5 Things Friday - How To Build Your Best Spring Wardrobe

This week, I'm bringing you the whys and hows of building outfits for your best spring wardrobe. It all starts with the basics!

Just adding a last minute note as I wind up writing today’s newsletter. I just found out that I made the Top Best Seller List for Fashion & Beauty … No.57 infact! Can’t quite believe it, that something I started only eighteen months ago and thought would be read by a handful of people (if I was lucky!) would end up here! A massive thank you for your continual support from all of you who join me here every Friday, it really means the world to me!

Happy Friday everyone! The sun has been shining this week and the temperature is teasing us! The days seem to start quite chilly, then by mid morning I’m down to a T-shirt and contemplating a bare ankle. It’s a typical start to the English spring, when you have to consider all weather eventualities. I’ve been busy this week with beginning to sort my wardrobe for spring. I’ve packed away the big coats and beanie hats, so there’s no going back, and I’m very ready to welcome lighter layers and some spring style.

As with every season, I start by having a look in my wardrobe and doing the switchover from winter to spring. We’ve discussed previously how to prep for a seasonal changeover. Click the link below if you need some tips on a wardrobe refresh.

To help you prepare for making your best spring outfits, I’ve shot some videos with my best tips and suggestions. I was all up for doing this as a live, then my neighbour got in the spring mood too and power washed her patio for 2 days! Anyway, let's go…

1. Beginning The Process

For the last few years, I’ve been following a process that has helped me shape my wardrobe and guide my purchases. It’s led me into good habits when it comes to shopping, and has meant that I wear nearly all my wardrobe (nobody is perfect!) and have greatly reduced my impulse buying. It’s also meant that I no longer feel I have a wardrobe of clothes but nothing to wear, and it has made me a proud outfit repeater. If you love your outfits, you’ll want to wear them on repeat - yes? That’s what we are all aiming for, a wardrobe that works for us that makes us feel fantastic when we wear it. Do you look forward to wearing some of your favourite pieces again with a change of season? I do! It has also meant that I’ve been able to make some investment buys for my wardrobe because I’m spending less and not feeling like each season I’m starting from the beginning. But how did I get here?

The answer is, from carefully building a core wardrobe of good basics. Items that provide a blueprint with which to build all my outfits, and this means all the separate items work together without me having to buy new items. This process didn’t happen overnight and it has taken me a while to work out what works for me and what ends up not getting worn enough. Throw into that the never-ending evolution of my wardrobe to suit my needs, and you'll understand it’s a goal I’m always working towards… the perfect wardrobe!

2. How Can That Work For You?

The Key Takes

• Make your basics fit your lifestyle and, if it has changed recently, question whether you need to rethink what you reach for most in your wardrobe?

• Your basics need to account for around 80% of your wardrobe needs, so think about what you need the most. If you only go out occasionally, is it worth investing in basics that are designed for nights out?

Make your basics wardrobe reflect your personality. If you love print or colour then don’t be shoe-horned into a neutral capsule, BUT always make sure you can build outfits with your core basics.

If you want to know more about my spring basics, including the all-important accessories, why not become a paid subscriber? You will get full access to all my newsletters and archives, your weekly injection of fashion, travel and lifestyle news every Friday, and even occasional subscriber-only articles. What's not to love?