So my fashion routine goes a little something like this…
I pin deliciously fabulous fashion onto my Pinterest boards while wearing maternity yoga pants. I’m not pregnant.
I scroll through Instagram looking at fashion bloggers’ top picks as I am laying in bed in a comfy tank top.
The tank top has a hole in it.
I daydream of finding the perfect new outfit at Nordstrom while I throw yet another v-neck t-shirt into my Target cart.
I may not need it but heck, it’s $6.
To sum it all up. I LOVE fashion but I am fashionably lazy, hold on to clothes I don’t need, and I’m cheap. I have a closet that is full of but somehow have nothing to wear.
And this is where I got lucky. I was introduced to a friend of a friend who has been a professional stylist for 15 years. Riane Hubbart not only styles many ladies in and out of town, she is also the blogger behind Stello Style AND organizes people’s closets. And when I say “organizes closets”, I mean she kindly, but bluntly helps you realize what you don’t need to hold onto anymore. (Hello, 1998 called and wants your jeans back.)
I’ll skip all the gory details but let’s just say I got rid of 7 trash bags of clothes. I sold a few pieces, gave a few bags away as hand-me-downs, and donated the rest to charity. Then it was time to chat about what I should buy to replenish my newly organized and pretty bare closet. Riane stressed the importance of buying pieces that fit well (and as I previously learned in my WOW colors) and that I absolutely love, instead of grabbing things because they are on mega-sale. Less is more, buy what you will love and what you will wear. She also gave me 5 items that I must get while rebuilding my closet and I’m going to share them with you too.
So here they are…
Top 5 Must Have Items for Your Closet when Starting from Scratch
1. A great bra that fits
Go in a get a bra fitting since things shift and adjust with age. It makes a big difference in the way your clothes fit when the bra is “working.” Riane suggests something like the Natori bra because it is comfortable and doesn’t show bumps under t-shirts. Grab one in nude or black.
2. Nice denim
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Don’t be afraid to invest in your jeans, they set the framework for your outfit but also build your confidence when you walk out the door. Riane suggests going with a high rise skinny jean in a dark wash. The dark wash gives a slimming effect and the high waist hides unwanted skin that you may not want to expose.
3. A black dress
This serves a multitude of purposes in your wardrobe: wedding, funeral, fancy dinner, or an unexpected event. Black is slimming and classic.
4 . A pair of booties
Booties add height to the frame without adding bulk. It is enough heel to feel current without trying too hard.
5. A simple scarf
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This is an easy way to express your personality without having to do much. Pick a color/pattern that mixes easily with many outfits in your closet.
**Bonus Item***: Black velvet hangers to keep clothes from sliding around while making your closet more uniform and organized.
Well, it’s been a month since I had a professional stylist raid my closet. I have to say that I have purchased these must-have items on her list and feel much more confident when I go out. I’ve learned that once you have some good, staple pieces, it’s much easier to build a workable wardrobe. Things don’t have to be expensive- they just need to fit, work together, and be worn.
You can get more style ideas from Raine by following along with her on Instagram at @Stello_Style! But in the meantime, we’d love to hear your must have “style” pieces!
