How do you feel about wearing the same item of clothing on repeat? Do you have a favourite item that you reach for again and again? I know I do. There is something very satisfying about wearing an old favourite. You know that you made the right choice to buy something if you wear it again and again.
My strategy for building a sustainable wardrobe is to spend as much as my budget will permit on my basics. I like to concentrate on a great cut and good fabric when purchasing an item such as a coat, jacket or trousers.
It is not so much about how many clothes you have in your wardrobe, more about how you coordinate your pieces in order to create your own personal style. I love wearing my clothes on repeat and ringing the changes by mixing them with an on-trend piece or a stunning accessory.
Re-wearing the same item of clothing on repeat – Cost per wear
I am sure you have all heard of the saying “cost per wear” to justify the purchase of an expensive new coat or jacket, however, those of us who learn how to recycle our clothes will know that it makes sense. The more you wear something the greater the return on your investment.
The trick is to take good care of your clothes
Always protect your precious woollens and out of season clothes from moths. Always read the care label of the garment and follow it carefully. The only exception can be silk. Manufacturers often put dry clean only labels on silk shirts but I have successfully washed mine. Dry sweaters flat to prevent stretching (I learnt this the hard way as I had a lovely sweater that grew out of all proportion when I did not follow my own guidelines)
See how I wore the same blazer here and here.
Sustainability
What this means is that it’s not enough to re-wear clothes—we have to buy them more mindfully in the first place. I try to imagine any item I am considering purchasing working with at least four or five garments that I already owned.
Adding or subtracting accessories is probably the easiest way to shake up a favourite outfit combination. You also don’t have to stick to basics and avoid prints to be a repeater.
The navy blazer I am wearing in the photos is by Theory. I bought it about three years ago. They still do the same style.
You will be in good company, the majority of our British royal family use this strategy.
My classic navy blazer is the Gaby by Theory. also available at Nordstrom. I have had it for at least four years. I try to wear it slightly differently each season. In these photos, I thought that I would jazz it up with a pair of wide print trousers. These are two seasons old by People Tree. Unfortunately not in stock, however they seem to do a similar style every Summer.
A few of my readers have commented that print trousers can look drab. I agree they are not for everybody and that they can look drab if they go baggy due to being made with a cheap material. Personally, I prefer the wider palazzo style.
I had an oops! with the shoes. When I first arrived at the photo shoot I forgot to change out of the plimsolls I had worn to travel on the tube in. You can see how a pair of shoes can significantly change an outfit from casual to formal.
All photos by Laura Hines follow her Instagram. Shot in Chelsea just off Sloane Square.
Classic blazers
More dash than cash
Print Trousers
This is a wonderful look. I have a recently purchased navy blazer and white plimsolls. I love the white top you are wearing under your blazer and the necklace. Do you know if any similar items are currently available? Love your blog posts!
The cream top I am wearing is quite a few years old. I think that it originally came from Zara. I will have a look and see if I can find something similar. Same with the necklace it is a string of pearls that I have knotted at the front. I buy most of my costume jewellery in St.Tropez market. Etsy is quite a good place to search for similar.
I strive to have all my clothing be a favorite and repeat them often in various combos. Works wonders when traveling!
Agree about re-wearing all wardrobe. I no longer buy anything that will only do one look – in theory. I have given way once or twice for something very special! Not sure being in “good company” with the royal family would persuade me to adopt the idea: apart from their wholly unrealistic lifestyle, I’m not sure I admire any of their sartorial choices!
I love the look with the plimsolls. Being an American I have no idea what a plimsoll is but I think it makes the outfit much more youthful and with it. Those pants look very cool and adventurous with the blazer. I must be the only woman in North America that doesn’t like blazers. I’s my crazy thing, I am quite busty so I think that maybe why. But you look very cool in the whole outfit and I certainly can see you wearing it many ways with many outfits. Keep the plimyolols on they really work. I agree about pieces of clothing over and over.
Hi Sandra
Plimsolls are similar to sneakers or trainers but not so chunky and often made of canvas. I used to wear them for gym classes when I was at school.
I have a friend who is quite busty. The only blazers that look good on her are the longer line ones with no buttons.
Oh, plimsolls are Keds! I prefer that version of the outfit, BTW. Fun!
YOU ARE SO BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!
I DONT THINK I would have put that together!!!!
XX
“Cost per wear” is not always… but mostly… what I use to judge whether I can justify buying a piece of clothing or an accessory. I’m just beginning to explore accessories because I’ve always been a minimalist.
I am addicted to accessories I can’t get enough of them. So useful for travelling.
Great blog. It really inspired me to try my navy blazer with palazzo printed trousers. Another good outfit. Thank you. Maggie
Thank you, Maggie. The purpose of this blog is to inspire my readers to try different outfit combinations.
SANDRA!!!!!!
Those look like REAL TENNIS SHOES TO ME………NOT SNEAKERS……….BUT than again I am really TIRED!!!!LETS DISCUSS TOMORROW over TEA!!!!I’ll call YOU!Have you heard the term BE WELCOME?!!!!
Josephine the outfit looks wonderful and I really like that OTHER SHOE!!!!!!!!!!!
XX
La Contessa
We call them plimsols or gum shoes over here. Never heard of the term BE WELCOME