The fashion industry loves to make up new terminology, and if you’re wondering what are wardrobe staples? What makes something a wardrobe staple? Or you’ve heard the terms wardrobe staples, core wardrobe or wardrobe basics all used interchangeably - then I get your confusion! Let’s settle it once and for all!
What are wardrobe staples?
Wardrobe Staples are garments in a persons wardrobe that get a lot of use, they’re timeless, durable and fit well. They’re the bread and butter of our wardrobe that are considered ‘staples’ because they go with just about everything. Your jeans are a wardrobe staple, so are your plain t-shirts and those plain leather boots you flog through winter - they’re staples too!
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How many wardrobe staples do I need?
Sorry, I can’t give you a number because there shouldn’t be a set number, everyone has different needs. I can tell you how much of your wardrobe should be staples - it’s 80% of your wardrobe. Sounds like a lot, but if you think about your wardrobe right now you probably aren’t wearing 80% of what you own. So if you have a think about why you’re not wearing that 80%, it’s probably because you’re missing the key pieces to go with them!
How do I pick my wardrobe staples?
Your shopping strategy needs a little adjusting, you need to stop buying statement garments (printed/noticeable clothing) for a little while and start investing in those things that will easily go with your statement pieces. You can of course book any skilled stylist to help you (pick me!), or you can spend a little time working out what your style is, go through your wardrobe and pull out what you want to wear more of, remove what you’re really no longer in love with and make a list of PLAIN garments that will go with what’s left.
Are wardrobe staples boring?
Heck, no! Not if you pick the right ones. You don’t have to stick with black and white, or various shades of beige to pick great wardrobe staples, you need to pick colours you enjoy wearing - that go back with your wardrobe. So if you love red, and you have things in your wardrobe that look great with red - buy a wardrobe staple in red! It could be a plain red skirt, a red blazer or red sneakers! The most important thing is that you’re choosing durable, versatile garments that will go with most things in your wardrobe.