How to have a stylish wardrobe (for once in your life)!

Stuck and don’t know what to wear?

The answer to your quandary is to build a better core wardrobe!

Are you wearing the same boring outfits over and over because you don’t  know what else to wear? Need some ideas of how to mix up your ‘same ‘ol’ wardrobe without spending lots of money?  I thought so!

Although focusing on our wardrobes would seem like a selfish act, it’s actually the exact opposite. In order for your family to get the best from you, you need to feel good about yourself. So, chisel out some “me time” and actually PLAN your wardrobe for once in your life! Because the truth is: when you feel good about what you’re wearing, you feel good about yourself!

More than likely your closet is way too full and yet you can never find anything nice to wear. How do I know this? Because way too many women keep buying clothes and accessories without having any basic wardrobe plan in mind.

A better wardrobe starts with a closet purge. You've got to get in there and see what's in your closet! Once you have de-cluttered (removed) and organized what's left, you can then begin to build a fantastic wardrobe! Remove from your closet what’s not being worn and then organize what’s left. (You know the saying: “You can’t see the forest through the trees”) well this holds true with your wardrobe too. To begin your quest for a better wardrobe, you must do a closet purge first. 

Statistically speaking, 9 out of 10 women have too many clothes in their closet. That’s a lot of closets in need of desperate help! Here’s what can happen when your closet is too full…has this happened to you? You are looking for the only black pants (out of six pairs) that fit you just right…you’ve searched your closet, dug through the dirty clothes, looked in the washer and in the ironing pile too—yet you still can’t find your favorite pants! Perhaps you accidentally hung them up in your husband’s closet? Later that evening, as you struggle to pull something else out of your way-too-full closet—Bingo! There they are! Your favorite black pants! They were in your closet all along.

Start with a basic wardrobe. By owning fewer pieces (yes, less clothes) you will actually be more stylish. It’s like magic, less clothes will give you more wear-able items to wear!

Your ‘STYLE RULES’ for building a quality wardrobe. Build your core wardrobe with items like... semi-fitted tee shirts (short, 3/4 and long sleeve) a variety of blouses/tops, selection of casual and dressy pants, solid colored dresses and skirts, casual and dressy blazers/jackets, other items (depending upon lifestyle and climate) winter coat, matched suiting. For a complete list of "Wardrobe Basics" join MissusSmartyPants.com for more specific style help based on your body type!

1. From now on, only allow new clothes in your closet that fit your body well--nothing else! (Nothing baggy, nothing too tight).

2.Your closet will only be filled with clothes that relate to each other. Nothing can be added unless it can help you create at least two new outfits.

3. Most of your clothing items should span multiple seasons to maximize their use.

All of these aforementioned ‘style rules’ will simplify dressing and save you precious time every morning!

An organized closet has fewer clothes in it (only the ones you really do wear) + everything is within view!

At MissusSmartyPants.com you learn which styles (based on your own body shape) make your body look it’s best. You also learn which basics will give you the most wearable options. Won't it be nice to be able to pull out something terrific to wear each and every day? You’ll be able to if you follow the basic wardrobe plan shared at MissusSmartyPants.com.

‘Wardrobe basics’ will save you money because you only purchase clothing that fits into your ‘wardrobe basics’ plan. No more wasting money on costly impulse purchases (even if the item was “on sale”)! Get a list of ‘basics’ and start (slowly) building the decent wardrobe (you as a grown woman) do deserve. Remember, basic pieces are investment items, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more on them since you’ll wear them over and over again. Also, have them altered, if needed so they fit you like a glove. You deserve great fitting clothes that flatter your body.

Your “Essential Wardrobe Basics” List:

When purchasing basic wardrobe items, keep your lifestyle in mind. For example, a business executive would do best to purchase a black pencil skirt in a fine wool, while a stay-at-home mom might prefer her skirt in a casual cotton fabric. You get the idea, base  these wardrobe suggestions below on your lifestyle as well as the climate you live in.

As you plan your wardrobe, decide what neutral color (one or two colors) you wish to base your wardrobe plan on. Then, select one or two accent colors. Accent colors are colors you know you look good in (you always get compliments when wearing) and love wearing. 

From now on.... you'll never open your closet and wonder why you have so many clothes, yet NOTHING to wear! (This might not be what your closet will look like...but you get the idea of how great it will feel to have only fabulous clothes in there you LOVE!)

A wardrobe plan and a closet with fabulous basics will make this happen! If you have style questions, email me at: missusmsp@yahoo.com

Love, Leslie AKA MissusSmartyPants

What are you still missing?

The number one reason you stand in front of your way-too-full closet in the morning and exclaim, “I have nothing to wear” is because you still are MISSING key pieces!

What are you still missing???

By not having the necessary key pieces (wardrobe basics) you’ll continually stress out with a “what to wear” dilemma every time you open your closet. Who needs added stress to start their day?

For example...Have you ever purchased the “perfect” shirt at the mall only to come home and find you have nothing to match it? If so, your closet is still missing what you really need and you keep purchasing 'quick fixes' for your wardrobe. So what are you waiting for? Let’s find out what you really need in your closet so each morning (or evening) when you set out your clothes--it’s like shopping in a stylish boutique!

The majority of your clothing should mix and match—or not hang in your closet at all. The only exceptions should be special occasion clothing (you hopefully have hanging in the back or another closet).

“Do I wear this—ever?”

If not, why is it STILL in your closet?

Your clothes should pay YOU rent! Since closets are usually smaller than we would like, keeping clothes in there that aren’t being worn is silly and takes up valuable real estate. Give them the boot or have them pay you rent, lol! PURGE unworn items so you can organize what you DO wear and start a list of things you still need.

“What to have in your closet” (3 main clothing categories)

1. The Basics: I can’t stress enough how vital your basic pieces are! They are your foundation for everyday dressing. They need to fit well and make you feel like a million bucks when you wear them. Have your basics altered for proper fit as needed.

Must-have Basics include:
__Classic dark wash jeans

__Flat-front pants

__A-line skirt (dark solid color)

__Pencil skirt

__Sheath dress

__Button-down blouses

__Classic tees

__Denim jacket

__Classic pumps

__V-neck sweaters

A v-neck sweater can be dressed up or down...

 2. Dependable Extras: These garments always work! They are your favorite “go to” pieces when you need to feel confident and you’re not sure what else to wear. You trust their fit, color and style. They are true investment pieces that have earned their keep in your closet over time.

Dependable extras include: __Classic blazer

__Cashmere v-neck sweater

__Timeless LBD

__Trench coat

__Pencil skirt

__Gabardine wool trousers

Little Black Dress, LBD (can be any neutral color, simple design)

(comes in purple too!)

A 'LBD' is like a blank canvas...

3. Sassy Stuff: These are the “fun” pieces you wear to “Show Your Style” SYSter! They may be a classic item or a trendy piece. They are the right accessories and seasonal updates that distinguish your sense of style from the masses.

Sassy Stuff includes:
__Long strand of pearls (can be worn multiple of ways)

__Chanel-like scarf

__Michael Kors handbag (any classic designer bag)

__Cole Haan pumps

A quality, classic shoe is an investment you will wear over and over again...

EACH SEASON ADD...Trendy style makers like:

 __Tribal inspired bangles

__Statement necklaces

__Floral print skirt/or trendy dress

__Metallic flats (or bright-colored ones)

__Patent leather belt (extra wide/skinny/or animal print)

__Sheer georgette ruffle blouse

Start with your Basics list and then go from there. I promise you will have more peace in the morning and start each day with a positive attitude PLUS fabulous style!
Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

How to Finally Have a Fabulous Wardrobe

Do you have BASIC jackets, pants, jeans, shirts, skirts, dresses and accessories?

Or is your closet made up of trendy odds and ends?

The main reason I started my MissusSmartyPants website is to help women get the wardrobe of their dreams. Great style starts with a fabulous wardrobe. It's the "how to do it" part that seems to continually elude so many women.

Here are a couple of my style tips to help get you started. You do deserve to have a fabulous wardrobe..so let's make it happen...

Start by cleaning out your closet. Purge everything that doesn't fit or that you haven't worn in a year. You've got to remove the clutter FIRST before you can start planning a good basic wardrobe!

Client's "before" and "after" closet purge photos...



Do it again. A week later or so, go back into your closet and get rid of stuff you didn't. You know the stuff you told yourself you still might wear. I know it was just too scary to let it all go at one time. Get real now so you can start making a list of what you do need and take it from there.



Stop impulse buying--it sabotages you from ever getting a good wardrobe together. Every $20 "bargain" could have gone to a really great wardrobe basic that you still don't have.

Decide on three colors that either match or will coordinate with what you own and buy only those three colors for apparel. It may sound limiting, but actually it will give you more outfits by having a color theme to your base wardrobe.



Decide on a do-able wardrobe budget. When you set aside a little money and purchase only what you really need...you'll end up spending less in the long run. The real plus is everything will go together making more wearable combinations!



Make a list of the items you still need in your wardrobe. (For example: still need dark wash jeans, white fitted shirt, a denim jacket, a LBD ) Keep your running list in your purse so you have it with you every time you shop.

Set aside time to shop either online or at the stores. A fabulous wardrobe takes time and is a continual process. Don't try to buy everything in one day. Concentrate on what you need, quality of the garment and the fit of the garment. Don't compromise.

Before even stepping foot into a store...make sure you've taken the time to write a list of what you really need...



Avoid trendy items. You need to build a solid foundation of basic pieces first.

Buy classic and seasonless pieces. Buy fashionable, yet classic clothing that is mostly in seasonless fabrics like gabardine or matte jersey. More wear-ability is what you are after.



Purchase clothes that work with what you already have. I always say, "Buy one item you can wear three different ways--or don't purchase it".

Pass on anything that doesn't fit -- no matter how great a buy. Great fit sets a woman's style above the others. There is NO compromising when it comes to good fitting clothes.

Yes, you must try it on! (It will save you time on the long run)

Add slowly. Rome wasn't build in a day...nor is a fabulous wardrobe. Try adding only one or two well-thought out items per month at the most.

Use accessories, shoes and handbags to add more style, trendiness and color to your wardrobe. It's the best way for a grown woman to look stylish and "on-trend". The trendy youthful clothes styles make you look desparate...avoid them and stick with the classics.



If you really start with the basics like I suggest...your wardrobe will give you that fabulous style you've always dreamed of. Great dressed women have a fabulous core wardrobe and now you'll be one of them!

Here's to finally having a fabulous wardrobe! Come join me at MissusSmartyPants.com and get weekly style help! Love, Leslie