Outfit Details
Cozy Sweater: 7 For All Mankind (old) | Similar HERE & HERE
Tank Top: H&M (out of stock)| Suggest THIS & THIS
Jeans: Joe’s Jeans (old) | Must Haves –Â THESE & THESE
Shoes: G by Guess (last season)Â | Love THESE & THESE
Necklaces: Bar Necklace (made myself) | Similar HERE
Long Necklace: Nordstrom (borrowed from my sis) | Obsessed with THIS & THIS
Bracelet: Kendra Scott (bridesmaid gift) | Love THIS & THIS
Back in the day, I used to shop and shop and barely re-wear my clothes. Once I moved to New York City, and my budget was much tighter and I realized this was not sustainable (even if I was just shopping at Forever21 or H&M). I began learning how to invest properly in certain clothing pieces, and re-wear the staples in my closet.
Most of the products in this blog post investment pieces. I’ve been able to re-wear them a million times! For example, my black 7 For All Mankind Cardigan is timeless. It’s black, heavy, and can be worn under a coat or as a cardigan. It is versatile and easy to wear (and a solid investment).
Tips on shopping for investment pieces:
- Natural Fibers
- ex: linen, cotton, silk, or wool
- Versatility
- Does this go with many colors or styles?
- Stretch Test
- If the product stretches out, don’t buy it! It won’t last.
- Color
- Does this color go with your aesthetic
- I gravitate to neutrals, and find investment pieces that are in the beige and black categories
- Finished Hems
- Unfinished hems will eventually unravel
If you use the above tips, it will be easier to determine what products are worth splurging on. Fashion Forward clothes are definitely worth buying, however, don’t overspend on these pieces. Eventually they will go out of style. It’s important to know how to re-wear staples in your closet!
This outfit follows these rules. My 7 For All Mankind Black Open Sweater Cardigan (SIMILAR) fits my aesthetic, matches everything, is versatile, and does not stretch out. All rules above fit the checked box!
When shopping for seasonal products, like my H&M white tank (similar HERE), I would rather keep the budget down. Reason being, the black cardigan sweater will NEVER go out of style! I’ve had this since 2009, and still get tons of use out of it. Everyone should have staples like this one in their closet.
Other Details
Accessories can transform an outfit! Properly accessorizing will make your outfit look brand new. These two simple necklaces add a pop to my outfit, and can be worn together or separate. It’s ok to use the same rules above when determining what jewelry pieces to invest in. I splurge on jewelry pieces that I know I’ll wear forever. Kendra Scott is one of my favorites! My bracelet was a bridesmaid gift from my best friend for her wedding (THIS one is similar and I LOVE it).
Conclusion
Don’t be scared to re-wear the clothes in your closet! Learn how to shop for investment pieces by following the rules above. Re-wear and reinvent cute outfits. Invest in staple (timeless) pieces, and spend less on the more fashionable ones.
Inspire yourself, you’ll be surprised how much you can do with one piece!
xo//meliss
PS: this goes for makeup too! Check out my favorite nude lipstick blog!
