How to Build a Cohesive Wardrobe for 2019

My mantra for the year so far is buy less but buy better. After spending most of 2018 experimenting once again with colour and silhouette, I’m finally ready to knuckle down on my personal style goals, one of which is to have a cohesive wardrobe that works well interchangeably.

Wearing Brandy Melville striped tee (old but similar here), 3.1 by Phillip Lim shorts, ATP Atelier sandals (here in pewter on sale), Cuyana tote bag (also a great faux leather option), Mejuri ring, Reliquia earrings (also here), Nadri bracelet, Orelia star bracelet, Linjer watch

Building a cohesive wardrobe to me is about more than just curating what I have so that I could effectively get dressed in the dark. For me, it’s also about investing in quality, and opting for timeless staples that you’ll still see me wearing years from now. It lends naturally to effortless dressing, and removes that ‘I have nothing to wear’ mentality.

Take stock of what you have

The first step to building a cohesive wardrobe is to know what you have. This stops the act of buying duplicates, but also keeps you informed when it comes to deciding what new additions will seamlessly fit in with your existing closet. I like to do a little bit of a wardrobe audit once or twice a year to refresh my memory, plus I find that this has the added bonus of reminding me of any items I’ve stopped showing love. Here is where I also take note of any particular silhouettes I’m drawn to, outfit combinations that work for my body shape, and where I may need to invest a little more in the months to come.

Set your colour palette

Key to any cohesive wardrobe is a set colour palette. I find it’s easiest to build this out following a wardrobe declutter or refresh, as you can carefully curate the selection of items that you’re hanging on to. Essentially, the main steps are to identify your core or ‘base’ colours – I’m a neutrals girl through and through – and pick a few accent colours that will add some visual layers to your outfit. It’s a myth that a colour palette need be neutral; work with what you have, what you love, and what works best with your skin tone. I’ve done a guide on how to pick out a colour palette which you can check out here.

Have a style uniform

There is so much value in defining a style uniform, especially when it comes to developing a wardrobe that is cohesive and works well together. 2018 was definitely the year that I nailed down my winter style uniform, and while I’m still figuring things out a little for summer (it’s so hard to look chic when humidity is 90% and the temps are over 30 deg C), I know what works for me. What I love about having a style uniform is that it takes the guesswork out of building outfits daily. You know what works, and it’s essentially a simple style equation that equals a great outfit. For a bit more variety I’ll usually mix up the colours or opt for slightly different pieces to give me a whole new outfit.

Do add in the odd statement piece

What really makes classic designs appeal to me so much is their inherent versatility. Being able to create twenty, thirty, or even fifty outfits from one item is proof that I’ve made a worthy purchase, and I love when I find myself feeling excited about wearing an old favourite over and over again. This might go against the grain, but I think a great statement piece or two really livens up a wardrobe and pack a real punch when it comes to building outfits. A curated and cohesive wardrobe is great, but not if you’re left feeling bored with what you have. This is where a good statement piece – whether it be a bold coat or an interesting handbag – comes into play. It can break up the monotony of having a style uniform, and gives a little freedom to have some real fun with fashion.

Trends should be timeless

I made a bit of a rule this year that I wouldn’t buy into trends – a tough one to balance particularly when your Instagram is awash with inspiration and unique silhouettes that you feel like you need to have. While you can have a cohesive wardrobe with trend-led designs, I prefer a more timeless approach. I look to trends like slip dresses, check blazers, buckled loafers and mini bags – all of which you can have a lot of fun with, but that will have real longevity over time. I prefer to avoid trends like cycling shorts or PVC bags, which I can see looking very dated in 12 months time.

Stick with what you know, but be open to new brands

To avoid feeling like you’re in a bit of a style rut – which is when I think most of us tend to make some questionable purchasing decisions – it’s worthwhile exploring brands that are new to you. While there are so many benefits to shopping with brands that are a true reflection of your style and complement your silhouette, casting your net wider can dig up some serious gems, and new brands to add to your regular style repertoire. I definitely have my favourites – Everlane, J.Crew, RE/DONE (also here), and Stella McCartney (also here) – but am making an effort to look into some other options this year and introduce a few new brands to my wardrobe where the fit is right. It’s a great way to stay inspired, and can stop you from feeling too comfortable with what you already have.