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Ratio of statement pieces to staples

Katja

(website)

I've been doing a lot of closet clean out, and realize that I have 90-95% staples, and hardly any statement pieces.

For example, for sleeveless tops I have about a dozen tank top/shells, almost all in solid colors, almost all either silk or a silky synthetic. I have one sleeveless top I'd consider a statement piece: http://www.leifsdottir.com/sale/miro-blouse/

For 3/4 or long sleeve tops, I have a bunch of crew and scoop neck t-shirts, and maybe 3 button up shirts. Again, solid colors or subdued stripes.

So my ratio of statement pieces to staples is super low. I guess one way to think about this is that I pretty much have a uniform, and at this point most everything I have is pretty nice quality, fits me well, and I like it. Kind of boring, though.

What's your ratio of statement pieces to staples? Have you successfully transitioned from uniform dressing to statement dressing without winding up spending the children's inheritance or moving to a house that's all closet?

General

23 replies

Latest reply was from rosee

Beth

Veteran

My ratio has changed quite a bit since I found YLF. I used to buy mostly staples as I thought they gave more flexibility. What I ended up with was less flexibility and more "forgettability!"

The transition isn't inexpensive, but learning to remix what I have has eased the pain a bit although I'm not nearly finished yet:)

Jonesy

Veteran

This is an interesting question, Katja! I really like patterned, bold stuff, so I am drawn to more statement-y stuff, but then I remind myself that I also need basics! Sort of the reverse of your situation, it sounds like. Thinking about it, I tend to have more basics for bottoms (lots of variations on black pants and skirts, for example) and more statement pieces in tops. Maybe you could try to add a few more jazzy tops (love that Liefsdottir top BTW!), and maybe a scarf or two in bolder prints/colors/silhouettes? That will add some zip without breaking the bank. You could also think about combining two basics into something statement-y: with color-blocking big right now, you could combine, say, a blue tank with a bright orange cardigan.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I'm on Jonesy's side of the spectrum as well. I tend to buy an item when it speaks to me, so I had too many statements lol. I'm getting better at finding basics that still have a detail or element that makes it special to me, but is easier to remix. For me, that has been a great solution.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Jonesy and Mo, lots of statement pieces. I'm the oooh, cool, pretty, trendy impulse shopper and it shows in my wardrobe.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Ho! How do I hear you! Do you feel guilty to shop for yourself? Statement pieces are intimidating because they tend to be more expensive and seem like hit or misses... and what if it is a miss?

First go back to that closet and be very, very sincere with yourself. Out of those 95% basics, how many are good quality, classic ones? Eliminate the cheap ones, the itchy ones, the ones that don't fit perfectly, the ones that need stitching, etc. How many are basic colors such as white, black, nude? The good basics are the one that will bring out the statement pieces. They will efface themselves and leave you with an impression of clean, of smart, and make you appreciate the statement piece.

Then:

Start with statement accessories, such as:
a great pair of elegant sunglasses;
a trendy well proportioned hand bag
a scarf or two: a feminine one (flower print, lace) in a lively color; a solid one in a statement color (the color of your eyes for example) but with interesting textures.

It is not easy to shop for statement pieces but fortunately you can build slowly and find them in thrift shops.

Bon courage!

Maya

Veteran

I think everyone starts with staples. Once you get bored, it means it's time to branch out.

I have way more statement pieces..perhaps too many. I can't bring myself to spend money on basics. Every year I swear I'm going to bite the bullet and get some camis from Second Base, and every year I quit checking out mid-way because I just can't bear to spend $100 on camis...

krishnidoux

Veteran

'at this point most everything I have is pretty nice quality, fits me well, and I like it. '
Sorry Katja, I guess I had missed that!

celia

Veteran

As Jonesy I tend to have more top statment pieces and bottom staple pieces, but I guess for me is easier to find nice fitting tops than nice fitting bottoms.
As I do not like to shop for staples because I always have the feeling that the x $ I'm spending for x staple pieces could be used to buy that gorgeous statment piece that really called my attention, my wardrobe tends to lack in t-shirts and basics wich is kind of complicated in the morning for a SAHM.
What I learned (still learning)to do is dress down the statement pieces I love or find acessories, that are less pricey, to give something more to a 'uniform ' outfit.
I think you are at a great situation because now you can look happily for items that catch your attention and be sure that you have the staples to support them.

Elly

Veteran

I have to admit I have a third kind of problem-- I love statement pieces and buy plenty of them, but they tend to sit in my closet unworn either because of lack of coordinating basics (not lack of basics entirely) or because someone makes a comment or I get shy about a "statement" that is SO me, but maybe not what I am used to putting out there. My closet (unlike my dresser) is the land of misfit clothes right now and I see stripes, bold colors, a mexican tile print dress, plaids of many colors, dip dye, and even two bold florals. The dresser that I dress out of? mostly plain t's. I also have a ton of bold jewelry that I love-- but have the same problem with.

Katja

(website)

Thanks, everyone! Krishnadoux, I think you've hit the nail on the head - it's much easier to evaluate the value of classic pieces. Trying to find statement items can be intimidating (well, for me - most of you seem to have figured it out!).

cheryl

Veteran

I'm another one that has more statement pieces than basics, simply because i like prints and patterns and stripes lol. In the last 6 months or so i have bought an assortment of camis and plain tees to layer and mix and match though, trying to build up the basics a bit.

Maya, i saw camis at Forever21 today for $2.50

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I love the F21 camis at 2.50; they fit really nice. And my male friends (I wear one as a top under my scrubs sometimes) like the way they fit too (why were they looking?! GAH!)

Maya

Veteran

Were they cropped camis like this? http://www.shopsecondbase.com/day/

The reason I want Second Base camis is because full length ones are too hot in the summer. I bought a couple of Gap ones last year, but even the XL is too small for my ample bosom.

I really need to get them soon cuz unbearably hot weather is surely on the way.

Scarlet

Veteran

I would say like 99:1 statement to staple. Surprised to read I am not alone here. This never presents a problem to me until I need to dress conservatively for some reason (like for an interview) and then realize I own almost nothing normal!
Hard to believe, but I am pretty tight fisted with money for clothes unless something seems really special to me. I am dialing back my budget this year which means I am starting to buy more staple-esque things, and it makes me uncomfortable. I hope I will be satisfied in the long term.

In any case I think any ratio is valid as long as it is working for your personal style.

That Miro Blouse is gorgeous!!!

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I'm with Beth!

I'm scared about finding statement pieces too. I look at Angie's recommendations, but I'm in the UK so there often aren't things I can buy. If there are I snap them up (if I can afford them at the time) and have ended up with wonderful quality interesting items. If not, I look carefully at the details and try to find something similar. I've had real success with a pair of wedged sandals and a top last year by doing that.

Lynne

Veteran

Anna, if you wear scrubs at work I figure your statement piece ratio can be a lot higher as your 'work capsule' is covered!

I think my statement pieces tend to be tops and accessories, my pants and dreses are mostly basics. Since ylf I've looked for bags that are more statement; I always looked for the most neutral bags I could find pre-ylf.

Beth, I love your comment re forgetability :).

krishnidoux

Veteran

For all you out there who, like myself, own lots of underused statement pieces: you badly need to get yourselves essentials!

And why do we find ourselves in this sorry situation? Guilt. Guilt again!

Just as those lacking statement pieces, those of us lacking essentials are also stuck with a case of guilt over "spending money on ourselves", unaware that this mindset is actually killing our wardrobe! We shoot ourselves in the foot, and for those of us lacking basic foot wear, even more so.

We feel guilt over buying our statement pieces. We buy them, but after, can't justify spending more for the essentials. Each time we have a chance to get the badly needed essentials, the vivid burning sting of our last statement "splurge" returns. So we hold back. For a moment we feel good about having resisted spending. But this good feeling is deceitful and short lived. Because we go back home to a closet of unworn clothes and string of frustrated mornings.

Recently in my life I have decided to tackle this one, and get some decent basics. and you know what happened? I am starting to wear my statement pieces more than ever! And get compliments on them! Because, I am realizing, the basics weave the outfits like a canvas for the statement pieces to shine. I wear more basics and less statements (like one or two at a time). I am not completely done buying the essentials either, I still need more, but the difference just a few good quality essentials made!

Here is a trick to help yourself see better what you need: go look at your wardrobe and imagine it being not yours, but the one belonging to someone you love and care for, such as your grown daughter for example. She may have peppered it with statement pieces, but you are now the caring parent behind who has a duty to provide her with the essential pieces she needs. Where would you start?

You are now using all your precious talent for identifying the holes and patching them. You don't need to get all the essentials at once (wallet killer!) but you can prioritize and work slowly but surely. Each time you buy a staple or essential, you are buying a bit more usage out of your statement pieces.

One more advice: don't cheap out on the essentials. My personal strategy is to skip the cheapest stores altogether, because even if I made one good deal the chances I go wrong are too many. I am not a youngster anymore. I go to better stores because there you get the nice understated colors. I buy less, but carefully. I take advantage of the return policies, and try the basics at home and return them if they are not perfect, and get my money back. That is why it is taking time to build a solid collection of essentials.

I found this site helpful:
http://www.thechicfashionista......tials.html

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

That's an interesting article!

I don't necessarily agree that wardrobe staples should be trend proof - we may have discussed that before. Some of my trendy items are wardrobe staples:

- biker jackets
- skinny zippered jeans
- slouchy Frye boots
- cropped tuxedo jacket

Is there a difference between a wardrobe workhorse and a staple? That's my point. They can be statement or basic.

As for the ratio, that depends on your style because some styles are bolder and more eclectic than others.

At the end f the day, it sounds like you need a change, Katja. Have fun shopping for statement pieces!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Lynne, your comment to Anna about having the work capsule covered with her uniform allowing her more statement pieces totally made sense to me. This is the same for me, to a lesser degree (my own jeans or other similar bottoms complete my uniform). This is why I sometimes fall prey to the imaginary lifestyle syndrome when shopping - because 90% of my wardrobe is for 'going out' or 'playtime' not for work, or interviews, or weddings, or other specific life situations. THIS is why I never got situation specific when shopping before. Thank you for illuminating this for me indirectly!

Queen Mum

Veteran

Honestly, reading that article made my head spin. I think it's much easier to go shopping, find things I like, bring them home and see if they work what I already have.

I"m not sure what everyone would define as a statement piece but if all I had were plain colored tees in the name of having basics that can be dresses up or down, I'd be bored. I bought this new ruffled pink blouse. I dont' know whether it is considered a staple or a basic, but I can see wearing it with a variety of jackets and accessories and loving wearing it. The same cut of a plain tank could be worn in the same way, but I don't think would make for nearly as interesting of outfits.

I used to think more in terms of 'basics" but I realized that my wardrobe was "boring" Once I started steering away from what I was thinking of "basics" and buying things that actually had some personality, I began to feel much more excited about my wardrobe.

So, rather than thinking in terms of basics and statements, I think in terms of wardrobe types. I need a balanced closet that has tops, bottoms, toppers and accessories. When I know I'm low in one of those areas, I make a point to shop for that category.

ha... didn't mean to write a novel. sorry about that.

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Katja

(website)

It's fascinating that so many responses are from people who have the opposite ratio!

Maybe "staples" wasn't the right word. "Basics"? "Uniform pieces"? In my mind, most of what I have is perfectly acceptable, but uninteresting. No spark. I didn't mean workhorses versus occasional pieces.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

My "uniform" is dress pants/skirt + patterned top + cardigan ... easy to assemble even if you're rolling out of bed and drooling cuz you're so tired. HAHAHAHAHA.

So I guess if you're asking how many uniform pieces I have; most of them are uniform pieces! I only buy clothes that are work-appropriate.

rosee

Veteran

I have mostly "basics" or "staples", but many of them have a "statement" quality to them. It happened naturally when I was trying to transition from plain basics to tops with some detail on them -- I still bought t-shirts (for example) but now they had ruching on the sides or shoulders, or they had a detailed collar. I haven't worn plain t-shirts since. My skirts have some interesting details or patterns on them that turn them from boring basics to statement pieces, but they still function like staples b/c I wear them a lot. My problem area is with pants: I'm a pear and there are only a few styles which suit me for pants, so these I tend to keep quite plain in comparison to my other wardrobe choices. My advice for expanding your wardrobe would be that when buying that next staple piece, pick something with a bit more detail than usual and then mix it into your wardrobe. Eventually some real statement pieces will catch your eye and you'll know pretty much immediately if they work for you.