How to Build an Intentional Wardrobe

With all the closet sorting and purging it’s easy to get lost in the piles. If you have been hanging out with Pine Daisy House for a while you know that I love a nice, clean, closet.

Last year I started scaling my wardrobe waaaay back. I wasn’t sure if a capsule wardrobe was right for me. I loved the idea of less is more, and that all my pieces can coordinate with each other (for the most part) each season. Well after three seasons of purging and setting intentions for my wardrobe I’ve got my vision all fleshed out.

An Intentional Wardrobe

I know, shocker of a name, but really… I’ve thoughtfully selected my pieces, and made sure I’m not living with excess (cuz ahem we don’t have the space people). Having a small master closet has forced the idea of less is more on both me and Mr. PDH. So when I look at my wardrobe for each season I’ve got to be super selective. I also have to make sure my pieces can cross outfit thresholds and do the ‘ol “dress up and dress down’ thing like a New York runway champion.

Over on Instagram I have a ton of fun sharing ways to live intentionally with you. I try to cover pretty much whatever is necessary to keep a household running at it’s max all while trying to look its prettiest. And just for good measure (and fun) I do a flat lay once a week.

At it’s heart, I’m showing you my wardrobe. Yep, I gotta rock the dressy casual uniform of a teacher mama who might be heading to a cross country meet, tumbling practice or piano lesson as soon as the bell rings. Just like so many other mamas out there. Flat lays super charge my photography creativity and I love sharing real clothes, in real sizes, that aren’t necessarily brand-new or on the shelves this season. Because I’m real and on a budget just like all of you.

Wardrobe Foundations

Alright alright, I digress. Let’s dig in today’s convo about how to build yourself a great wardrobe that starts with solid foundations. Before I talk color palette or my nemesis (denim) let me first just say, get your wardrobe basics in order honey.

Make sure you have a healthy investment in undies, and undershirts. Being a town-living gal, my under shirts are pretty much all from Wal-Mart (don’t want to stray too far from the house for this wardrobe staple). Yep nothing fancy here, no need. These puppies are washed on the daily so I can keep the whites white, and the creams cream.

Don’t re-wear undershirts. Just find a brand you like and stock up. That’s why mine are inexpensive. I have to replace them at least once a year, they are worn a lot. I also choose to wear undershirts for modesty reasons because of the ‘ol tug-and-pull-to-get-my-attention option that often occurs in 2nd grade.

Your Color Palette and Body Type

You’ve got colors that look best with your skin tone. We all do. I’m a warm color girl. Give me all the fall colors! I love mustards, rusty reds, creamy grey, buttery yellows, and even a solid army green. I also may have a serious addiction to stripes…and flats…and boots but that’s another post for another day.

When I wear green and some dusty plum eye shadow I know my eye color will pop. It’s just part of understanding my colors. Once you do, you’ll know what works for you.

Since I know my base colors I also know what foundations (i.e. colors) my wardrobe will likely have. Then with each season I can add some hits of accent color like rich pinks, mint, winter green or plumy purple. Another great reason for knowing your color palette is so you don’t buy the beautifully displayed trendy lime green top. You’ll confidently walk away and go look for a pretty coral piece because you know you’ll be stunning in it.

Also, you need to know your body type. What I mean is do horizontal stripes look better on you or do vertical? What about crew neck vs v-neck? Having a basic understanding of your body type will help in the grand scheme.

Let’s Talk Denim

It’s no secret, I hate jean shopping. The on, the off, the different sizing at each flippin’ store, and then trying to figure out what wash to buy. It’s all overwhelming. So here’s what I do to solve my issues with buying denim.

A while back I took myself to Madewell and got the full denim experience. I was educated by the nice lady at the store on the right fit, what size to get, and how often to wash them. Once I was in the dressing room I whipped out my phone and started a note. I jotted down all her tips to save for later. I did the try on and then put my size, cut, and wash in the note on my phone. Next I said “Thank you very much” and trucked myself right on outta there. Then, to eBay I went and found the exact pair for about $80 less than retail.

Another premium denim hack I’ve found is to figure out where your high end resale boutiques are in your area. Again, block out some time, and go try on a bunch of different brands to see which ones you like. I have a few nice second hand boutiques I’ll stop into from time to time and I always find great jeans when I do.

Here are few things to think about when buying denim.

• Buy the jeans snug (so think about sizing down), they’ll stretch as you wear them.
• You should avoid washing your denim more than twice a month? Yep, that’ll double their lifespan (at least), thanks for the tip Madewell lady.
• Be okay with the investment. Since I know the wash less rule now, I’m a little more willing to save up and have a few pairs of premium denim in my closet.
• Don’t be afraid to go cheap. I got an adorable pair of jeans at Wal-Mart that I wear in the summer (on the rare coolish days). They are in my top pairs of jeans because they were just too darn cute to pass up. And they were $5 which was a pretty big plus.
• Of all the things I buy resale, jeans are one of them. Especially premium denim. Because it’s likely that the original owner knows the wash less trick. So they have most likely held their shape and to be hanging on the rack at ‘said’ boutique they are probably in great shape.

Accessories, the when, the how, the why

Picking out the right accessories can make or break an outfit. I’m a neutral loving gal and when I build an outfit the icing on the cake for me is an accessory. As I’ve been sorting through and purging my closet I’ve also taken the time to look through my jewelry, scarves, purses and shoes. It’s funny how I tend to only wear about a dozen pieces of jewelry, they can all mix and match and I can wear them all year.

A well styled accessory can add a pop of color and texture that makes an outfit. Colors I love to use are, red, mustard yellow, coral pink, and even turquoise. Those three, for whatever reason, with my color palette add just the right accent and pop to my outfits. A great place to look for accessory inspiration is this Pinterest board.

As you work to build a wardrobe full of curated pieces that make you feel and look great, hopefully these ideas will help! Stocking your closet with color palette, denim and accessory foundations will give you the exact components you need for an intentional wardrobe.

With hope for you and your intentional home,