Building a Classic Wardrobe

My style is undeniably very preppy and classic. One bad thing about preppy fashion is that it tends to run on the pricy side. However, I am a believer that preppy never truly goes out of style and you will be able to wear those pricy items for years to come.

I decided to put together my top tips for building a classic wardrobe that you can wear for years and years to come!

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First, clean out your closet
Take everything out of your closet and place it on the floor or your bed or wherever. Now, try everything (and I mean everything) on. If you don't love it or it doesn't look perfect, donate it. If it has holes or is ripped, throw it out. Continue until you're left with only the pieces you love. Do this twice a year (spring/summer, fall/winter) so your closet is updated.

Quality over Quantity

I honestly prefer one really nicely-made top over 5 cheaply made ones. Inexpensive and cheaply made items may seem amazing but you get a lot more wears out of the more expensive, well-made option

Look for the style of clothing that best fits your shape

In order for an item to be classic, you need to want to wear it all the time. If shift dresses don't flatter you, don't invest in shift dresses. If fit and flares are your favorite, make sure the majority of your dresses are fit and flare.

Time your purchases
Whenever I buy a bigger item (i.e. a purse or expensive shoes), I always make sure to time it so I don't pay full price whether that be Black Friday weekend for the best deals, waiting for a gift card to buy those flats, or the Lilly Pulitzer online sales to buy a few items!

Shy away from trendy and expensive items

Trends are fun but most of the time, they only last for a season (3 months). In this case, opt for cheaper versions of trendy items (at stores like Target or Old Navy).

Look at cost per wear
So if you have 225 flats but if you wear them 3 times each week for a year, you only pay $1.44 every time you wear them. On the other hand, if you have a $200 dress that you wear twice, you pay $100 a wear. I am always willing to pay more on the items that I'll wear more because I know I'll get my money's worth out of them!

Check the sale rack
Looking for designer at a portion of the price? Check the sale rack! I have found so many great deals at the sale rack even at stores known for their high prices, such as Lilly Pulitzer or Tory Burch!

How do y'all build a classic wardrobe? Let me know in the comments!