How to build a versatile wardrobe

Approaching new ways to refresh your clothing rotation and elevate your style

We’re back with another How to Expand Your Wardrobe newsletter! For our new readers, this is a new-ish series where we look at ways to expand your style and how to approach fashion from different perspectives — the latest chapter in this series was on How to Expand Your Style In The Workplace which you can read here.

I love a good layering season but with spring just around the corner, I can’t help but start brainstorming new fits and pieces that I can add to my wardrobe this spring. This is also a perfect opportunity to do some spring cleaning — sell or give stuff to your friends that you might not want to wear as regularly. I find that this just helps get new ideas to start flowing allowing you to explore new pieces rather than fall back to the same items — but also there’s nothing wrong with that either so do as you see fit.

But let’s say you want to go the extra mile and you want to scrap your closet altogether and start fresh. That’s also an option, a costly one, but it’s a good way to approach a new season with a completely fresh start — the best part is that you might not necessarily need a lot of pieces to start this process off on the right foot. In today’s newsletter, we’re going to look at how you can properly refresh your wardrobe for spring, we’re also going to be building an array of outfit ideas that focus on versatility, and some stuff in between!

I’ve also created an easy-to-shop list of all the clothes that are featured in today’s newsletter. If you’re a paid sub keep reading for the link!

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Alright, let’s talk about clothes. To keep it real with you, the number one thing you should keep in mind when you’re refreshing your wardrobe rotation is to not overthink things and just have fun with it — I feel fashion is taken so seriously when it should be about exploration, having fun, and most importantly, just living your life in good clothes! Low key I think a lot of people overthink fashion in general because it shows in the way they execute their fits. Nothing wrong with it really, but there needs to be more effortless fun on the streets. The secret to good style is to not think about it, but that’s a whole other topic.

The second thing is, to always buy quality over quantity — I know this is something I say all the time, but it is what it is. This is especially important if you’re someone who is considering a complete wardrobe overhaul. This is your perfect chance to build a solid foundation that will make it easier for you to open up your mind and start thinking more effortlessly about clothes. I get it, this isn’t the most ideal time to be splurging on expensive pieces, but even if you have an idea in mind you can always turn to second-hand purchasing that comes at great discounts. In the long run, you’re saving money because you’ve lowered the turnover rate of your items. There’s a bit more excitement and confidence when you hold that quality in your hands. Also saving up is so back, so don’t go buying cheaper for the sake of temptation, save up and spend it on an item you’re going to be excited about.

The third and maybe the most important part about refreshing your wardrobe is to start thinking about item versatility. Can you wear this item to different social occasions with ease? If an item is chic on the street it’s probably good enough to rock in the office or any other occasion — this of course is dependent on your lifestyle. Do you live in a walkable city, what do you do for fun, or what your job is are factors in how you can apply the versatile mindset to your life. For this newsletter, we’re going to assume you might be working an office gig that allows you to be somewhat casual with your wardrobe choices, and that you enjoy participating in link-ups with the homies over a cup of coffee or a Guinness on the weekend.

Getting high-quality not only looks good but it makes you feel put together, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest. If quality is your main priority then over time you should bring every part of your outfit to the same level — I’m talking higher-quality socks, belts and other accessories. When it all comes together you’ll just feel a vibe you can’t get from mid-tier clothing.

Let’s break down the fits above. Polos are always cool, forever. With every brand giving us its versions it’s very easy to choose different styles that work for you. Polos are also really easy to dress up or down, making them the perfect versatile addition to your closet — wear a pair of pleated trousers and some loafers and you’re ready for a work party. Switch out the trousers with a looser fit and put on pair some sneakers with them and it’s the perfect outfit to chill in.

Norse Projects has a lot of really good options in various colors that you should check out. More of a professional vibe for sure, but the quality is solid and the shape is nice enough to easily pair in a more streetwear look. I’m personally kind of feeling the long sleeves these days, but there are a few short-sleeved options if you are looking for that. Here are a few of my favorites you can buy right now:

You can shop all Norse Project Polos here.