When it comes to versatile clothing, I have a few specific favourite pieces, but I’m not going to share what they are. At least, not here.
Why?
Because we may not have the same taste, body shape, or needs.
If you want to see me wearing my favourite pieces, keep an eye out in my IG stories. You’ll see them often because I’m one of those radical outfit repeaters who knows how to use a washing machine and who doesn’t hate the planet.
Not to mention, I actually love the clothing investments I make, so I feel joy every time I wear them. Why would I throw them out or return them?
Anyway…
What is versatile clothing and how do you find it?
You may know by now that owning a massive wardrobe doesn’t actually give you more options. Instead it overwhelms you, both mentally and physically.
Numerous studies show that we find decision making more difficult when we’re faced with too many options.
Yet other studies show that being surrounded by clutter and masses of belongings can cause stress and anxiety.
Now why would you want that, as a busy entrepreneur? You already have enough on your mind, and much more important decisions to spend your energy on.
Maybe you’ve already decided to adopt something of a capsule wardrobe, or a personal uniform (although not quite to the extreme that Steve Jobs took it).
In that case, versatile clothing is your friend.
Versatile pieces make your wardrobe much more cohesive, allowing you to create a multitude of outfits from just a few items. You can cut down the bulk of your wardrobe and feel justified investing in quality clothing.
Sure, we’ve got the disposable income, but it’s still a waste to spend thousands of dollars on clothes if you never wear them – I know you’ve got the good business sense to see that.
Now – the simplest way to find versatile clothing is to ask a few questions.
Each time you’re looking at buying something new, consider the following:
Does this fit with my style guide?
This question achieves two things.
Firstly, it ensures that the item matches everything else you own. If it doesn’t, you’ll find it tough to form outfits with your other clothes.
Secondly, it prevents you from buying clothes that aren’t made to flatter your body type, or that you don’t find comfortable and easy to wear. You’ll probably avoid wearing it anyway if you don’t tick these boxes.
If you miss on either point, it won’t be very versatile.
Can I wear it with the sleeves or cuffs both rolled up and left down?
A garment with both options doubles your outfit potential. If it only does one, you only have one item.
NOTE: Don’t underestimate how much rolling up your sleeves or the cuffs of your pants can change your look. Try it and see.
Can you wear it both loose and tucked in?
Again, being able to wear the item both ways doubles your options.
Of course, if it’s something you can wear loose or tucked in, and with the sleeves down or rolled up, you have four options in the one piece.
Can you use it as another type of garment?
Some types of clothing can easily be worn as something entirely different.
For instance, a scarf can be turned into a vest, tube top, skirt, or dress (depending on the size and type of scarf) without too much difficulty.
There are many other examples – my Pinterest board has a few ideas.
Can you dress it up and down?
I.e. can it pass as both casual and semi-formal with the right accessories?
For example, you might wear a t-shirt dress with sandals and a simple necklace for brunch with friends. That evening, you could dress it up with a statement necklace, boots, and a jacket for a dressier occasion.
As you can imagine, this sort of versatility can also ease the pressure when you have to switch quickly between settings.
IMPORTANT: The size of your wardrobe will multiply quickly (or stay large) when you try to accommodate clothing for all sorts of occasions. Pieces that switch up easily from casual to classy are the perfect solution.
Does it have multiple configurations?
Multi-way or reversible clothing can be worn in different ways for different looks. They’re an easy way to extend your options without extending your laundry and storage requirements.
You’re probably aware of multiway dresses, being popular for bridesmaids and other formal events, but there are other examples too. Some brands even offer items that can be a dress, a top, a cardigan, and a scarf, all in one!
NOTE: Of course, some garments are conveniently multifaceted, but lack the standard of style for someone of your (and my) taste. It pays to look around if you’re set on buying specifically multi-way items.
If you’re pregnant or plan to be in the future – will the item stretch or flow over a baby bump?
It may be that flowy or stretchy clothing isn’t for you, and that’s fine. But if it is, and you may have a baby bump to cover at some point, it pays to find items that you can wear both now and when you’re pregnant.
You’ll benefit by saving time and money (you won’t need to source much maternity clothing, so can spend both on more worthwhile pursuits), and you won’t require any extra space for storing your regular wardrobe during your pregnancy.
Do bear in mind that you don’t need to answer ‘yes’ to all of these questions.
Rather, they give you an indication of how versatile the item will be. The more ‘yes‘s, the more versatile the piece.
If you know someone trying to cut down the bulk of their wardrobe, perhaps share this with them if you think it will help.
