This was a comment on another post, but I decided it deserved its own space.
I'm thinking maybe I should be more forward-thinking about it, make a list of "essentials" and take the time to carefully choose well-made, coordinated pieces, a few at a time as our budget allows.
I think my personal "essentials" list (based on what I had in my closet before I lost the weight) is as follows:
BOTTOMS
– black trousers + slim skirt + fitted jacket = one suit
– charcoal trousers
– flat-front dressy khakis
– jeans (already have)
– long and short floral-print skirts (already have)
TOPS
– black turtleneck
– crewneck sweater + cardigan = one twinset
– white button down
– pinstripe button down (already have)
– black tee shirts (already have)
– new-looking (i.e., cheap and frequently replaced) white tee shirts
– pretty silk blouse
– "very me" sweater
– sparkly top (already have)
DRESS
– versatile black dress
– comfy knit dress
ACCESSORIES
– bright scarf (okay, I never had one, but I want one)
– The Leather Coat (same thing there)
I know the suit seems silly for an at-home mom to have, but I had a "good black suit" (bought for interviews and presentations in grad school) before, and I can tell you that the individual pieces of a good black suit are incredibly versatile. It just makes sense to buy those three pieces as part of a set that works together. Maybe that'll be the first thing I set out to buy after the after-Christmas sale.
I'd leave shoes out of it, but I could probably use a pair of classic black pumps and a pair of metallic flats. My Dr. Martens go with practically everything, otherwise. Oh, and everybody says you should have a "great bag," I guess; someday maybe I'll feel worthy of a real, well-made leather bag, but I'm pretty happy with my assortment of canvas totes plus my one little black purse for dressing up.
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