Ok, this post has been in the making for a VERY long time. I get asked almost daily (sometimes multiple times a day) for a list of modest wardrobe staples. This is kind of hard to make a "set list," since we all have different tastes and styles, but I tried to keep this list to classic and must-have items as much as possible.
This is not a capsule wardrobe, I can't only have a certain amount of items in my closet. So, instead this is a Modest REMIXABLE Wardrobe Staples list. I've shared with you many times that I only buy items that I can remix with many other pieces to create multitudes of outfits with my classic remixable pieces. I really don't think I own THAT many clothes, maybe I do compared to ladies who don't like shopping..but I think I have a pretty average sized closet, but I haven't repeated an outfit in I don't know how many years. That's not to brag or boast, it's just to show you that you can do the same if you build your wardrobe with remixable pieces that are able to be re-used in numerous outfits!
This list is not limited to the style pictured, for example if you prefer full midi skirts vs. pencil skirts, that is up to you! I personally prefer pencil skirts, since they are classic, flattering, and professional.
Modest Remixable Wardrobe Staples
Skirts/Dresses
1. Black Skirt
2. Dark Denim Skirt
3. Tan/Khaki Skirt
4. Striped Skirt
5. Maxi Skirt
6. Colored Skirts
7. Navy Skirt
8. Black Dress
9. Printed/Solid Dresses
Tops/Accessories
10. Chambray Shirt
11. Gingham Shirt
12. B&W patterned top
13. Jean Jacket or Vest
14. Colored tops
15. Solid/Printed Cardigans
16. Sandals
17. Leopard Flats
18. Statement Necklaces
I think this is a great start to a remixable wardrobe, these pieces are the ones I wear the most. What else would you add to the list?
I found this dress from JCPenney on the clearance rack and I decided to try it on. It's not my usual dress choice, but I'm glad I tried it on, it fit me perfectly. Step out of your usual picks, you'll be surprised how somethings you usually don't wear look good on you!
My Younique look of the day // lip gloss: Lovesick // foundation: pressed powder in Velour // eye pigments: sexy & corrupted // mascara: 3D+ fiber lashes // eyeliner: Moonstruck eyeliner in perfect. ♥ Get the look here:
I can't believe this summer is coming to an end already! We only have two more weeks until we have to go back to work! I've had so much fun hanging out with this little ham all summer!
I can't live without my black flats and my camel riding boots! Another modest staple for me is my Downeast tanks- they have cap sleeves so I can wear them under a normal tank and still be modest or under a lace shirt and have my shoulders covered! They aren't cheap but soooooo worth the investment!
I understand, and do, mix and match separates, but when you say that you have never repeated an outfit, how does that work with dresses? Even if you change the shoes, I imagine there are only so many pairs that you have that would match a particular dress.
This is a great list to start with! I do have to say since I have started to read your blog I have started to wear more dresses and skirts and my husband loves it! Keep up the great tips!
This is a great list, I am trying a two season capsule wardrobe but there are about 150 pieces in each and then a work one and a formal one. I do wear pants so i keep some jeans, dress slacks and soft printed pants, but i use plain tops and some printed and blouses and skirts and dresses in plain and printed and i also have a range of jackets and cardigans and layering tops and coats to make outfits different. I try to change jewellery as i make most of my own jewellery and shoes but i have to wear braces on my legs so shoes are limited for color and style but i make it work. Its just about trying out ideas and see how it goes and just keeping at it,
If you don't start with good underwear, it won't matter how many pieces you can mix and match. Start with a good bra that lifts and fits and flatters, no sagging. Nice panties, whatever cut you prefer, but something that fits and no sagging there either. Use a slip when needed. I've seen ladies that dress pretty and modestly then I notice that I can see right through their skirts....to the thong panties they are wearing. Yikes and yuck! If you don't like slips, try Peddi Pants (I think that's what they are called), they are a kind of split skirt slit, I have a couple of those and wear them some, they come in cotton and silk. For those of us who have had several children and may experience some toning issues, wear shape wear. The Spanx brand is the best but if you can't afford it, I have used Kohl's brand and they work ok too. I also think that making sure your hair is clean, well groomed and some sort of style is essential. I know I can look really put together but if I'm having a bad hair day (dirty hair or been putting off a cut, etc.) I still don't think I look good. I've been following someone on Instagram who is doing a capsule wardrobe and I just couldn't do it. I find too many good deals at yard sales and thrift stores and clearance and I don't spend that much money clothing myself or my kids or husband so I'm not sure why I would want a capsule wardrobe.
I agree, but I feel like good undergarments are a must for every wardrobe. So, I didn't include any undergarments on the list. Same for camisoles under low shirts.
How often do you go shopping? Going too often is one of my issues. Waiting until I have a specific list takes too long, I like to go more often but am afraid I will buy something I don't need! Any advice?
I go shopping a lot...lol, so I'm probably not the best person to ask. But, that's because I know I have to shop the clearance racks weekly to find good deals. I don't ever buy something that I can't wear multiple ways, it's a waste of money to buy anything that can only be worn with one item!
I'm a nursing mom so can't really do dresses. But a couple things that are an absolute must in my closet is a good brown skirt or two and brown sandals or flats. I'm talking dark brown. I personally don't care for kahki (when you have a 4, 2, and 5 month old light colors just don't work as We'll anymore) . That's just my preference though. 😊
I've increased my skirt and dressed wearing over the last 3 months from reading your blog. My hubby thanks you as you've made an impact in me feeling great about being girly. Thanks for this good shopping list!
I wish I could wear pencil skirts - so cute, but so terrible on my figure. I like how you mix and match your clothes so well - you put colors together I wouldn't think of. But here's a question I've wanted to ask for a while. I remember reading in one of your blog posts that you have about 75 skirts. Is that right? It just seems like an impossibly high number, lol.
I did at one point, but I've done a couple closet clean outs since then. I'd say I have around 40-50. But, I've had some skirts since I was in college. I buy classic skirts, so they last a long time and I do work in a business setting so I have to wear dress clothes 6 days out of the week.
Great ideas .. so difficult to find modest things now.. feel like I have to keep adding more layers or paying out more money .. couldn't live without my black wedges, flats or riding boots!
I can't live without my black flats and my camel riding boots! Another modest staple for me is my Downeast tanks- they have cap sleeves so I can wear them under a normal tank and still be modest or under a lace shirt and have my shoulders covered! They aren't cheap but soooooo worth the investment!
ReplyDeleteLove it! Thanks for the tips.
ReplyDeleteI understand, and do, mix and match separates, but when you say that you have never repeated an outfit, how does that work with dresses? Even if you change the shoes, I imagine there are only so many pairs that you have that would match a particular dress.
ReplyDeleteDifferent color shoes, different cardigans over them, different necklaces, there's tons of ways to change it up!
DeleteGood staples. I also love your dress! It's gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteUnique Geek
This is a great list to start with! I do have to say since I have started to read your blog I have started to wear more dresses and skirts and my husband loves it! Keep up the great tips!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list, I am trying a two season capsule wardrobe but there are about 150 pieces in each and then a work one and a formal one. I do wear pants so i keep some jeans, dress slacks and soft printed pants, but i use plain tops and some printed and blouses and skirts and dresses in plain and printed and i also have a range of jackets and cardigans and layering tops and coats to make outfits different. I try to change jewellery as i make most of my own jewellery and shoes but i have to wear braces on my legs so shoes are limited for color and style but i make it work. Its just about trying out ideas and see how it goes and just keeping at it,
ReplyDeleteBecci
rebeccafashionandlife.blogspot.com.au
If you don't start with good underwear, it won't matter how many pieces you can mix and match. Start with a good bra that lifts and fits and flatters, no sagging. Nice panties, whatever cut you prefer, but something that fits and no sagging there either. Use a slip when needed. I've seen ladies that dress pretty and modestly then I notice that I can see right through their skirts....to the thong panties they are wearing. Yikes and yuck! If you don't like slips, try Peddi Pants (I think that's what they are called), they are a kind of split skirt slit, I have a couple of those and wear them some, they come in cotton and silk. For those of us who have had several children and may experience some toning issues, wear shape wear. The Spanx brand is the best but if you can't afford it, I have used Kohl's brand and they work ok too. I also think that making sure your hair is clean, well groomed and some sort of style is essential. I know I can look really put together but if I'm having a bad hair day (dirty hair or been putting off a cut, etc.) I still don't think I look good. I've been following someone on Instagram who is doing a capsule wardrobe and I just couldn't do it. I find too many good deals at yard sales and thrift stores and clearance and I don't spend that much money clothing myself or my kids or husband so I'm not sure why I would want a capsule wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
I agree, but I feel like good undergarments are a must for every wardrobe. So, I didn't include any undergarments on the list. Same for camisoles under low shirts.
DeleteWhere do you find comfortable bra's and underwear that fit well? Also how do you figure out what is the right size? Thank you!
DeleteThanks! This is going to help me rebuild my closest with new clothes.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas.
ReplyDeleteHow often do you go shopping? Going too often is one of my issues. Waiting until I have a specific list takes too long, I like to go more often but am afraid I will buy something I don't need! Any advice?
I go shopping a lot...lol, so I'm probably not the best person to ask. But, that's because I know I have to shop the clearance racks weekly to find good deals. I don't ever buy something that I can't wear multiple ways, it's a waste of money to buy anything that can only be worn with one item!
DeleteI'm a nursing mom so can't really do dresses. But a couple things that are an absolute must in my closet is a good brown skirt or two and brown sandals or flats. I'm talking dark brown. I personally don't care for kahki (when you have a 4, 2, and 5 month old light colors just don't work as We'll anymore) . That's just my preference though. 😊
ReplyDeleteI've increased my skirt and dressed wearing over the last 3 months from reading your blog. My hubby thanks you as you've made an impact in me feeling great about being girly. Thanks for this good shopping list!
ReplyDeleteThanks.for this reminder
ReplyDeleteGreat post and a great help to ladies! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could wear pencil skirts - so cute, but so terrible on my figure. I like how you mix and match your clothes so well - you put colors together I wouldn't think of. But here's a question I've wanted to ask for a while. I remember reading in one of your blog posts that you have about 75 skirts. Is that right? It just seems like an impossibly high number, lol.
ReplyDeleteI did at one point, but I've done a couple closet clean outs since then. I'd say I have around 40-50. But, I've had some skirts since I was in college. I buy classic skirts, so they last a long time and I do work in a business setting so I have to wear dress clothes 6 days out of the week.
DeleteAWESOME post! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas .. so difficult to find modest things now.. feel like I have to keep adding more layers or paying out more money .. couldn't live without my black wedges, flats or riding boots!
ReplyDelete