Shari's Tips for a Long Lasting and Stylish Wardrobe

1. Before you start shopping, analyze your closet carefully.  Take note of the pieces you already have and the pieces you need.  More importantly, take note of which brands, designers or stores that have lasted the longest in your wardrobe.  These are the stores that you should return to.

-Long lasting stores in my closet: Mango, Anthropologie, RW&Co, Club Monaco, Winners, Delia's, Guess

-Short lived: The Gap (with the exception of jeans and one sweater from 2004), H&M, Zara, Le Chateau, American Eagle (with the exception of hoodies and some sweaters)

2. While you're looking through your closet, think about which direction you want your wardrobe to move in.  Does it need a makeover, or just an update?  Do you want to change your look, or just give it diversity?  I am always drawn to youthful clothes (I caught myself shopping in the Junior section of Winners the other day), and I have to make a concious effort to move past this as I may now be too old to wear umbrellas on my shirt.

3. If you are buying a super trendy piece that will probably go out of style within the next year or two, such as a this "mixed media" dress from Delia's, buy a cheaper piece, even if it isn't well made.  Chances are the item will last as long as the trend.  If you are buying more classic pieces, such as sweaters, knit tops, or bottoms, spend more money for higher quality.

4. If you already have an item of clothing similar to one you're eying in any given store, pass on it.  This is difficult to do since most people gravitate towards similar items of clothing, but having too many similar items in a wardrobe will create the urge to do more shopping.

5. Consider your lifestyle.  I love casual skirts and dresses but I do a lot of walking in the winter, which make these pieces impractical in terms of warmth and coordinating footwear.  I instead go all-out for dinners, parties, etc., and have many fancy dresses and skirts to choose from.  Similarly, I only own three pairs of heels, since I do too much walking to get much use out of them.  Instead, I invest in pretty flats, such as these Stella McCartney Adidas shoes.  These are from two seasons ago and they're one of the best purchases I've ever made.  I strongly suggest checking out her line.

6. If fit is often a problem, consider buying a size larger and paying extra money to have your piece altered.  I have wide hips but very narrow shoulders, so I always fit to my bottom half and have the top taken in.

7. If tailoring is not an option (money restrictions, structure of a given piece) and you are not 100% satisfied with the fit of the piece, don't buy it.  If you have any misgivings at all about an article of clothing, don't buy it.  I've often left stores with pieces I thought I'd warm up to, but wearing them always left me feeling awkward and out of sorts.

8. After you return from your shopping trip, get rid of clothes that you a) never wear, or b) don't feel fantastic in.  Exchange quantity with quality.

9. In contrast, buy cheap jewelry to pair with fewer articles of clothing in order to give variety.  I went shopping with a student of mine today, and she reminded me of the great jewelry at Forever 21.  I always regret buying clothes there since they fall apart so quickly, but if your look needs a quick refresher, new jewelry is the cheapest and fastest way to do it.  This necklace is available at Forever 21 for $5.80.  Other great places to buy cheap jewelry include H&M, Le Chateau, and Smart Set.

10. Buy pieces that are themselves versatile.  This wrap dress comes from Fashion Crimes, and can be worn unlimited ways. 

Some more examples of these tips directly from my wardrobe:

Here I am pictured wearing a sweater from Delia's (2005) and a necklace from Le Chateau (also 2005).  Both items still exist in my wardrobe!

(Left) This photo is from 2006.  The top is from Delia's and the necklace is from American Eagle (a cheap find).  Both still exist in my wardrobe!

(Right) I bought this shirt somewhere on Bloor Street West, and was unsure of the purchase at the time.  This was the first and last time I wore it.  Not only is it too big for me on top, but the colours are so primary that it looks childish and dated.  I felt uncomfortable the whole time I was wearing it.

This was in 2007.  The top is from Mango (on sale for less than $20 if I remember correctly) and the necklace is from H&M.  Both are still in my wardrobe!

I'd love to start a discussion on this!  Let me know where you bought your long lasting clothes!  I'd also love to hear your own personal shopping tips and tricks!