What are you buying?
Every day we hear about eating a balanced diet, get more veg, add some protein, some wholegrains, good fats and lots of water. We also hear that a little bit of what you fancy does you good from time to time in small doses (that chocolate cake slice!) But are you applying the same principles to your wardrobe and your shopping habits?
I’ve been speaking to many businesswomen over the last few months who are busy forging ahead building their businesses. However, they have fallen foul to ill fitting clothes and ‘junk food’ clothing avoiding a balanced diet in favour of some items just to keep them going. This unfortunately stunts the wardrobe, as it would your body, when you eat lots of junk preventing you from being reactive, responsive and healthy. It’s hard to balance creating new products/services to keep your business going, as well as maintaining your presentation to give you the confidence to be visible in your business. But to build a balanced shopping diet only saves to help you in the long run; creating these grab and go outfits for meetings, those signature pieces for a presentation and travelling outfits.
When you look good you feel good, easier said than done, right. So how can you start shopping better for the ‘wellness’ of your wardrobe and your business? Well every other day for the next 7 days, I’m giving you some vital tips to show you how to get a balanced shopping diet.
First up – what are the key components to build a healthy wardrobe and shopping behaviour? Ideally a wardrobe should be made up of the following:
- Investment Items
- Foundation Items
- USP Items
- Trends/Naughty bits
Ultimate wardrobe nirvana can be achieved if you build a wardrobe full of clothes that not only suit your lifestyle, your business and your body, but also enable you to mix and match items with ease to create multiple outfits.
Investment Items (60% of your wardrobe)
So first up, these are items of clothing you’ve probably spent more money on, they are made of great natural fibres, good quality and hard working items. These have lasted you across many seasons and trends, have gotten better as the years have gone on and are your trusted companions.
These range from outerwear – jackets, coats to high quality dresses, trousers, shirts, skirts, boots and handbags. Timeless pieces that are part of a go-to look for you and right for your personal style. This should be 60% of your wardrobe and you should look for these high quality gems in sales, outlets, sample sales and some high end charity stores to save you even more money.
Your investment should be items which are important to you and eradicating your non-essentials. I’m against the idea that a capsule wardrobe is one size fits all, you have to think where in your life warrants the investment.
Foundation Items (20%)
These are the hard working soldiers for your wardrobe, piecing everything together. Rather like protein helps build and repair parts of the body, your foundation items are generally cheaper but not too cheap!
These should be replaced every season and should be in your core colours that are right for your body colour.
These include everything from t-shirts, vest tops, hosiery, lingerie etc
USP Items (15%)
These add that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your dress presentation. These items are features that are key to your USP. What items do you wear that set you apart from your competitors? I know for me personally, I’ve got a shoe habit, all the weird and wonderful gems in my wardrobe from high street to obscure designers add a sparkle to any outfit. For some people it may be jewellery or bags…what ever it is your USP corner should be 15% of your wardrobe.
Trends (5%)
Yes, the dreaded trend pieces. This can be known as the proverbial ‘junk food’. These are current or seasonal items that came and went like the wind. If a particular trend has picqued your interest, buy an item with care. Ask yourself key questions, where does it fit in my wardrobe/life/business, does it actually suit my body, can I see myself wearing this 5 years from now? Please keep these purchases separate from your overall wardrobe so you can remove them as and when necessary.
See you soon for part 2.
Big love,
Samantha x
Still a bit unsure of what makes a classic item over an investment piece? Want to know when to keep or chuck a trend item?
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