A wardrobe hole is an item of clothing, pair of shoes, or accessory that you need but is missing from your wardrobe. When getting dressed you intuitively reach for something to complete an outfit or add that fab finishing touch, but you don’t have it. That’s a wardrobe hole. These missing items go on your shopping list.
Wardrobe holes can be wardrobe basics, essentials, outfit completers, or statement pieces. You can have multiple wardrobe holes. Sometimes an entire capsule or wardrobe category can be a wardrobe hole. Super cute occasion wear, loungewear or sleepwear can be a wardrobe hole. Comfortable shoes that go the distance but are not sneakers can be a wardrobe hole. Trendy jeans, the right layering pieces, breezy Summer dresses, casual tops that aren’t t-shirts, or non-scratchy knitwear can be wardrobe holes.
Wardrobe holes clearly present themselves when I’m helping clients edit their wardrobes and create ready-to-go outfits. We make a note and prioritize the most important pieces so that a client’s current wardrobe can function more effectively right away.
My recent wardrobe holes include non-sneaker, gold Summer shoes, since I passed on some old pairs I hadn’t replaced. I was constantly reaching for gold loafers and flats to wear with summery white pants and dresses this year, and really missed them. I found them, and they became instant workhorses. I’m wearing my gold loafers into Autumn.
My next big wardrobe hole is a textured oatmeal or cream wool coat with gold or light neutral buttons. I passed on the one I had because it pilled terribly no matter how much I de-pilled it with my collection of tools. It was an absolute workhorse. I keep reaching for it, and desperately miss it. In fact it was the first item on my Autumn and Winter shopping list this year. I’ve found one I love, but it’s more than I’m prepared to spend. I’ll either get it on deep discount, or find a cheaper option.
Over to you. How do you identify wardrobe holes, and have you been successful in filling some of them?
