Originally published in The Journal.
If you have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear, read on. Having a well-put together wardrobe is the first step to avoiding this age-old dilemma and is a surefire way to teleport you straight to success. Well, not always, but it certainly helps. Like a close friend, your wardrobe should inspire you, encourage you, lift you up when you’re feeling down and instil you with an unwavering (borderline dangerous) courage to take on anything.
A classic wardrobe should be exactly that, classic, filled with staple pieces that favour timelessness over trends. While on face value, a wardrobe can transform season-to-season, the secret to curating the ideal wardrobe lies in the foundation. Versatile garments that act like building blocks and can be layered over one another, perhaps they themselves withhold the ability to be worn a myriad of ways. Besides, without a solid foundation, you just have clothes.
With more downtime on our hands, it’s time to make like Marie Kondo and search for that allusive ‘joy’ we keep hearing about.
When considering the topic of timelessness, our Head of Buying, Kathleen Buscema, says the secret to curating the ideal wardrobe comes down to your own identity and finding garments that speak to it.
“As you evolve, so does your wardrobe. Your wardrobe is an extension of your persona, your feeling, and for some, how they wish to be perceived. The secret is to be true to your authentic self. Don’t try to be, just be. You will then wear the clothes and not the other way around.”
When searching for garments that reflect who you are and still maintain that timeless appeal, examine the three ‘c’s: cut, colour and composition.
Kathleen explains “Colour is where you allow yourself to either be in uniform or not. Should you conform or not, it says a lot about one’s personality.”
“It’s all about how one feels right, so the fit is so important, as is the composition. Another ‘c’ word is comfort, fabric alongside the cut – it needs to breathe, move and be carefree.”
According to Kathleen, distinguishing between classic and trend pieces comes down to how you feel in a garment.
“It’s personal, but I always know when I ask – what do I feel more myself in?”
“Let’s take a jacket for example, a double-breasted, black, check or pinstripe blazer is a staple and must-have for every wardrobe. It’s something you can pair with anything season after season.”
“A trend implies an element of hype, like an all-over logo garment, a seasonal colour, print or fabrication. For example, print, tweed or items with added detail like fringing and sequin are more trend-focused.”
For her own wardrobe, Kathleen spends time sourcing garments that reflect her personality and embody a feeling of effortlessness. Pieces that find a balance between play and sophistication, feminine and masculine, and can be styled with one another.
“I have three separate wardrobes, yes I know, crazy. I prioritise seasonal and my favourite garments closest to my reach, followed by category, then colour way.”
“I make an effort to go through my wardrobe at least three times a year, looking at what I feel more myself in. You don’t want things to contradict your style or not compliment your body shape, or even worse if the fabric is itchy or doesn’t breathe, it has to go!”
“On high rotation right now are my Golden Goose glitter superstars, they’re the most comfortable dressier sneakers I have ever owned. They are so well made and have so much detail on them. I’m wearing them with some wide leg pants or button front jeans and an oversized shirt.”
Preferring a more minimal style, Kathleen is currently coveting all things Albus Lumen. Having this season launched at Harrolds, the Sydney-based brand’s easy and uncomplicated aesthetic is perfect for Kathleen, whose 9–5 sees her in back to back meetings and weekends spent catching up with friends and family.
As her for final piece of advice, Kathleen advises to look for garments that not only make you feel good, but like yourself.
“You shouldn’t have to overcomplicate your pieces, it needs to feel naturally put together.”