How To Build a Healthy, Balanced Wardrobe
The Importance of Building a Well-Balanced Wardrobe:
A well-balanced wardrobe is not just about having clothes to wear; it's about having clothes that make you feel good, look great, and help express who you are, no matter the occasion.
AND, most importantly, a well-balanced wardrobe gives you the building blocks to create a variety of outfits that effortlessly take you through the different roles of your life. No more last-minute runs to the mall or frantic online shopping when an invitation comes. With a well-balanced AKA healthy wardrobe, you’ll have the pieces and parts that work together to create outfits for any and all occasions.
The Balanced Wardrobe Pyramid is designed to ensure that you have a mix of pieces that are not only functional and versatile but also current and uniquely personal to you.
By investing time in creating a balanced wardrobe, you simplify your daily dressing routine, reduce the chances of experiencing 'nothing to wear' syndrome, and increase the longevity and wearability of your clothes. Moreover, a balanced wardrobe encourages mindful consumption, promoting quality over quantity and helping you make more sustainable fashion choices.
The Balanced Wardrobe Pyramid
The TWC Balanced Wardrobe Pyramid is a structured approach to building a versatile and stylish wardrobe. I’ve been using this guide for years with clients and now am sharing it with you!
The pyramid is divided into four categories, each with its own role in creating an array of outfits that express your style seamlessly.
At the base, making up 50% of your wardrobe, are your Basics— timeless and neutral pieces that form the backbone of your daily attire. Above them, at 25%, are the Elevated Essentials, which add subtle interest to the foundational basics. The third layer, accounting for 15%, is the section of Statement Pieces that inject personality and creativity into your style. Lastly, at the top, making up the last 10% are the Trends, allowing you to dabble in the season’s latest trends while keeping a balanced, functional wardrobe.
This pyramid serves as a foolproof blueprint for building a well-rounded wardrobe that caters to your style needs, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any occasion while expressing your unique style effortlessly.
The Foundation: Basics (50%)
The foundation of any great wardrobe lies in its basics. These are the pieces that are timeless, versatile, and can be paired with almost anything in your closet. They are your go-to items that never go out of style and form 50% of our pyramid. These pieces are the workhorses of your wardrobe, offering endless mix-and-match possibilities.
I am linking pieces in a mid-point price range for all of these items. Everything can be found at higher and lower price points if you are more comfortable. If that’s the case, please use these as an inspirational guide.
Key Basics:
White t-shirt
Silk blouse
Black blazer
Black trousers
Great-fitting denim jeans - medium wash
Little Black Dress (LBD)
Flat shoes (ballet flats, loafers)
Pumps (black or nude)
Bootie
A versatile skirt (slip)
Basic knit sweater
A neutral color leather belt (black, camel)
A classic camel overcoat
Shop the Basics:
The Second Layer: Elevated Essentials (25%)
Taking a step up, the next layer of the pyramid is all about elevated essentials. Elevated Essentials are where the fun begins in refining your wardrobe. They are the pieces that maintain the ease and versatility of basics, but with a twist that makes them memorable. Incorporating elevated essentials into your wardrobe is about choosing pieces with subtle details, interesting textures, or a touch of color that sets them apart. For example, a classic cardigan in an unexpected shade or a pair of denim jeans with a unique trim or wash.
These pieces are basic plus - 75% basic with 25% interest. Not show stopping and also not boring. Elevated essentials make both the cake people and the frosting people feel seen.
Think of elevated essentials as having EITHER an interesting shape or design element OR an interesting color. In this scenario, it is an either/or situation. If the item has both, it then becomes a statement piece, not an elevated essential. This is often the section of one’s wardrobe that is missing or weak - and it is the Elevated Essentials that helps marry the other categories, and therefore is truly, ah-em, essential (ha-ha, see what I did there?!?).
When selecting Elevated Essentials, aim for pieces that resonate with your style yet offer a fresh perspective. They are the bridge between your basics and more statement pieces, helping you step outside your comfort zone while maintaining a cohesive wardrobe. Elevated Essentials make up 25% of the pyramid, offering a gentle transition towards more statement pieces.
Key Elevated Essentials:
Colored or patterned blouses
Striped or subtle patterned shirts
A pair of colored or uniquely styled flats or heels
A neutral yet textured or subtly detailed jacket or cardigan
A traditional styled sweater in a color
A casual dress with a modest design element, like puffed sleeves or eyelet
A stylish belt or scarf to add a touch of interest to basic outfits
Layered necklaces or bold hoop earrings
Shop the Elevated Essentials:
The Third Layer: Statement Pieces (15%)
Ascending further, we arrive at the realm of Statement Pieces, which comprise 15% of the pyramid. These are the eye-catching items that inject energy and personality into your wardrobe. They often come in bold colors, unique designs, or striking patterns that capture attention and express your individual style.
Very often, Statement Pieces have multiple memorable elements happening within one piece. It is precisely this convergence of details that makes the item statement-making. Whether it’s a vibrant, patterned jacket, a pair of embroidered jeans, or a chunky, bold necklace, these pieces are the conversation starters of your wardrobe. Statement Pieces offer a delightful break from the norm, allowing you to showcase your creativity and fashion-forward thinking. Think of them as the hero pieces of your outfit. They play a crucial role in transforming a basic outfit into something more captivating and uniquely you.
Key Statement Pieces:
Bold printed or patterned jackets
Vibrant-colored dresses or tops
Handbags or clutches in a color and texture
Statement jewelry pieces like a chunky necklace or shoulder-grazing earrings
Eye-catching shoes, like a pair of studded boots or heels
Items with multiple unique design features, like an asymmetrical hem and bold embroidery
Shop the Statement Pieces
The Pinnacle: Trends (10%)
At the pinnacle of the pyramid, we have the Trends. This is where you can really have fun and experiment with what’s hot in the fashion world. Whether it's a trendy handbag, a pair of the season's must-have boots, or a statement belt, this 10% of your wardrobe is where fashion meets fun. However, due to the fleeting nature of trends, they occupy the smallest segment of the pyramid, ensuring the longevity and timelessness of your wardrobe isn’t compromised.
Key Trends:
Trendy handbags or accessories
Seasonal color or patterned items
Trend-driven footwear, like the latest style of boots or sneakers
Fashion-forward hats or eyewear
Pieces with the latest design features of the season, like puff sleeves, fringe, or cut-outs