be easily mixed and matched...and be age appropriate.

So, my top ten weekend/casual wardrobe?

1.       Black pants…ponte is good. ( see Lori’s post  for an excellent list of sources for patterns, styles and fabrics)

2.       Skinny Jeans

3.       Fun colored jacket

4.       Shirt dress

5.       Khaki or Denim Skirt

6.       Black, White or Denim Jacket

7.       Print Top or Tunic

8.       Print skirt

9.      White shirt

10.   cardigan

I think this will work for me.  And chances are, you also have a good share of these items in your closet already...in addition to knit tees, which are as standard as bras and panties. So I’m going to be looking to see what needs to be updated, freshened up with a new color pallette,  or what’s missing.Then I can decided what I need to make to create a complete weekend wardrobe.

For example, I have a very good pair of black ponte pants, and a favorite pair of skinny dark jeans…so instead, I’ll be making a fun pair of Colette Clover ankle pants in a bright color and a pair of gray slender pants.

My fun colored jacket? Red.

A shirt dress.

I already have a favorite Khaki and denim skirt

I’m up to my ears in Denim jackets, and last year I made a white jacket, so I’ll be planning to sew a casual black jacket.

Print top? I’m looking at a bow front blouse/tunic that can be worn with lots of things.

I have print skirts…this will be last on my list and will happen if I find a perfect irresistible fabric

White shirt? Yes. I could use a new one… I have several, but they are all just this side of fresh and crisp. And it's always nice to start a season with a new white shirt.

I’d like to make a cardigan. Will I knit it? Will I sew it? Not sure.

So on my list of wardrobe basics to supplement what I have is:

A red jacket

A black jacket

Bright colored skinnies

Gray pants

A print top or tunic

A white shirt

A cardigan
A Shirtdress

So stay tuned to both Lori's blog and mine as we unfold this Spring Wardrobe Adventure. We'll be  announcing a Sew-Along and Link Parties, and finishing up with a blogger's fashion show, a contest and lots of fun posts!
Will you join us?