“I don’t have anything to wear!”

Just like every other woman in the planet, you have most likely uttered the same words. Have you ever stared at your closet and gotten stumped for not knowing what to wear? Same here.

The problem lies not really on the lack of clothes. In fact, it could just be the exact opposite. The sheer volume of garments that you have in your wardrobe can, more often than not, confound you. It also doesn’t help if every item of fashion that you own is all topsy-turvy.

If you want to have a fabulous wardrobe and not go crazy going through all of them (especially when you’re in a rush), the key is to be strategic. While you might enjoy playing dress-up from time to time, organizing your closet – and your fashion priorities – will surely help you build a power wardrobe.

The Fashion Pyramid

 

Much like how you consume food, your fashion preferences should also follow some fundamental rules.

Try to picture (or better yet, look up a copy of) a food pyramid. Now, instead of food, do try filling the tiers with your outfits instead. In the same way that people classify food into specific groups, you shall also start categorizing your clothes based on three simple sets:

1. Basics

2. Investments

3. Statements

The Bottom Tier: Back to Basics

Consider the bottom of your pyramid as the foundation of your fashion collection. Here, you have your essentials. These are your must-haves, regardless of whether you are going to work or just taking a walk. These key pieces will serve as the canvas that your whole ensemble will build upon.

The bottom level also has the widest base. This is because you will possibly have more of the basics than the investment and statement pieces. Typically, you will have several styles in different neutral colors. Basics differ in details or characteristics, but are similar in style. For example, skinny jeans are a style of pants, but they can come in a different wash or have details like stylized rips.

Basics usually include the following:

·      Plain tees: Short-sleeve, long-sleeve, white, black, gray

·      Sweaters: Thin knit, chunky knit, short, long, cream, navy

·      Tights: Black, gray, knitted, opaque

·      Jeans: Blue, black, boyfriend jeans, skinny fit

·      Pajamas, workout clothes, and undergarments

 

The Second Tier: Investing in Your Image

This is the core group of your fashion pyramid. To this tier will belong clothes that you wear for work or are necessary to create and maintain a professional appeal. Investment pieces are hinged on your lifestyle.

Do not confuse this with the basics as you buy investment pieces to last you for a longer time. This is in contrast to basics that you may have to replace every so often because of frequent wear.

Investment pieces make you feel put-together and are similar in type but different in styles. For example, a dress is a type of garment, while a white flowing dress is a style of that type.

Investment pieces usually fall under these categories:

        Blouses: Button-up, silk, tunic

        Coats: Trench, winter coat

        Jackets: Blazer, boleros

        Skirts: Midi, maxi, pencil

        Pants: Trousers, chinos, wide-leg, slacks

        Dresses: Sheath, maxi, flowing, fit-and-flare

The Tip of the Triangle: Making a Statement

While the basics and the investment pieces work together to create a solid foundation for your wardrobe, the statement pieces show your uniqueness. The bottom two tiers may reflect your tastes, but your statement items reflect who you truly are.

A wardrobe full of statement pieces, however, will give you limited options. The reason why you built a robust collection of basics and investments is to make your statement pieces pop.

Your funky fashion choices can be reflected in the statement pieces that you choose. Usually, statement items are original or one-of-a-kind and will differ in detail or characteristics from types that may be similar to your basic or investment outfits.

Statement pieces usually include the below:

        Colors: Pastels, neon, earth tones, metallic, multicolors

        Embellishments: Beads, buttons, embroidery, fringe, fur, zippers

        Fabrics: Angora, brocade, denim, silk, tweed, wool, leather

        Patterns: Floral, paisley

        Prints: Animal, checks, polka dots, plaid, stripes, tribal

        Silhouettes: Symmetrical, oversized, voluminous

You Are What You Wear

Having armed yourself with the basic knowledge of categorizing your wardrobe, you can now better enjoy mixing and matching your outfits. Use your fashion pyramid to guide you in putting together a smashing outfit.

To keep it effortless, work from the bottom up. Start with your basics (e.g. a plain white top), then layer on an investment piece (e.g. a midi skirt), then top it off with a statement piece (e.g. a colorful Mirchi denim vest).

It is fun to follow the latest trends or stay updated on the hottest get-ups of the top agency models, but what is important is to tune in to yourself. While these tips are here to guide you in streamlining your attire (and maybe even helping you to have a cost-efficient wardrobe), make sure that what you are wearing reflects your personality, and highlights your best features. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable and happy with your fashion preferences.

AUTHOR BIO

Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs today. When you slip into one of Feiruza's creations, you can almost hear the rhythms of Africa, the beats of India and the vibrancy of Dubai - this distinctive and colourful mélange is just what Finchitua is about.