Closet Edit Part 2: 5 Pieces Every Woman Needs

You’ve purged your closet, now what?

Still need some help editing?

Pop on over to the AskSuzanneBell Closet Step-by-Step Closet Purge, to get started.

Once you’ve cleaned out your closet, make a list of what you need to fill in.

Hopefully, you’ve edited down to a point, where you only are looking at items you love, that fit well,and you feel good in. Take a good hard look. Are there still some stragglers? If so, ask yourself, why you’re holding on to those items. Are you saving a piece for the day you might have the occasion to wear it? Believe me, when the time comes for that occasion, chances are you will want something different.

It’s much easier to put outfits together, and get out the door feeling good about ourselves – when we can see what’s in front of us. Most of us only wear a small percent of what is in our closet – and most of those items are hanging right there, front and center. So dig deep – literally look into the depths of your closet, and just let it go.

Take a look at your newly edited closet and ask yourself:

Do I have bottoms, but need tops? Do I have the right shoes to go with my favorite jeans? When I go to wear that darling J Crew sun dress, do I have the accessories to go with it? I’m dying to wear that fun halter top, do I have the right bra to wear with it? Does it need a blazer over it?

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Now, make a list of what’s missing.

Mine list, currently looks like this:

1) A spring weight jean, possibly in olive green, probably a boyfriend/distressed style.

2) A comfortable strapless bra, to wear with all the new shoulder baring tops, and strapless sun dresses.

3) 1-2 daytime blouses to wear with denim.

4) 1-2 sleeveless daytime blouses to wear with denim and shorts.

5) A flowy printed day-to-night maxi dress, that works back to black.

6) A pair of lace-up black block heel sandals, or wedges.

This list goes on my phone, so that when I am shopping I can refer to the list. I find by keeping a list of what’s missing in my closet, I don’t pick up pieces I don’t need, and spend money on something just because it’s a great deal.

Does this mean I don’t steer off my list? Of course not. But it tells me where I should be investing my shopping dollars, and reminds me what I need – to stretch what I already own.

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If we are trying to live with less, and achieve a workable wardrobe – meaning owning items in our closet that work back and forth with each other, day and night – there are 5 pieces I think every woman needs.

#1

A Great Fitting Blazer

This is not your 80’s, shoulder pad, power suit blazer. I am talking about a great fitting jacket – that flatters your shape and lifestyle. Like jeans, take the time to get this one right. Then wear it with everything from dresses to denim, instead of your shapeless old cardigan. Lucky for us, blazers are big for spring, so there are many options out there – even knit ones for us more casual gals.  I had been looking for one for years, literally, as my shoulders are really narrow. I was thrilled when I found the ‘Nuri’ jacket, by Mackage at the Nordstrom Rack | (sold out) at Club Monaco HERE

 

 

#2

A Pair of Jeans You Love

Take the time to get this one right. Whether it’s a boyfriend style, bootcut, straight leg, skinny,  crop or flare – pick a pair you feel your very best in. A great pair of jeans can take you anywhere – day or night.

I love denim, so I have quite a few different styles. That said, when I look back over the year, my most worn pair is my ‘Emerson’ cut jeans, from Citizens. I wear them day to night, year round. That’s a winner!

Wondering what’s new in denim? Not to worry, the ASB Spring Denim Round-Up, will be coming soon!

Can’t wait for the post?

I’ve been pinning my faves, over on my Pinterest Page, and you can check them out HERE.

#3

LBD or LBJ

I think we all need one black dress, or jumpsuit, that we can wear for a multitude of occasions. A piece, that with accessories, can be changed up many ways. Ideally, it would work back to your blazer, so you have a go-to set. For a fresh update, I like a jumpsuit. I find I wear mine all the time, in place of a dress. For tips on shopping jumpsuits, check out this ASB post from last spring, HERE.| More HERE

A few new jumpsuits, spotted over at Nordstrom.

Notice, my ‘Liv’ jumpsuit from Parker, can be had now for under $100.00, from NYTT (top left, below)

 

 #4

A Black Bootie

Booties are super flattering and versatile, when you get the right pair. I like a peep toe or lace up for spring, and a closed toe for colder months, HERE. I love a tan/neutral color pair for the spring/summer months. But, if I could only have one pair – it would be in black. The right style, can be worn with denim, dresses, skirts, and trousers. Take the time to get this one right, and make sure it’s a pair you can walk in.

Here’s a look at some fun pairs for spring:

 

#5

Animal Print

Pick the print and style of your choice – for me, this is a handbag. Snake is the latest, but I love all animal print, and there are so many gorgeous options out there. This piece will add texture, interest and color to any outfit you pair it with.

By just adding one piece of animal print to your closet, your outfit goes from basic to chic!

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As you can see, each of these 5 items can be interchanged with each other, as well as with other pieces in your closet, for endless outfit possibilities.

Once you have these 5 pieces, you can fill in with fun tops, tees, sweaters, skirts, and so on.

When we say we have nothing to wear, usually it’s that we have too much. Being overwhelmed with options, and items that don’t work together, leads to frustration. By pairing things down, to a point where we can see what we have; items we love, that work together – getting dressed, and out the door each day is more fun and enjoyable.

Let this post serve as a guide, as each of us is different, with our individual lifestyles, and needs. These tips are simply my opinions – to use as you like. My hope is, if you are feeling stuck, this gives you a place to start, on your journey to finding a workable wardrobe, one you truly love!

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Anyone have a different Top 5? Do share!

What helps you get ready and out the door with ease?

Drop any comments down below and have a great week!

XOXO

Suzanne

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This weeks outfits, are linked up on:

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