Defining Style (Part III): Tips, Tricks + How to Curb Impulse Buys

• Refine & think minimalist. If you could only pick 10 things from your closet to wear for the rest of your life (disregarding aging/weight loss or gain, we’re being hypothetical here), what would they be? Now, narrow it down to five things. What are those? (If you can’t narrow it down, think: what are the 10 pieces you wear the most?)

These then become your wardrobe staples—stick to this foundation and donate whatever else you don’t wear as often (or no longer fit). And the five articles of clothing you picked of the ten? Buy multiples or variations of each, for these are the pieces you know you will always love, gravitate towards, and undoubtedly re-wear. It’s easy to see how materialistic and excessive we’ve become as a species—how many can relate to the  closet-full-of-clothes-but-“nothing-to -wear” syndrome? I’m actually thoroughly convinced it’s an American phenomenon. Think minimalist. European. French, more specifically. You would think that with Carine Roitfeld’s old position as Editor-in-Chief of Paris Vogue, she’d have a closet bursting at its hinges. But it’s quite the contrary:

“Actually, my mum has never had a lot of clothes, and she has a tiny wardrobe. She knows exactly what she likes to wear. There’s one long cupboard in her bedroom, and you never see shoes lying anywhere else. I’ve got more clothes than she has.”

—Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, on Carine Roitfeld’s closet

• Invest in classics. Now reference the list of basics the professionals say you should own (e.g.: Nina Garcia’s The Little Black Book of Style and The One Hundred, the latter which is beyond excessive—100 is much to many for any wardrobe, in my opinion). Note what you don’t have, and invest in the key items. Classics are timeless, so spending more for the best quality is entirely worth it. Quantity over quality, ladies!

I’m not, however, telling you to invest in every one of those must-haves, however must-have they are. Take the black cigarette pant or trench coat. They’re undoubtedly classic, but may not necessarily fit your aesthetic. The slim pant is chic, but if you’re pear-shaped, skip it and opt for a flared trouser—it’s far more flattering. Trenches are also amongst the ultimate “One Hundred,” but I’d never wear one: it’s either a leather jacket or a structured winter jacket for me.

• Keep an inspiration journal. Keep a folder, binder, or notebook of things you like. Need. Whatever inspires you. Tear out clippings from magazines and catalogues, organizing it as such. When you’re in a bit of a style rut, flip through and feel re-sinpired. It’s the perfect way to hone in on your style and aesthetic.

• Make a checklist. Keep a running list of things you need to complete your wardrobe, and be as specific as possible. You want an almond-toe, black leather pump with a ½” platform and 4-inch heel. Put it in a pocket-sized journal and throw it in your handbag. Do sketch specific pieces, too—you’ll better remember what it was exactly you were on a mission for and prevent you from straying from that direction (all the while improving artistic skills, of course). Checklists will, again, help you focus on and develop your style and curb impulse buys.

On my list: Rose gold and silver David Smallcombe bangles, black leather ballerinas, the aforementioned heels, black srappy platform heels which I can dance in (this is crucial), and a great black everyday bag in leather.

See? I don’t need much. You don’t need much.

“Whenever I meet a girl with truly gret style I immediately want to be her friend, because I can safely assume that she is confident and well-knowledgeable. It’s impossible to overemphasize the importance of self-acceptance in this equation.”

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Read Defining Style: Part I + Part II.

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