Have you got a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? A core wardrobe will save you. Surprisingly, not many women know what a core wardrobe is and few of us have invested in one.
What exactly is a core wardrobe? The core is often referred to as your set of classic or your basics. This is partially true, however, more simply, it is your perfect shape and fit in every category. A core wardrobe is your outfit enabler. It provides you with the freedom and flexibility to create outfits in numerous ways, over and over!
Don't fear though; just because you have a good set of basics doesn't mean your style is basic. Once you have your core in place, you can add in pieces of personality and flavour with colour, print, pattern and detail. A perfect set of basics will give those bolder pieces a chance to shine without being upstaged. This quality set of basics is absolutely necessary, even if your taste is eclectic.
The core is the backbone of the wardrobe. Once you have it firmly in place, you can build anything upon it. If you are in the process of reinventing yourself and starting from scratch, these are the very first pieces to start with.
Your core will give your wardrobe the harmony it's been missing and deliver great versatility to all of your taste pieces! By having the core in place you will be able to dress easily and quickly every single day.
Building a core wardrobe
1. Pieces for you core
You need to own one of each of the following categories to create to create your core wardrobe:
Blue and black jeans
A pair of pants
A skirt
A Dress
A button shirt
A jacket
A cardigan
White and Black Blazer
Few basic T-shirts
A pair of shorts
A coat
2. No identity
Your core set must be completely neutral. They cannot have any kind of identity/theming that would slot them into a specific genre. The core is free from print, pattern, colour and detail. This will enable these pieces to take on any identity. Once your core wardrobe has been established, then buy your 'taste' pieces to add in.
3. Fit
These garment must be your absolute best fit for your body. They must look as though they were made for you. If you need to adjust some of your core wardrobe pieces to fit you better, take them to the tailor. Each piece must be your best fit.
4. Fabric
Each garment in your core wardrobe must be able to be worn throughout all seasons, day or night. ( with the exception of your knitwear and a coat, which are obviously specific to the season). Always stick to top quality natural fabric that will last.
5. Core color palette
The core wardrobe colours must be from the neutral palette. They. need to have the ability to be worn back with anything and do day/night, summer/winter. They should also be capable of being worn together.
These colour are:
Denim/indigo
Black
White/cream
Tan/toffee
Beige/oatmeal
Stone
Grey
Khaki
Navy
Most of my core pieces are black. I find it really easy to wear black day and night. I also find I outfit my core wardrobe pieces together quite often, hence. I like them to work together. I can add metallic to my black core wardrobe pieces and take them out at night. I can add hats and tan leather accessories to represent daywear. I wear my white shirt with blue denim as a casual look and a blazer for a professional look.
6. The core delivers
Once you have all the core pieces in place, anything you add in will instantly be able to be outfitted numerous times over.
For example, a blouse with a botanical print can be worn:
with the tails tied, with shorts, as a casual day look.
with the skirt and glamorous earring out to dinner as an evening look.
tucked into pencil trousers and with a blazer for professional look.
layer under a crew neck knit and coat with the collar and tails poking out as a winter look.
Five looks straight up from one new purchase! It is the beauty of the endless possibilities.
Case study me!
Undoubtedly, my best core wardrobe pieces is my jeans and waist belt. Jeans are the key pieces, my uniform. My best fit is a skinny and tapered leg with high rise hight. I like this style because it elongate my whole body and delivers the optical illusion of a longer leg line. I also need to feel well supported across my mid-section. The denim across my tummy smooths and firms me. As a mother of a boy I need to be comfortable, practical and most importantly, stylish. I need hard-wearing fabric with good recovery to get me through my days I also have have numerous waist belt to accentuate my waist line, I wear them with long printed blouse with skinny jeans for evening out looks.
My black skinny jeans do it all. I wear them with cuffs up and white tee and a sneaker during the day. I throw on a blouse and a blazer with a pointy flat mule for smart casual work look. I wear them glamorously with an elegant top, leather jacket and killer heels during the evening. And I layer them oversized cable knits, scarves and ankle boots in winter. One jeans many personalities. All of your core pieces must do this much for you.
You can also morph your core wardrobe pieces into any trend.
The possibilities are endless. It wouldn't be possible to create look after look and make them appear different every time without the core in place. Having a core wardrobe will also save your money. You needn't purchase complete outfits every time you shop. Invest in all of your core wardrobe pieces. They are going to be with you for a long time and they should be the best quality you can afford.
I am ending this blog here, I hope you like it. Make sure to read my next fashion blog.
Have a good day!
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