How I Choose New Wardrobe Items

A few weeks ago I made a very short, not in-depth post about why, when, and how I choose to buy fast fashion items for my wardrobe. I decided it would be better to do a post with more detail on my process, so here we are!

I have never been someone who is a big spender or shopped as a sort of “therapy,” but I used to buy an item just if I liked it, without considering how many other items in my wardrobe I could wear it with or if it was comfortable to wear.

If you’re familiar with the general process for building a capsule wardrobe, you’ll see that mine is pretty similar. However, I don’t do capsules. I just try to make sure any purchased garments are carefully considered.

First, I Took Stock Of What Was Already In My Wardrobe.

For starters, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the process. Take stock of what’s already in your wardrobe, but be aware that just because you don’t wear an item often doesn’t mean you have to get rid of it. For example I have a few dresses I wear for date nights and special occasions, and a few vintage pieces from my mom. These Items may not get as much wear as my everyday stuff, but they are still used and appreciated.

If you’re unsure about any items, you can always pack them away, or just leave them hung up in your closet like I do, but out of rotation. Often I’m not into wearing an item at the moment, but know I still like the item a lot and just need a break from wearing it rather than to get rid of it.

That all being said, if there are items of clothing you truly never wear, maybe were gifted and aren’t quite your style, are things you used to wear but on’t fit your style at all anymore, you can always pass them along to someone else, sell, swap, or donate.

And all of this doesn’t have to be done in a day or a weekend, you can take your time. This helps make sure no rash decisions are made that you will regret later.

And as for making new purchases for my wardrobe, here are the things I try to keep in mind –

How Do I Know What I Like And Will Really Wear?

Color Palette: A good way to start figuring out your color palette is to pay attention to what colors you’re drawn to in general and what colors you like to wear. You can see that while I do like to wear plenty of colors, none are super bold. ( You can see my examples in the illustrations.)

Pattern and Texture: Also pay attention and see if there are any patterns you like, such as stripes, plaids, florals, or if you’re more into solids. Also, are there any materials or textures you’re always drawn to or love to wear like knit/jersey, cotton or linen, wool in the winter? That last question also ties in to the next –

Lifestyle: Think about your overall clothing needs in your day-to-day life – what is the dresscode where you work? What do you like to wear at home? I’m a stay-at-home mom who works out at home 4-5 days a week and also does a lot of crocheting and editing while sitting, and I like to be comfortable.

So, for example, I look for garments that are comfy – knit tees, soft shorts, joggers and cardigans in winter – but feel like there’re made of material that will hold up for years.

I also try to make sure any items I buy are versatile – ie, a t-shirt I can wear around the house with athletic shorts or switch out with denim shorts, tuck into a high-waisted skirt, etc. Items I can wear to run errands, take my son to the park or library, or dress them up a little bit for a date with my husband. It’s all about how you pair items up and what you accessorize with.

But a note with all this – It doesn’t have to be all about utility. Even though my current lifestyle dictates choices made for comfort and keeping up with my young kid, I still love garments with a bit of character, like a nicer dress that may not be worn as often (though is still versatile) or a dressier pair of shoes. I still consider the colors, patterns, and textures I like when making these kinds of purchases.

And just to reiterate, I try to buy things I’ll for sure wear more than once, even if they are “fancier” or more unique. No single-wear items.

Consider what styles you don’t like. I have never inked turtlenecks or anything close to my neck – even most crewneck t-shirts are out – so I keep this in mind when I’m looking at clothing. It may look cute, but if I know it will bother me or will be fidgeting with it constantly, I don’t need to buy it.

When Purchasing Fast-Fashion (Or Other) New Items…

Along with knowing all of the above about yourself and your wants and needs, it can also be helpful to have a “wishlist” of sorts. It can include items you need, like a new pair of winter boots, or want, and it’s okay to just want something and not have an absolute need for it! Knowing your colors, patterns, needs, etc will help you wait for the right version of that item and not purchase impulsively. It also means you can wait for sales or new, better options.

Bonus! If You Can Sew…

If you can sew and might want to make your own version of an item you want, whether by following a pattern or self-drafting, there are a few things to consider – 

What is your sewing skill level?

Do you want to spend the time to make the item of clothing? Depending on the complexity of the garment and your skill level, do you think it will be worth your time to sew?

Consider the cost of total materials – fabric, thread, buttons, zippers, pattern – versus the cost of an already made, finished garment. 

I hope this was helpful! These are just methods that have worked for me personally, but maybe it can help you figure out what might work for you as you make your wardrobe more thoughtful and sustainable. Click the link below for some free template versions of the example illustrations in the post, that you can use to analyze and plan your own wardrobe purchases, if you’d like!

A Considered Wardrobe: Templates PDF