How to shop with intention and elevate your style
Spring is officially here. The trees are blooming and the sun is shining. It’s only natural to want to refresh your wardrobe with some new pieces. But how do you make sure you invest in the right pieces? You know, the ones you’ll end up wearing a ton and will elevate your style at the same time.
The short answer is shopping with intention. Knowing what you really need and what you really want. And the beauty is when you are intentional, you’ll elevate your style at the same time because you are being extra selective and curating the best pieces that fit who you are today.
So here we go…
Make a short list and get really specific
If you had to only pick four new things for the season, what would they be?
If your first thought is, but Laura, I need way more than four things.. think about how hard it is to find things you really love and that fit you perfectly. Simplify and start with your top four.
If you don’t know, take note when you are getting dressed. What is missing when you are trying to put an outfit together?
Now get really specific. Maybe you’d like a new white blouse for Spring. What kind of neckline do you love? What about fabric? Where does the sleeve hit? The beauty of getting older is you know what you want to highlight and what you don’t. So get super specific and focus on what you know works for you.
Don’t just replace something for the sake of replacing
Before you replace something in your closet, ask yourself “Do I really want that exact same thing?”
You aren’t the same person as you were last year, so why not consider changing things up to reflect who you are today. Think about it. If you just replace pieces without thinking if they fit who you are today, you’re not elevating your style.
Make note of what no longer works and ask yourself what would be perfect for you right now? What would you really love to wear? You might be surprised with how you will look and more importantly, how you feel.
When I started wearing midi and maxi dresses, I loved the way I felt in them.
Consider investment pieces that show your personal style
Investment pieces like shoes, bags, jackets will last for years… and I mean years.. 10 years, 15 years…
Pieces that are beautifully made, you’ll cherish and will love to wear. Quality over quantity. Invest in one beautiful piece instead of five “just ok” ones.
Pieces that will show your unique taste and personal style will elevate any outfit. Take a simple tee and jeans, add a special bag and suddenly it feels elevated and very “you.”
My Marni frame bag that I’ve had for over ten years and still love and wear today.
Watch out for duplicates of what you already have
It’s not uncommon to gravitate towards buying variations of the same thing - have you seen my feminine blouse with ruffles collection? :) But if you keep buying duplicates of what you already have in your closet, you could lack the pieces to pull your look together.
Instead, look for the gaps in your wardrobe. Really pay attention when you are getting dressed to what you feel is missing. And if you do want to buy a duplicate, make sure what you already have hanging in your closet isn’t a better version.
Don’t settle for just ok
When you settle, you end up with a closet full of clothes and feeling like you have nothing to wear. Be super picky and only add it to your wardrobe it lights you up. If it’s not perfect and doesn’t make you feel amazing, move on.
And remember, there’s no rush. Sometimes you can have something “on the list” for a long time. Lightweight blazers have been on my list for years. It’s really hard to find ones that fit my shoulders, aren’t too stiff, boxy or long and have a little stretch. It’s a tall order, but it’s worth the wait to find the perfect one for me.
xo, Laura
