A Balanced Wardrobe

In the same way that you aim for a balanced, nutritious diet, you can aim for a balanced wardrobe. A balanced wardrobe will ensure that:

• you have outfits for every occasion
• you won’t become bored wearing the same things over and over
• you shop strategically
• you don’t buy things you already have
• you look modern and relevant

There are several criteria you can use to create that balance. And the best way to discover what you have and what you haven’t, is to do a stock take. 
 

Colour

Aim for a balance between your neutral colours, which form the foundation or backbone of your wardrobe, and your blues/greens and impact colours. Your neutral colours - and it pays to know whether you need warm or cool neutrals - work very hard. You’ll get a huge return on your investments as they go with everything in your wardrobe. And they can be used for more formal occasions, when you need that. Your other colours will add interest, creativity and keep you more visible. After all, why would you want to blend in?

Classic / Trending Styles

A balance of classic and trending styles will ensure that your your look is grounded and authentic while being up to date and modern. Once you understand your style blueprint (roadmap) you will know which are your classic styles. These will form the style backbone of your wardrobe and will always feel right on you, regardless of what 'fashion' is doing. Classic styles get a refresh and an upgrade when they are mixed with trending styles. Trending styles will ensure that your wardrobe (and your look) is fresh, up to date and modern. Which will translate into the perception that you are also up to date and relevant. Keep a balance of about 2/3 classic; 1/3 trending.

Formal or Elevated / Casual or Basic

Depending on your lifestyle, you're best with a mix of casual clothes and items which will 'elevate' your look. Too many of either might leave you feeling overdressed or underdressed. Spend your money where you spend your time. Unfortunately, we have moved into very casual dressing, with athleisure becoming the norm for many. Switching your leggings for dark coloured jeans or trousers; choosing a knit rather that wearing a hoodie; adding a belt, jacket, accessories will all elevate your look. Remember, “that’ll do, won’t do”. Add one more item to your look, whether that’s an accessory, scarf, jacket. You’ll feel better.

New / Second-hand

Not everyone likes to shop second-hand. If you do, a balance between new clothing and great second-hand clothing will offer more creativity and often unique pieces. I’ve always loved shopping in vintage, nearly new designer shops and sample sales. You’ll value more the items you find where the search has been harder. You’ll also find ‘one-of-a-kind’ pieces. The High Street has become the same in every town, in every country. Unique and unusual clothes are more likely to be tucked away in a second-hand shop.

Clothing Types

An annual stock-take of your wardrobe will reveal whether you have a balance of clothing types - jackets, coats, trousers, etc. Lay out your clothes and assess whether the balance is correct, or not. I’ve seen many wardrobes containing 12 pairs of black jeans, or 25 long-sleeved tops. Until you do a stock take and know what you have, you’ll continue to duplicate and buy things you already own. Know what you have and know what you haven’t, where your gaps are.

You might not use all of these criteria when balancing your wardrobe. I advise that you consider at least three of them. And it's also advisable to do this exercise BEFORE you go shopping. Based on my stock-take, I have skirt and dress gaps, which I’ll aim to fill this season, as long as they’re available. If they’re not, I’ll wait.

Do you have a balanced and "nutritious" wardrobe? If not, how can you correct the balance?