OT: Building a New Wardrobe from Scratch (how to approach it)

This is daunting because I've never paid attention to fashion other than to buy something when I needed something for a specifi****asion or event, and never be able to afford to buy all the extra geegaws to go with it to make it really zing. So my closet has always been mainly t-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans (memories from vacations), and a few disjointed things that don't go together in any way, and don't mix and match.  And probably don't fit any more. (Snort.)

So here I am, starting at zero, and I thought I'd share what is being hepful to me, and asking you to PLEASE share what has been helpful to you!

1.) Ran across this and thought it was helpful.

An article on Define Your Signature Style.

A blogger who linked to the article and described and illustrated her own experience as an example. I find real life examples very helpful, just to see how somebody else approached it.

2. New term to me (which evidently proves I am not up with anything fashion because according to wiki this is a common term on fashion tv shows in the UK and US): Capsule Wardrobe: Original meaning: capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that will not go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers and coats, which can then be up-dated with seasonal pieces. Today's meaning: The term has come to refer to a collection of clothing which is designed using only interchangeable items, in order to maximise the number of outfits which can be created. The aim is to have an outfit suitable for any occasion without owning excessive items of clothing. This is usually achieved by buying what are considered to be 'key' or 'staple' items in co-ordinating colours. (Thank you, wiki.)

Google "capsule wardrobe" and click "images" and you'll see dozens (hundreds? thousands?) of examples to intrigue and inspire you.

Also, remember that for YOU capsule wardrobe doesn't have to mean "black pants, black skirt, black this, black that" if you'd rather it be something else. Every time I see anything in a forest/olive/earthy green and go, "Ahhhhh," my DIL says, "Yep, that's your color." And I wear a lot of it.  Now I get to figure out the capsule wardrobe part of that.

3. Advice given to me by a friend who knew I was literally starting from scratch without a clue:

Identify the items of clothing that have been:

1. absolute favorites of any time in your life
2. things you turn to time and time and time again
3. things you have so loved that you've worn them out

Then see what they have in common. Might be color. Might be what they're made of. Might be the style. Might be where they hit you on your body.

I'm finding that I've been drawn to certain colors and styles all my life without paying attention.  Now that I'm aware of it, I'm getting smarter about it.  I have three different vests I've bought cheap lately that are all khaki/olive green and have a bit of a safari/military feel to them. My high school senior picture was made in a deep forest green dress in a safari kind of style with gold/brass buttons. With my red hair (dark red--yes, from the bottle) and green eyes, I felt like a million dollars in that dress. Now that I'm looking at these three vests and seeing that if I squint, they remind me of that dress, I am thinking that they're okay, they were cheap, I'll wear them, etc., but what I'm really looking for is that dark forest green in a similar style.

4. Join polyvore and star****ching how other people put wardrobes together when price is no object. Have fun with your own ideas.

5. Find blog memes like this one: Visible Monday, where bloggers post pictures of what they're wearing every Monday. Real life people who like fashion, as they're really dressed. I'm learning a lot about what I like and don't like by looking at what other people put together.

ETA: Found another! My Style Your Style Link Up.

Please share your ideas! I spent yesterday cleaning my closet, standing in front of the mirror trying stuff on, trying to sort out my drawers. Just like in my kitchen, my dresser drawers have mostly been "misc." for way too long. Now I'm trying to get them sorted so I can actually see what I have and pull things together in some sort of way that looks "outfit" instead of "what is clean today."

I love Polyvore!  I find that a good pair of jeans, ones that accentuate your positive and help with the negatives (for me that's a pretty flat rear), are a staple and really hard to find.  If you find a pair you love on your body, get two :)  They are one of the things really worth your money. 

I saw this on TV. 5 must have pieces

Pencil skirt one inch above knee, trench coat, sheath dress, crisp white shirt, modern pant suit

They also talked about a website called Chromatic gallery that will make shoes to your specifications.

After these basics you can add your other favorite go to pieces to the foundation pieces. Works for me.