MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style ArticleVolume 12 Week 4 January 26, 2017

Remember: only the last 4 weeks remain posted!

Nothing feels better than a decluttered closet with only the things you wear in it. However, most of us still keep more than we need in our closets. Afraid to let go of things we’ll probably still not wear. Regardless, finding ways to wear each item at least three different ways will help us “re-think” how we see our clothes. They should be versatile, of better quality, and something we enjoy wearing.

I had an “Aha” moment. When I found out that it was not the addition of more clothes that made my style better; it was knowing HOW to put stylish looks together using a small core wardrobe. This information was a life-changer for me, as far as my style went. It was an "Aha" moment. I began to change how I looked at buying clothes and what I really needed in my closet. I became "picky" when it came to any new purchase. Finding out that less was actually more- if you had the right things was eye-opening. So, I weeded out clothes I never wore (many with tags still attached), set up a core wardrobe with what was left, combed through my shoes, my accessories, and concentrated on using each piece to build outfits. This gave me the idea to create the "rule" of "1 item, 3 ways". In order to come into my closet, an article of clothing must be:1. Something I need (it fills a gap)2. I must be able to wear it at least three different ways3. Something must go out-if something new goes in!Whew! That's a lot of demands.

One of my favorite things is to wear 1 item, 3 different ways. Nothing (and I mean nothing) deserves to be in my closet unless it can be worn at least three different ways. Of course, basic items should be able to be worn a lot more ways than just three ways. But everything else (unique tops, unusual colors, etc.) must also meet the "one item three ways" wearing criterion.

Let’s get started: 3 Pieces=9 Outfits.

So,here are the three basic wardrobe pieces I decided to “wear three different ways”. My white jeans, red-colored denims, and my Little Basic (in this case-black) Dress. Of course, I can think of quite a few more ways to wear them, but for visual purposes, this gives you the idea, and gets you started.

1. WHITE JEANS. Think white jeans are only for the summer months? Think again. Denim fabrics are perfect for wearing year round. So, why not white. Actually, pure white and winter-white (an off-white) is now considered quite chic in the winter months.

Wear white denims with: bold colors, other whites, soft-muted shades. Choose “winter” fabrics: fuzzy sweaters, plaids, suede jackets, etc.

Menswear plaid vest is perfect for a day where it’s 70 degrees...

A classic v-neck sweater in bright red + suede boots...

Getting these photos taken not easy. LOL! I just have to laugh. I had a tough time taking these photos for this post.

The last few days has been unusually warm (65-70 degrees here in the south) so in the sweater photos I’m profusely sweating, it was super-breezy, my dog kept entering the photos, or my camera went off before I could get in the shot...again, it was tough, but I kept a good attitude. It took me a lot of shots just for these few I’m sharing here. <grin>

Here’s a few of the oops photos...Hello Ellie my dog, thanks for being in the photo...Oops. I’m even not in the shot yet!

My favorite combination. Soft gray fuzzy sweater, opera length pearls + suede boots...

2. RED-COLORED JEANS. You might think colored bottoms are limiting, but you’d be wrong. They are pretty darn versatile and bring more color into your wardrobe that is typically made up mostly of neutral colors (am I right?).

Wear colored jeans with any neutral top or sweater. You can also match them up with printed tops that have the same color in them.

Red and black are a classic color combo. Add a scarf tied in a bow...

Soft brown sweater and boots, blue chambray shirt and necklace...

When it comes to your wardrobe-don’t be afraid to “improvise”. So, I didn’t have a cream-colored long sleeve tee-so I wore a cream-colored

striped sweater instead...I think it adds a unique look to my outfit.

3. MY LBD. Little Basic (in this case, black) Dress. There is nothing better than having this “blank canvas” in your closet! It’s a basic dress, out of any neutral color, it helps you create an outfit for any occasion. With a simple constructed dress-you dress up or down with your choice of accessories and shoes.

We’ve been experiencing temporary warm weather these last few days-so no jacket or tights feels fine right now.

However, with cold winter weather, wearing this LBD with the addition of opaque tights and a warm fuzzy sweater would be appropriate.

Dress down your LBD. Add a denim jacket, casual scarf, and warm brown boots...

Dress up your LBD.Add a sparkly sweater-top and belt it. Black nylons complete your look...

Black and white with a “splash” of red...

BONUS Outfit.Why not one more way to wear this LBD?

Add a striped turtleneck over the top of the dress, so it looks like a skirt!This layered-look makes my LBD not look like a cocktail dress, but instead,

something I could wear to the office...

There you have it. Instead of three items, three different ways-I went to ten. I could keep going on, but you get the idea. Start with a wardrobe essential and take it from there!

Now, it’s your turn. Use my photos to inspire you. It’s amazing what you can do!

Love, Leslie MSP

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