Building a Workable Closet: Wardrobe Basics For the Bottom Half

One of the many benefits of writing a style blog is that it forces me to take a look at my own personal style and purchasing patterns. One pattern that has become very apparent to me is, 80% of the time my bottom half is wearing black!  Black bottoms take me from working mom on-the-go to carpool mom with no outfit change in between.

 So what about my beautiful floral silk capris that I had to have, floral skirts and colored jeans?  They can still have a home in my closet, however I realize now when tempted by a beautiful pair of patterned pants (no matter what the price) I better make sure I have a few outfits in store to wear with them! When I buy denim, it needs to be a darker wash. And when a new silhouette is trending, black is my safe choice!

Now in Spring this will shift. I will mix in white and mid wash denim, but these 5 pieces will still rotate in my closet.

I’ve also learned color and pattern make me oh-so happy, therefore I need to find ways to pop color onto my top half via gorgeous blouses, accessories and scarves!  I can also inject color by wearing dresses.  I have a collection of dresses I love because they are an all-in-one; add shoes and accessories – out the door you go!

My top 5 bottoms, in order of wear are:

1. Black Skinny Jean

2. Black Leggings

3. Pleated Midi Skirt

4. Knee-length Pencil skirt

5. Wide Leg Trouser

Clockwise from top left; Trouve pleated skirt | Paige Verdugo coated skinny jean | Theory wide leg pant | Hue wide waistband legging | Seven coated denim skirt. All via Nordstrom.com

#1 Black Skinny Jean.

I actually have 2 pairs of black jeans and both are a coated denim.  One was always in the wash so I picked up a second pair for going out. The Paige ‘Verdugo’  has a low rise where as the Hudson ‘Nico’ mid rise skinny jean sits higher on the waist, eliminating a bit of muffin top.

Paige Ultra Skinny  HERE  on sale 40% off for $119.40. The Paige “not ultra skinny” is still regular price HERE for $199.00.  I am not sure of the difference. I own the ultra skinny from 2 years ago, it may just be the older model that they are clearing out? I have not tried the new version, but FYI one is on sale and one is not.

The Hudson Nico  HERE , now 40% off for $118.80

#2 Black Leggings

Mine are the  Hue wide waistband leggings HERE

Zella also makes a great legging which is thicker HERE. than the Hue legging.

 I wear Zella for yoga, but my sis-in-law who works in retail wears it for everyday.

The plus with the Zella legging is that it is reversible. One side is matte and the other more slick. The matte side is great for everyday wear!

Like the Hue, these stay up all day long.

 #3 Pleated Midi Skirt

This item surprised me as I bought it as a fringe fashion piece. Mine is the Trouve pleated skirt HERE, sold out similar from Vince 40% off HERE , others HERE and HERE

New pieces for Spring HERE and HERE, oh la la!

#4  Knee Length Pencil Skirt

Mine is a coated denim from 7 For All Mankind  HERE. sold out at Nordstrom but found on sale for $139.00  at 7 For All Mankind

I wear it a ton, but only had one photo to share.  I’ll have to work on that!

I have worn this both dressed up and down.With tights and without. Tall boots and booties work.

#5  Wide Leg Trouser Pant

Mine pants are silk by Theory. I like the silk because it is year-round.  No longer available, similar HERE and HERE..

I think these are pretty cool from Sam Edelman  HERE

This is my go-to work pant but I have worn it to evening occasions as well.

How to Get Yourself a Workable Closet

Evaluate and ask yourself;

What do you find you wear most often?

Do you have the right go-to bottoms in your closet? Do you have a lot but only wear a few?

Denim? Light or Dark?

In pants and skirts do you prefer pattern or solid? Do you even wear skirts?

Maybe you have a collection of dresses for day and evening – you are a dress girl!

Perhaps you wear grey, black and white – no color added.

If you wear color, which shades make you happy?

I think it is helpful to evaluate your wear patterns, especially when headed into a new season; it helps prevent closet orphans. We all have them, but perhaps with some insight  we can have a few less.  When introducing a new item into my closet, before taking off the tags I check to make sure I can make at least 3-5 different outfits with the new piece. If I can’t work it in, back it goes! There is a reason it’s not working and the best deal out there is no deal if you don’t wear it!

I am still getting questions as to where to purchase my Ebay blanket scarf. The link to the Ebay seller I used can be found on this post HERE

On the fence with over the knee boots or need ideas on how to wear them? Check out this post HERE

DIY boot toppers are a fun weekend project and take your boots up a notch in the cold grey winter months. Click HERE for the scoop!

Enjoy every minute of your weekend!

XOXO

Suzanne

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