Meghan Ashley Styling

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How to Make an investment wardrobe “Practical”

Investment wardrobes. It’s been a popular topic lately, “building your investment wardrobe. I mean… it does have a nice ring to it, right? 

Well,  throughout my years of professional styling advice, I have to confess… I haven’t often heard of anyone successfully building an investment wardrobe on their own. Apparently, it remains as elusive as the mythical unicorn... 

So… after all those times and trials of trying… why not take a fresh approach to building that wardrobe, instead of continually being unhappy?

I have a few pointers for you that will kickstart your investment wardrobe.

  1. Pick a category. What categories do you want your wardrobe to focus on? Casual jeans and T-shirts? Feminine dresses? Workwear focused? Of course, it can be a combination of all three, but most people find it easiest to start out with a primary focus on what their typical daily life looks and feels like.

  2. Zero in. Decide what type of style you’re going for and focus on it. Building a Mood Board is super important here. It’s like making a nice dinner, but going to the store to shop for it without knowing the recipes! 

  3. Make a list. Literally. Right down to what you want to add to your wardrobe and be descriptive! For instance, a camel blazer that hits your hipline. And to further the food analogies, you don’t shop for a recipe without the list! So… you must write it down and be precise!

  4. Give it time. Let your wardrobe evolve. Give your recipe time to simmer. If you add too many things at once, you run the risk of choosing less thoughtful decisions, without real reasons for why we chose that piece. And... we end up… regretting it. So… allow yourself a year to build this out. Good things come to those who wait!

  5. Keep your eye on sales. Since this will be a timeless, chic wardrobe… there’s no harm in buying off season. This will allow you to get GREAT deals on timeless pieces. Always check the sale section first — there’s simply no reason to pay full price! (and remember, filters are your best friends!)

    Here are a few style categories for investment pieces that can inspire your own wardrobe!

Fleurette Notch Collar Coat

Reiss Larsson Wool Blend Blazer

Cameron Single Breasted Wool Blazer

Saks 5th Ave Belted Linen Shirt Dress

Frame Denim Linin Shirt Dress

Boden Zeta Ponte Dress

Boden Kenford Tweed Pant

Helena Chino Dress

Boden Pleated Skirt


A final note… this should be FUN! If you feel stressed or overwhelmed during this process, just take a moment to settle your thoughts and slow down (and if you want, please email me at meghan.ashley.styling@gmail.com)!

Question: Are you on your way to an investment wardrobe?