Building a wardrobe with pieces that you know you can put together to make a perfect outfit no matter the occasion can be hard, especially when you consider the ongoing debate of quality versus price.
But when it comes to building a high-quality wardrobe, it comes down to three main considerations. Quality, of course, versatility and cost-per-wear, and what woman among us isn’t great at a little ‘girl math’ justification?
How To Build Your Wardrobe
So, the three main principles to building your dream wardrobe might seem simple, but unpacking them comes with a lot of factors to contemplate, which we’ll unpack as we go.
Is It Better To Invest In A Few Quality Staples Or Buy More Affordable Pieces?
When it comes to building a versatile wardrobe, both quality staples and affordable pieces are essential. It’s important not to automatically equate an affordable price point with poor quality.
When considering adding a new piece to your wardrobe, think about the cost-per-wear. ‘Girl math’ has done wonders for justifying spending money on a new item, by making us break down the cost-per-wear, but in reality, if you’re considering a high-end, versatile piece that’ll cost you $150 and you know that you’ll wear it at least once a week over a year, that item has only cost you $2.88 per wear — pretty good maths if you ask us.
You can also consider shopping second-hand to build a quality wardrobe on a budget. It’s a sustainable, cost-per-wear-efficient path to quality, and if you’ve got a good eye and a plan to shop the same way you’d shop new — by bringing your staples list so you’re only filling gaps, not impulse-buying, apply the same fabric, construction and seam checks, and judge pieces by cost-per-wear rather than the tag — then you’ll be bound to find some quality pieces. Because a pre-loved knit at $30 worn weekly for years beats a $15 fast-fashion top worn twice.
But of course, sometimes it does just make sense to spend more on certain items, especially when considering the construction, fabrication and longevity of an item that you’ll wear on repeat.
What Should You Look For When Buying Clothes You’ll Wear On Repeat?
When looking for clothes that you’ll wear on repeat, it’s important to consider both the quality — through things such as fabric, construction, fit and finishing details — along with what you already have in your existing wardrobe.
Shopping with a purpose, as opposed to on-a-whim sale picks, starts with considering what you already own (a point we’ll touch on momentarily) and then sourcing quality-made pieces.
Looking at the fabric composition — is it synthetic or natural — the construction of the piece, whether it fits and flows as it should, and the finishing details such as seams and stitching can make a huge difference in understanding how your high-quality staples will wear over time.
Understanding the garment care requirements for each piece will help with the longevity (read: reducing the cost-per-wear) of your new wardrobe.
How should you care for your clothes to make them last?
Reading and understanding the garment care requirements is part of the piece, but it’s also recommended to cold wash and air dry. Because how you wash, store and even mend a garment will determine how long it lasts.
How To Build A High-Quality Wardrobe Without Spending A Fortune
Building a high-quality wardrobe without spending a fortune comes with some pre-planning. As we mentioned earlier, assessing your current wardrobe, whether through a full audit or just being aware of the pieces you own, will help you find any gaps, meaning you’ll spend more strategically. A key to strategic spending is realising your personal style before adding unrealistic pieces to cart.
Once you’ve assessed your wardrobe, you might have found gaps, but you’ll also have found a few high-frequency staples too, such as a classic pair of jeans, a versatile white tee and a favourite blazer.
So you’ve made a list of your missing items, or staples that need refreshing; the next steps involve purchasing gradually, avoiding adding to cart purely because something is on sale. It’s also worth considering setting yourself a benchmark price per item and shopping according to the pieces’ cost-per-wear.
Where Can You Find Quality, Versatile Women’s Clothing In Australia?
When shopping for a considered wardrobe, apply the three-outfit test: if you can create three completely different outfits with a new piece, then it can be filed away in your wardrobe. And the best way to be able to take on this multi-fit test approach is by shopping at a boutique retailer that offers multiple, high-quality brands.
Flo & Frankie offers this versatility through their in-store and online retailers, carrying a selection of both Australian and international labels, all available with fast shipping. With a focus on stocking a selection of wearable, elevated everyday pieces, Flo & Frankie are perfect for helping you build out your quality wardrobe.
Flo & Frankie staples under $200
A versatile wardrobe is built on a handful of versatile staples, from a classic pair of straight-leg jeans, a white tee to dress up or down, a soft knit, a versatile midi dress and a tailored blazer. Each piece worn on repeat more than earns its place with the cost-per-wear rationale. At Flo & Frankie, all these staples are available under $200, here’s what we’re currently shopping:
IVY + JACK
Tradition Dark Chocolate Stretch Soft Barrel Jeans
GEORGIA ZOE
Southern Red Linen Tie Neck Halter Maxi Dress
ASSEMBLY LABLE
Nora Rind Butter Cotton Stripe Oversized Tee SS Stripe
STORIES TO BE TOLD
Scale Black Pleat Front Linen Bermuda Shorts
Discover Flo & Frankie – your destination for effortless, feel-good style. Shop a thoughtful edit of leading local and international fashion, accessories, home, and gifting, curated to inspire everyday beauty. Explore the latest collections online or in-store at www.floandfrankie.com.au
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