1. Quality Over Quantity
The realization struck me a few years ago, before I moved into my new house. I walked in to my closet, and got that feeling you get when you shop at a discount retailer. How am I ever supposed to find something great to wear in this mess? It was overwhelming, unorganized, and a complete cluster. It was overflowing with trendy pieces, that I rarely ever wore, so I just kept buying new. I realized I didn't actually love most of what I was buying. I just liked the price tag, and the fact that it was new. This is a terrible way to shop.
From that moment on I vowed to change my shopping habits, and with that change I introduced higher quality pieces to my wardrobe, that last, and consistently make it into my rotation. I shop the same amount as I did before, I just buy a lot less. I bought the Gucci belt pictured here in Florence, Italy (ahhh yes, the motherland), in 2016. I have worn this belt probably over 100 times since then, and it looks just as beautiful now, as it did when the sales associate at Gucci, packaged it up, and handed it to me over 2 years ago. I learned to invest my money in pieces that I truly feel phenomenal in. This lesson has introduced pieces into my wardrobe that I wear year after year, and truly enjoy wearing.
2. Love your Tailor
This is the most important style lesson that I have learned over the years! Unfortunately, most clothing isn't made to fit us perfectly. This means our favorite pieces are going to require some alterations from time to time, and it certainly pays off. No one wants to have a jacket or dress with sleeves that are too long, and no one wants to be the girl whose tripping over her pants at a party, because they are too long. Tailoring your clothing can turn your look from average (or possibly sloppy, let's be honest), to polished. You will find yourself constantly going back to the pieces in your closet that you got tailored, because.......wait for it....they actually fit you. Mind blowing, I know. You can make an inexpensive piece, look like a million bucks with the right tailoring. I am not saying buy expensive pieces, and have them tailored. I am saying tailor, what doesn't fit you, if you really like the piece. You will be glad you did, and I promise you, you will look amazing.
3. Read The Label
If you are a semi health conscious human, chances are you are probably reading at least some of the labels on the foods you eat, and the drinks you drink. I encourage you to do the same when it comes to your clothing. Your skin will thank you, and so will your wallet. If you want to buy clothing that doesn't fall apart, or pill into a mess after one wash/clean, than you need to started reading your labels. Not only do natural fibers feel better on your skin, but they wash better. Try to buy items that consist of natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, cashmere, (if I could live in cashmere I would), etc. If you are buying items that are 100% synthetic fiber, chances are, it will fall apart a lot faster, than if you buy something that is at least blended with a natural fiber. Pay attention to the label, and don't overpay for products that are made of 100% synthetic fibers. Cotton blend tee's, cotton and wool blend sweaters, will last you a lot longer than something that is 100% synthetic. Another part to this lesson, is caring for your garment's. Read the label on your garment's so you know how to properly care for your piece. This is extremely important. If you want your garment to last, then you need to care for it properly.
I used to never pay attention to the label, but I eventually got sick of spending $70 on a 100% polyester sweater that pilled into a mess after one wear.
4. Less is More
Admittedly, I made some questionable fashion decisions. What it really comes down to though, is knowing how to accessorize your look. And trust me - less really is more. If you are looking to have an effortless, polished, and put together look, you have to learn how to accessorize. I have learned that subtly in prints, and in jewelry can completely change your entire look. Your accessories need to complement what you are wearing. If you are wearing prints, your jewelry should not make a statement. Your garment already has that covered. Your accessories should be very simple. Alternatively, if you are looking to wear a statement necklace, let the necklace do what it was intended to do. Do not cloud the statement piece by wearing a complicated outfit. Stick with a solid color.
5. Shopping Online
When it comes to shopping online, shop retailers that have a local store front, and try to shop brands you already know and love. We all know someone that has clicked on an ad for an online store, waited over a month for their order to arrive, all to find a package full of what appears to be baby doll clothes. Shopping online is so convenient, and a great way to shop endless inventory. But with that, you need to shop smart. Look for authentic reviews on the brand and the item. You can usually spot the fakes. If you stick to the brands you love, or to retailers that have a storefront near you, returning an item you dislike will be a lot easier.
To conclude, don't shop online all the time! As Carrie Bradshaw once said, "shopping is my cardio". Get out of your house, meet your girl friends, or your mom, for lunch and some cardio. :)
I have learned a lot since my early 20's, and look forward to how my style and wardrobe will evolve in the coming years.
What are some style lessons you have learned over the years?
