How did you build your designer RTW wardrobe?

[880]

I appreciate all the advice so far in this thread and wanted to share an update with you all. First, I lost my mind and bought 2 more Dior pieces - a trench coat and a reversible winter coat. I have never had nice coats before. I think I always thought they'd get ruined/wet/dirty anyway and never bothered looking at nice ones. And of course as I near my 50s I've realized that not one of my coats has ever been ruined so I decided to finally invest in them!

Then I went to a store in my city that was recommended by my very stylish friend. Nice boutique with stylists and tailoring. I got 3 dresses - Ulla Johnson, Tibi, and Studio Nicholson. Also got a sweater and skirt from a designer I'd never heard of before (Barena Venezia).

Both coats and 2 dresses need tailoring and I looked like a different person after the tailor had finished pinning. My top takeaways from this shopping trip (point which were all made already by others in this thread) are
--Fit is everything
--Hold your horses, don't need to buy everything all at once
--Your eye will appreciate clothes that appreciate you. I've always avoided dresses as "not me" or too fussy. BUT I look much better in dresses than in pants and now I have a newfound love for them.

Thanks again for all the advice! Will share pics when things are back from tailoring

Congrats! I am so happy for you and I cannot wait to see your action pics!

 

[Kevinaxx]

--What was your process when you started investing in nice clothes for yourself?
--Which RTW designers are more forgiving for vertically challenged, chubby middle aged ladies like myself?
--Given the prices what should I invest my wardrobe dollars in? Do I start with discreet basics? Or do I just buy what I love even if it may not be the most "practical"?

— piece by piece. But I also believe in mixing high/lows. I also am a huge fan of casual wear (I was one of those annoying ones that would wear lululemon for clothing vs working out because I’m allergic to gyms back in 2014, before that I would wear nightgowns as dresses..)
— tbd
— I have a rule of thumb, how often can I and will I wear this, before buying. Unless I absolutely love it, even if the price is right, I’ll skip it. There are so many options and choices. I rather build my wardrobe then go through a deep cleaning every year. My proudest accomplishment is a trench I brought in my late teens/20? And a decade+ later I still have it, love it and would wear it (but sparingly since it was expensive for me ($120) due to the details not construction and while that’s ok, I rather not wear it out like my favorite pair of sneakers.. till there was a big ol’ hole on the heel). I don’t feel the need to chase the piece, I rather wait…not that I’m always disciplined.. I’ve made mistakes/fallen off the wagon. Spent $ on things that was never worn or worn once… but I always go back to my rule of thumb.

if it helps while you’re looking to build. I would avoid patterns, look for tops (tanks/camis are my favorite) you can rotate out, have a few pair of pants/skirts that you can pair with tops and same with cardigan/sweaters.

so you look like you have a lot of different outfits (accessories also help) but really you have just a few good staples (pants, skirts, shoes) and a lot of strapless cami/tops that are relatively cheap/takes little room. That’s where I’ll have color pop and patterns.

then slowly transition in more quality pieces that would be in your rotation for years.

 

[Pursedoctor]

Congrats! I am so happy for you and I cannot wait to see your action pics!

Thanks @880 - every action pic you share epitomizes my fashion goals!

 

[Antonia]

Thanks @880 - every action pic you share epitomizes my fashion goals!

Hi, any updates on your new acquisitions? Would love to see pics!

 

[BritAbroad]

This is such a great question!

I started with (and still base my entire wardrobe around) great designer coats and/or jackets/blazers.
A quality, well cut model of either of these has always been my foundation.
I appreciate that not every region requires these but in case yours does, I find it a great way to build a closet that looks classic and timeless.
You can add very reasonably priced cashmere sweaters and other single pieces of non descriptive brands around a great designer jacket, blazer, or coat.
I stick mostly with neutrals, white, ivory, pale yellow, pinks, nudes.

Confession time; I have about 70+ coats/jackets/blazers. However, I could narrow it to 6 and still design an entire wardrobe around them.

 

[Antonia]

This is such a great question!

I started with (and still base my entire wardrobe around) great designer coats and/or jackets/blazers.
A quality, well cut model of either of these has always been my foundation.
I appreciate that not every region requires these but in case yours does, I find it a great way to build a closet that looks classic and timeless.
You can add very reasonably priced cashmere sweaters and other single pieces of non descriptive brands around a great designer jacket, blazer, or coat.
I stick mostly with neutrals, white, ivory, pale yellow, pinks, nudes.

Confession time; I have about 70+ coats/jackets/blazers. However, I could narrow it to 6 and still design an entire wardrobe around them.

Agree about having a nice coat/jacket collection. I think coats, handbags, shoes, jewelry should be of the nicer quality and/or designer because everything else can be basic but those key pieces elevate the look.

On a side note...70+?? WOW!!! I probably have about 25-30 in all (coats/jackets/blazers) and even I'm overwhelmed sometimes! I'm not sure if I could narrow them down, I love them all!

 

[BritAbroad]

Agree about having a nice coat/jacket collection. I think coats, handbags, shoes, jewelry should be of the nicer quality and/or designer because everything else can be basic but those key pieces elevate the look.

On a side note...70+?? WOW!!! I probably have about 25-30 in all (coats/jackets/blazers) and even I'm overwhelmed sometimes! I'm not sure if I could narrow them down, I love them all!

I couldn't agree more!
Choosing high quality in the key signature pieces that you mentioned is a great foundation.
Classics with good cuts and timeless design.
You can easily purchase quality brand new wool trousers or silk tops on consignment for $20-30. They fetch hardly anything on the secondary market but the quality is there.

I feel you on the coats, I can barely to part with them, but my closet collapsed last month at 2am and I conceded I needed to cull a little so I gave one away to a friend that she has loved for years and I haven't worn as it was a little too big.
Seeing her happy softened it's departure!

Are there brands, styles, or colorways that you typically go for?

 

[Antonia]

I couldn't agree more!
Choosing high quality in the key signature pieces that you mentioned is a great foundation.
Classics with good cuts and timeless design.
You can easily purchase quality brand new wool trousers or silk tops on consignment for $20-30. They fetch hardly anything on the secondary market but the quality is there.

I feel you on the coats, I can barely to part with them, but my closet collapsed last month at 2am and I conceded I needed to cull a little so I gave one away to a friend that she has loved for years and I haven't worn as it was a little too big.
Seeing her happy softened it's departure!

Are there brands, styles, or colorways that you typically go for?

Oh my!! That's scary especially that time of the night! That was so nice of you to give a coat to your friend and seeing how happy it made her!

I love Massimo Dutti and Tibi for brands. I usually try to stick with neutral colors and classic styles as well but every once in a while, I love a pop of color. For instance, I bought a hot pink/fuchsia long wrap coat (spring/fall material) from Theory....it reminded me of the Valentino hot pink craze....anyway, I haven't worn it yet but I will wear it this fall for sure-I got it in late spring, then we had the hottest summer I can remember so I'm just waiting for that right temperature to wear it comfortably!

 

[Pursedoctor]

Hi, any updates on your new acquisitions? Would love to see pics!

Hi Antonia! OMG your outfits of the day are to die for!! I love your style. I have been trying to muster the courage to post some mod shots but haven't yet overcome my shyness And I wasn't sure if anyone would want to just see pics of the clothes... I did buy a few more dresses, some gorgeous sweatshirts from a store called Two New York and now have 3 dior coats. My wallet and hubby are still recovering lol

 

[Pursedoctor]

I couldn't agree more!
Choosing high quality in the key signature pieces that you mentioned is a great foundation.
Classics with good cuts and timeless design.
You can easily purchase quality brand new wool trousers or silk tops on consignment for $20-30. They fetch hardly anything on the secondary market but the quality is there.

I feel you on the coats, I can barely to part with them, but my closet collapsed last month at 2am and I conceded I needed to cull a little so I gave one away to a friend that she has loved for years and I haven't worn as it was a little too big.
Seeing her happy softened it's departure!

Are there brands, styles, or colorways that you typically go for?

Hope the rest of the wardrobe survived the closet collapse with no injuries!! And I am going to start trying consignment shops now - thanks for the idea.

 

[Antonia]

Hi Antonia! OMG your outfits of the day are to die for!! I love your style. I have been trying to muster the courage to post some mod shots but haven't yet overcome my shyness And I wasn't sure if anyone would want to just see pics of the clothes... I did buy a few more dresses, some gorgeous sweatshirts from a store called Two New York and now have 3 dior coats. My wallet and hubby are still recovering lol

Awww, thanks so much! I appreciate the compliment!!! Maybe one day you will post pics!

 

[BritAbroad]

Oh my!! That's scary especially that time of the night! That was so nice of you to give a coat to your friend and seeing how happy it made her!

I love Massimo Dutti and Tibi for brands. I usually try to stick with neutral colors and classic styles as well but every once in a while, I love a pop of color. For instance, I bought a hot pink/fuchsia long wrap coat (spring/fall material) from Theory....it reminded me of the Valentino hot pink craze....anyway, I haven't worn it yet but I will wear it this fall for sure-I got it in late spring, then we had the hottest summer I can remember so I'm just waiting for that right temperature to wear it comfortably!

I love gifting, my friend was so happy, which is everything, I can't ask for more.

Your hot pink Theory coat sounds wonderful I hope you get the perfect day for it.

Massimo Dutti, now there's a great name for classic coats. I had a peak at the upcoming season's offerings - you enabler! I found a beautiful number I waitlisted, thank you!

Do you like Holland Cooper's coats? I love their classic styling.
I was so happy with my first coat purchase from them.
I chatted with them this morning about one of their coats from a while ago that caught my eye but isn't on their website any more. Casually inquiring if they had one left in my size by some slim chance: they do! A great pink tweed wool edition.

My vow of no-more-coats, is already broken for the season

 

[foxgal]

I’ve enjoyed reading this thread. And am especially hearing the advice “buy for your real life, not your imaginary one”.

My life is VERY casual. 90% of the time my daily outings are walking the dog and grocery shopping in rural settings, and also most of the time I’m in fair enough weather that I don’t need a real coat (just a hoodie type of thing). I basically live in denim, t-shirts, sweats and activewear, and keep a minimalist wardrobe.

Is there any use looking at designer RTW in my case? I love the idea of investing in something classic and well-made that I’ll have for life, but know I never have reason to wear, for example, a Max Mara camelhair coat. And designer sweats kinda seems like a waste….I can’t imagine a Gucci sweatshirt is actually constructed any better than Lululemon (had my scuba hoodie for over 8 years and it’s still like new!). Thoughts?

 

[lorihmatthews]

I've been working from home since March 2020 and I may continue for a while. Because of this, I've been investing in more mid-level, casual clothing. Eileen Fisher is a great choice for me, as her pants fit me well (I'm only 5'2"). As we move into cooler weather, I rely on Vince and Alice + Olivia for sweaters/cardigans. I'm also a fan of Alexander McQueen for edgier styles.

 

[Kevinaxx]

I’ve enjoyed reading this thread. And am especially hearing the advice “buy for your real life, not your imaginary one”.

My life is VERY casual. 90% of the time my daily outings are walking the dog and grocery shopping in rural settings, and also most of the time I’m in fair enough weather that I don’t need a real coat (just a hoodie type of thing). I basically live in denim, t-shirts, sweats and activewear, and keep a minimalist wardrobe.

Is there any use looking at designer RTW in my case? I love the idea of investing in something classic and well-made that I’ll have for life, but know I never have reason to wear, for example, a Max Mara camelhair coat. And designer sweats kinda seems like a waste….I can’t imagine a Gucci sweatshirt is actually constructed any better than Lululemon (had my scuba hoodie for over 8 years and it’s still like new!). Thoughts?

Minimalist for me, because it allows me to mix pieces with ease, that’s where I lean on quality vs quantity and you’re right, just because there’s designer label doesn’t mean it’s the same QC as you’d expect for a piece of that $$$ and there’s also designer couture, rtw, bridge brand, etc. so a y3 isn’t same as yohji or mbmj same as marc jacobs etc etc.

That said, depending on the mood there are times I’ll wear something that is me but louder if it makes sense. Like a bright floral jacket from adidas or a mermaid skirt from cdg (the actual label not play or anything adjacent).

But most of the time I love my joggers and boys tee or sweatshirts (literal, from uniqlo), as much as I love my oversize scuba hoodie from lululemon…

Just as I love my silk geo top from dries van noten or black deconstructed top from y3, etc etc.