Friday Playdate » Blog Archive » redefining your basics

When you have a clear sense of your own style pieces you buy on the fly will very likely become cornerstones of your wardrobe. And while those purchases may count as “impulsive,” they’re not, really, in the strictest sense.

One of my favorite parts of the blog format is the comment section; I can say that with all sincerity because you all are unfailingly polite and pleasant, which I really appreciate. And quite often, you make me think, which I also appreciate.

This week, Carrie got my wheels turning; in the comments on the 15:30 post, she wrote, “what really surprised me last time i cleaned out my closet was that my favorites were the impulse buys and the stuff i was sending to good will were the ‘basics’ i felt like i ‘needed.’” I read that and thought ooh, interesting! Because it really is.

January 15, 2008

Some of my most well-worn pieces were “impulse” buys –items that didn’t fit on any list of Essential Wardrobe Basics, and that didn’t fill an identified space in my closet. They are pieces I bought because something about them spoke to me — the color or the texture or the style. They are pieces that make me feel pretty and confident, and they are the pieces I go to over and over again.

Which makes them essentials, if you think about it. Even though, the last time I looked, “ruffled Liberty print blouse” wasn’t on any list of closet basics.

Here is the thing no one tells you: when you have a clear sense of your own style — when you know what you like and what looks good on you and what works for your life — pieces you buy on the fly will very likely become cornerstones of your wardrobe. And while those purchases may count as “impulsive” — because who plans to go out and buy a ruffled Liberty print blouse? — they’re not, really, in the strictest sense.

An impulse buy, in my book, is that piece you buy because it looked good on the model or your sister or that woman from the carpool line. An impulse buy is something you bring home because you are hoping it will change something about you — make you taller or thinner or more confident (usually that’s what you liked about it on that other woman, if you’re really honest). An impulse buy is something that is so dramatically different from everything else you own — a micromini in a closet full of knee-length skirts, for example — that it will never work with what you own, and will never really be part of your wardrobe.

But let’s get back to Carrie and her closet full of impulse pieces that she wears all the time. I would say this: Carrie knows what she likes, and when she sees it, she is smart enough to bring it home with her. And because she knows what she likes, she is able to make her purchases work for her. Where she gets into trouble is when she shops off of a list someone else has made, a list that might, on the surface, seem practical and logical but that doesn’t reflect her style. So Carrie’s “impulse” buys are actually good investments, because she is using what she buys to create a look.

What’s the trick to avoiding the true impulse buy? Know your closet; be aware of what you have and what you wear and what you like. And then buy what works for you, even if it’s not on any stylists’ list of wardrobe essentials.

My impulsive basics include the blouse pictured here, my Gap boyfriend jeans, and a pair of silver ballet flats with big grosgrain bows on them. In fact, that sounds like a cute outfit, now that I think about it …

What are your unexpected basics?

13 Comments so far

I’m a short, curvy girl which makes buying jeans a nightmare. It also means I stick to what fits regardless of trend because who needs the headache of trying to hide your assets while wearing skinny jeans just to be cool?

This summer, though, I was shopping with my daughter at Banana Republic and I thought, “What the heck. I’ll try the damn skinny jeans even though I know they won’t work.” Except that they did. And I love them. And they are the most comfortable jeans I’ve ever owned. And I don’t feel self-conscious about my curves in them because the fit is right.

I never in a million years thought I’d try and like a skinny jean, but I did and I do. They’ll be my go-to wardrobe staple this fall (yes, I bought two pairs in varying lengths).

That’s a really good question. I’d have to say my cheetah/leopard print heels. I bought them to make a concerted effort to use pattern more and it worked. I love them and I use them as the jumping off place for a number of looks.

But, my shopping list did include those Liberty blouses!

love it! i feel so much better about the way i shop now and i think the only real basic i need for fall is a new black cardigan because i noticed in the mirrors in the elevator bank at blogher that i had worn through the elbow on my old one. obviously if i wore it enough to wear it out i liked it.

My story is the same as melanie (#1) above, the skinny jeans! i never thought they would work for me, and the Gap Real Straights were on sale and I just went for it (online! didn’t even try them on!) they are awesome! i wear them probably 2x a week, and i will even more over the winter. somehow i just throw on a t and some flats and i feel great. btw, i love your clothing posts, you have really made me think about what i wear and buy and i like that!

All of my ‘basics’ end up boring me to pieces. I made a vow a while ago to stop buying jeans or anything black, however well they went with anything, because I found myself yawning as soon as I looked at them.

The pieces I seem to get the most wear out of were all impulse buys, a cardigan I picked up one day when it was unseasonably cold or flats I snagged when I couldn’t go one more block in heels I fogot never fit.

I’m enjoying reading about the closet and basics and all that fun stuff! I just purged the other day. It was fine time. An unexpected basic for me is a jersey dress from Ann Taylor. It’s an empire waist and I don’t like giving the allure of “pregnant or not pregnant” especially when I’m for sure NOT pregnant. However, it’s so flattering and I get compliments each time I wear it. It’s kind of a Grecian style dress to the knee and I’m on the hunt for some more because it’s so comfy and complimentary.

The definition of a “basic” has changed quite a bit since becoming a stay-at-home-mom. I am more cognizant of what feels good on now. When I worked I think I was constantly in uncomfortable clothes. Now I move around a lot so I focus more on what’s truly wearable, what launders well and is easy to care for and what will work when I need to sit in the sandbox. BUT I refuse to wear yoga pants more than once a week. I just know that I’d fall into a horrible pit of filth if I did that. We all have our limits….
And look Susan! My blog is up, with many thanks to you for your inspiration.

Also, if you purge your navy blue j.crew dress (the one with the 3/4 length sleeves), please purge it this way.

red flats! it’s surprising how often i wear red flats. also my yellow flats. again, surprising how many outfits i can turn with those. i also believe in the classic white top be it a blouse or tee shirt and so i like to have variations of it since you can pair it with anything. and when i do find a basic that fits and flatters well, i buy it in multiple colors.

Mine are always jewelry. I’m never out purposely shopping for it - but then WHAMMO - a piece I can’t live without.

I’m in the process of redefining my “basics” as well because I’ve become a stay-home mom this year. (I know what you mean about yoga pants, Pamela!) I love t-shirts from Lands End; not too clingy, not boxy at all. I’m proud to say I’ve shed all my preggo weight - it’s been a long 5 months, but it was worth all the running. Nursing helps, too. Anyway, I’m rambling now, sorry. About clothes - I don’t want to look sloppy, but I think I’ve fallen into a mom-rut: t-shirt, mary jane-ish trekker shoes from LE, shorts or cargo skirt. When the weather gets cooler, I think the only changes would be jeans and a sweater/hoodie over the t-shirt. Sometimes, I wonder “What’s the point of wearing ‘nice’ clothes when I’ll get spit-up, markers/paint, and other toddler-related goo on my clothes?” But then again, I look at all my wonderful clothes that I used to wear when I worked, and I get kinda sad.

One more thing - the Washington Post has fashion/style discussions every Tuesday at 12 noon EST. They had Nina Garcia on as a guest a few weeks ago.

Hi Susan,

I’ve been thinking about this post for the last week…and after trying on almost every single thing in my closet this morning (seriously, I am afraid to go home tonight and deal with the clothes on the floor of my closet) I’ve decided that it’s time! I’m going to FINALLY go thru my closet and identify what I’m missing, and get rid of the stuff I haven’t worn in the past few seasons. I am slightly scared, but looking forward to future (clothing-related) stress-free mornings.
Thanks for the help!

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