I can’t even begin to count the number of times per week I tell my mom, a friend, or someone sadly listening that I have nothing the wear. The truth is, I actually do, and my closet is three pieces short of exploding and has already reached the point of not neatly and properly fitting. What that usually means is that there is nothing I want to wear or nothing that I’m comfortable wearing. As I’m maturing, I’m learning that certain things are worth spending my money on and adding to the closet, unlike the crazy concert tops I’ll wear once and then sit wrinkly and dusty somewhere, stuffed in my closet.
Firstly, I’ve learned the colors that I repeatedly end up wearing. If I am choosing an outfit, I usually am going to choose a blue piece, no matter what the event or outing is. I’ve learned that sometimes, it’s better to opt for the color I know I’m going to wear and have pieces to match rather than colors that may only be worn once on vacation or for a certain Instagram photoshoot.
In terms of what types of clothes I’m buying, usually on vacations or at events, my first choice is undoubtedly a sweatshirt. I catch myself wearing them at all times of the year, with leggings, sweatpants, active shorts, and so much more. I have unfortunately reached a point of having too many sweatshirts, but nonetheless, I continue to buy more. Besides that, some pieces are staples in my everyday wardrobe.
For starters, anywhere I go, I always need a pair of black leggings with me. It may sound simple, but they are just the perfect item for so many occasions. I can dress it up with a sweater and cute tennis shoes, or keep it to an oversized sweatshirt for walking around the mall. I can wear them to dance when I need something to move and work out in, or I can wear them at an airport or to study if I want something cute but comfortable. I can always validate buying more because I usually find myself wearing them multiple times a week. Some people are less comfortable in leggings, and in that case, the situation may be different, but I always like having a few good pairs, whether in black or in patterns.
Usually, people will have a pair of good jeans or two, but I personally think a pair of white jeans can be a great item to have. They’re basic and can be paired with so many colors or types of tops for different occasions. I’m not a great upholder of the white rule, where you should only wear white from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so I love wearing my white jeans to nice events in the winter because they are nice and are slightly dressier than normal jeans. I also love them just with a basic sweater or t-shirt that I can wear at school or out with friends. I love the idea of pink or fun colored jeans, but I can only wear them with so few tops, and white is much more practical.
A few years ago, there was a sale at Old Navy, and I purchased my favorite grey sweater ever. I always need a grey and/or cream sweater in my closet. They’re perfect for a modest outfit at church, throwing on over a dress or cute outfit on vacation, or out at dinner. My grey sweater is slightly oversized and has a V-neck that slightly falls off my shoulder, but it is perfect and is one of my favorite things to wear to school with jeans or leggings. The simplicity is perfect to throw over almost any outfit. I find myself wearing them in the winter, but also in the summer over a bathing suit or sitting at a fire to give myself something lighter than a sweatshirt and maybe a little nicer depending on the situation at hand as well.
I can never describe my need for basic tops in grey, light pink, white, cream, black, and navy blue. Whether it’s long sleeves, short sleeves, or tank tops, that’s another thing I can always have with me. The basic variety can just be worn with so many things, for so many situations, that I always would rather buy those to match with my more colorful pieces. If you were to view my board on Pinterest, most of the items have tops in those colors that can be interchangeable with each other. I feel like having a few basic items like a tight black t-shirt, a cream tank top, and a tight, light pink long-sleeved shirt will get me a lot further than crazy patterned and styled tops. Sometimes, I prefer ones of a style that have a little more in them, like a unique neckline, a twist, or varying between tight, flowy, etc. These aspects can usually still be dressed down while dressing up a little easier, and giving a wider variety between limited items.
My biggest issue with all of my outfits is always shoes. I have multiple dressy, platform sandals and cute slides, but when I’m trying to just go to school or out to dinner in the middle of winter, I have very limited choices. I recently got UGG mini boots, and I adore them, but they sometimes feel out of place. For years, I’ve always had a basic white or light grey tennis shoe that is perfect to be dressed up or down, and I can wear it going on a walk or to a concert. First were white Air Forces, then, and still, white platform Converses, and now my white and grey New Balances. These simple tennis shoe types are great for so many dramatically different outfits and outings, while also being comfortable. I usually don’t wear Air Forces anymore, for I’ve left that phase, but still wear my Converse and New Balances regularly. It seems more price and space-efficient to have one pair of shoes that can be worn for many outfits than twenty different pairs. However, I’m not judging because I still want many more pairs, and they aren’t the best workout shoes for running a marathon or anything.
A pair of jeans and jean shorts are great to always have, depending on preference and weather. They can be paired with a basic top, sweater, or a bright, colorful top for school, vacations, dinners, and so much more. My only downside to jeans is that certain blue tops are not my favorite to pair with jeans, and I wear a lot of blue. In those cases, I like white or black pairs, but they are not always as practical.
My favorite pants I’ve ever owned are my Lululemon Dance Pants. They are an active material, and can be worn synched at the bottom or as wide-legged. I have wanted them since 2019, but only bought them this summer and have already bought another pair because of how much I adore them. They’re not only comfortable, but I love how they look on me, and I wear them to dance and school. Black is most practical, but I also bought a pair in a shade of blue that I also love and got on sale. Although this is purely a preference, I would recommend them to everyone because I have never seen a person look bad in the Dance Pants.
You’ll also always be able to find me with a few staple things: a pair of grey sweatpants, black Lululemon athletic shorts, grey sweat-shorts, and black or dark grey biker shorts. These items, although very casual, can usually be paired with many different tops of colors, styles, and types, and are practical and comfortable for many occasions.
With a few of each item, I can usually pair them together to always have an option that I can be confident, comfortable, and happy to wear for whatever occasion, along with having the occasional dress and skirt for vacations, dinners, or events. Some of these items, along with a few other colors and patterns of different tops and bottoms, can make up your closet, with enough outfit variations for different occasions and style goals. Based on your goal aesthetic, you can change certain styles and add different accessories to make them your own and always have a lot of outfits to wear.
