Affordably Fresh Fall Wardrobe

As the fall season transitions, perhaps you’re yearning for your wardrobe to do the same.   Whether you’re outfitting new body dimensions, a new climate, or a fresh outlook, you can get the most fashion per dollar via a wardrobe cluster.
A wardrobe cluster is a grouping of clothing that likes to mix and mingle.  It goes beyond individual items and outfits, to create a harmonious fashion ecosystem.
Following is a Fall 2011 wardrobe cluster.  In twenty items (10 garments + 10 accessories) it captures the key trends (Color Blocking, Seventies Sophisticate, Touches of Lace, Menswear, Animal Prints…), offers two weeks of unique ensembles, and barely pokes its toe over a $50 bill on any one item. So here’s how its done.

Step 1:  Select a color palette
As a confessed print junkie, I commonly commence with an inspiring
pattern.  For this set, I centered in on the autumnally appropriate, Striped Audrey Dress. If you flock to solids, the same principles apply.  Simply select colors with a similar heritage and blend harmoniously (ie jewel tones, pastels, etc). 

Step 2: Shop formulaically
Start with roughly double the number of tops as bottoms.  Why? Because people pay more attention to your top half (you know that half that does all the talking and gesturing) than your bottom half.  Next you want items which provide multiple applications.  If you can’t wear it in more than two ways, put it back on the rack.  Finally, absolutely include layers. Putting your wardrobe on such a strict diet may tempt you to avoid layers, don’t. Layering is the key to flexible fashion.  

Step 3: Accessorize
When assembling a cluster, select shoes with unique purposes: 
one set of heels, one pair of flats, one couplet of boots.  And don’t scrimp on the details.  Jewelry, scarves, and belts deserve their fair share of your shopping budget.  Forgetting accessories in your fashion is like forgetting punctuation in your writing.  You might be able to communicate, but its going to read like a sloppy, hot mess.  

Fall Wardrobe Cluster

 

Plum Open Cardigan
$9.99 - delias.com
Chambray Button Up
$20 - forever21.com
Pussy Bow Blouse
$27 - target.com
Cap Sleeve Tiered Tee
$36 - topshop.com
Trench Coat
$50 - old navy
Camel Blazer
$41 - hm.com
Audrey Striped Pleated Dress
$40 - urban1972.com
Midi Skirt
$61.11 - asos.com
Wide Leg Flare Jeans
$39.99 - ae.com
Red Skinny Jeans
$33 - oldnavy.com
Riding Boots
$35 - oldnavy.com
Peep Toe Wedges
$25.97 - kohls.com
Cut Out Brogue Oxfords
$50 - shopruche.com
Green Crossbody Handbag
$26 - asos.com
Eyeglass Necklace
$20 - modcloth.com
Bow Earrings
$1.50 - forever21.com
Moss Green Leather Skinny Belt
$28 – oasis-stores.com
To recap the fashion math
20 chicly cheap items
converts into 2 weeks of unique outfits
is equivalent to an affordably fresh fall wardrobe
But it doesn’t take a whole new set of clothes to accomplish this same sum.  You can create clusters in your existing closet inventory and add on new pieces if and where you need it.
Either way, have fun, and feel pretty.

About Todays Post

This post was written by a guest on Somewhat Simple. If you have any questions regarding the content of this post, please contact the author directly.

Comments

  1. This post is fantastic! I want to hit the mall right now!!!

    1
  2. I love this! I know I have such a problem finding a new way to wear my clothes that doesn’t give me the same feeling of eating the same set of meals each week. I will definitely try this! Thanks for the great post. :)

    2

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