Buying with intention is one of the most underrated style upgrades. If you shop haphazardly, rely on impulse Amazon buys, and don’t have a clear plan, your closet will feel chaotic, no matter how much you own. As a Style Coach, my goal is to help my clients curate a wardrobe that allows them to mix and match, suits their lifestyle and reflects their personal style.
Here are a few favorite finds from a recent shopping session for a Style Coaching client in her 40s and why each item works for her lifestyle and needs.
One of the first steps to curating a wardrobe that actually works is building a strong foundation, then layering in fun, personality-driven pieces.
This client has an inverted triangle body type and is tall. She needed jeans that suited her body type & lifestyle. She is busy with friends/family and needs flattering jeans for her day to day life.
Foundational items are not as “fun” to shop for as they are not as eye-catching. But once you have well-fitting basics making outfits become easier. I always recommend buying what your budget will allow when it comes to these foundational pieces as they can be worn for many years.
We determined that this client needed a new pair of black pants for various meetings and business dinners. They have fun gold button details that suit her body type & make them a bit more fun than your typical black pant.
Everyone doesn’t need black trousers or a crisp white button-down. The bodice of this top is knit to make it more casual for her day to day life; but it’s upleveled due to the fun sleeve, so it can be worn alone.
You need YOUR version of those essentials, and your version of these basics will change as your lifestyle and needs evolve.
Perhaps you work from home, you most likely need more upleveled casual outfits than professional attire. Don’t be afraid to let go of “nice” items that no longer suit your lifestyle. The visual clutter will hinder you from determining what you actually need.
As a Style Coach, I always recommend to my clients to have a solid or printed dress in a flattering silhouette – ones that can be dressed up or down and worn to a variety of places.
This tailored shirt dress with embellishments can be worn to a holiday party a work-related cocktail party or a rehearsal dinner – a workhorse that will serve this client well.
Ready for a wardrobe that works? I invite you to join my style membership site, the SYC Society, where you will get access to my Spring/Summer Shopping List and my exact Style Coaching process I use with my 1:1 clients.
The seasonal shopping checklist will help you navigate exactly what to add to your wardrobe to feel current and well-rounded. I also break down the trends with the most longevity and show you how to actually wear them in real life. Learn more HERE.
