How did you build your designer RTW wardrobe?

[A bottle of Red]

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?

I will be very honest, I’m not sure. Like I mentioned before I’m a stahm and don’t get out much other than errands. I bought some nicer skirts and sweaters ( not ready to wear) but to be very honest, they mostly sit unworn.
It’s so much less stressful to put on a Costco sweater and skirt to cook, do arts and crafts , etc without worrying about spills/stains / dry cleaners etc.
I do sometimes dress up but end up changing when things get busy.
I also find the cheaper loose clothes more comfortable.
But those two Ralph Lauren Collection blazers are staying in my closet to look forward to wearing on date nights

 

[foxgal]

I will be very honest, I’m not sure. Like I mentioned before I’m a stahm and don’t get out much other than errands. I bought some nicer skirts and sweaters ( not ready to wear) but to be very honest, they mostly sit unworn.
It’s so much less stressful to put on a Costco sweater and skirt to cook, do arts and crafts , etc without worrying about spills/stains / dry cleaners etc.
I do sometimes dress up but end up changing when things get busy.
I also find the cheaper loose clothes more comfortable.
But those two Ralph Lauren Collection blazers are staying in my closet to look forward to wearing on date nights

Thanks for the honest reply! For now, I’ll just keep buying good quality minimalist basics for my casual lifestyle.

It’s kind of like the same question I asked on the shoe forum before….since I almost live in sneakers, is it worth buying Golden Goose ones? And the answer really was “no” - they aren’t dramatically more comfortable or long-wearing.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Thanks for the honest reply! For now, I’ll just keep buying good quality minimalist basics.

Can’t go wrong with good quality, and you can always decide to add in something special from rtw at some point.

 

[doloresmia]

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?

My feeling is buy what makes you feel great…. And not excess (although too late for me on that one)

maybe look for things that give you moments of flair? You would not be asking this maybe if you are not bored wi to your current choices. The lulu scuba top with some fabulous cashmere scarf or fun earrings

I think the have for life is a bit of a marketing thing. Most of us have so many pieces that we aren’t wearing thing long enough to wear out….

A lovely Khaite, Brunello Cucinelli or Row sweater to go with your leggings…. That can be wonderful and fit in your lifestyle

As to lulu or target v Gucci or other sweatshirt - I have learned to look at design details like shape, shoulder slope or whatever as those things make the difference between basic and designed ….

 

[mellecyn]

My feeling is buy what makes you feel great…. And not excess (although too late for me on that one)

maybe look for things that give you moments of flair? You would not be asking this maybe if you are not bored wi to your current choices. The lulu scuba top with some fabulous cashmere scarf or fun earrings

I think the have for life is a bit of a marketing thing. Most of us have so many pieces that we aren’t wearing thing long enough to wear out….

A lovely Khaite, Brunello Cucinelli or Row sweater to go with your leggings…. That can be wonderful and fit in your lifestyle

As to lulu or target v Gucci or other sweatshirt - I have learned to look at design details like shape, shoulder slope or whatever as those things make the difference between basic and designed ….

This is gold
I buy designer not for the name/brand but for the unique design and quality. Sometimes a medium level price on a less known but quality brand that uses quality materials and fair production is better for me.
Sometimes I will admit the brand name is part of the appeal....especially for accessories. "Some" iconic bags, shoes, headwear, scarf.
A LV bag, a Prada headband, a Hermes scarf, Louboutin pumps...I use them only for going out in the city.
My everyday life is full of basics. But a brand like Isabel Marant, I buy only is the design (shape, cut) is unique....because some of it is purely brand. I like Tibi, APC, Sezane, Cos, Acne Studios....so not exactly fast fashion

 

[Pursedoctor]

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?

Hi @foxgal My lifestyle is similar to yours 80% of the time. It was having a casual life, coupled with not feeling good about all the weight I've put on in the past few years, that stopped me from buying nicer clothes. What I finally did (after starting this thread and getting some great advice!) was pay attention to what I was wearing and when I felt good about how I was dressed and upgrade certain items. For ex. instead of my Champion hoodie, I got a nice cardigan to wear around the house. And on the rare occasions when I need to dress up, I found that wearing a dress (even if a very casual one) felt more "dressy" to me than any other clothes. And bought accordingly. I agree about designer sweats feeling hard to spend more money on.

I will be very honest, I’m not sure. Like I mentioned before I’m a stahm and don’t get out much other than errands. I bought some nicer skirts and sweaters ( not ready to wear) but to be very honest, they mostly sit unworn.
It’s so much less stressful to put on a Costco sweater and skirt to cook, do arts and crafts , etc without worrying about spills/stains / dry cleaners etc.
I do sometimes dress up but end up changing when things get busy.
I also find the cheaper loose clothes more comfortable.
But those two Ralph Lauren Collection blazers are staying in my closet to look forward to wearing on date nights

This @A bottle of Red ! I wear my low key target clothes to cook and do chores, but when I'm sitting at my desk for meetings, or doing school pickups etc. I am wearing my nicer, casual clothes.

My feeling is buy what makes you feel great…. And not excess (although too late for me on that one)

maybe look for things that give you moments of flair? You would not be asking this maybe if you are not bored wi to your current choices. The lulu scuba top with some fabulous cashmere scarf or fun earrings

I think the have for life is a bit of a marketing thing. Most of us have so many pieces that we aren’t wearing thing long enough to wear out….

A lovely Khaite, Brunello Cucinelli or Row sweater to go with your leggings…. That can be wonderful and fit in your lifestyle

As to lulu or target v Gucci or other sweatshirt - I have learned to look at design details like shape, shoulder slope or whatever as those things make the difference between basic and designed ….

@doloresmia this sums it up for me! My nice cardigan to pull on over my crappy jeans or leggings makes me feel like a million bucks!

This is gold
I buy designer not for the name/brand but for the unique design and quality. Sometimes a medium level price on a less known but quality brand that uses quality materials and fair production is better for me.
Sometimes I will admit the brand name is part of the appeal....especially for accessories. "Some" iconic bags, shoes, headwear, scarf.
A LV bag, a Prada headband, a Hermes scarf, Louboutin pumps...I use them only for going out in the city.
My everyday life is full of basics. But a brand like Isabel Marant, I buy only is the design (shape, cut) is unique....because some of it is purely brand. I like Tibi, APC, Sezane, Cos, Acne Studios....so not exactly fast fashion

@mellecyn I agree. Quality materials make such a difference!

 

[Pursedoctor]

Hello everyone! I kept waiting till I felt confident enough to post action shots but it looks like that will never happen so here are some passive shots of my goodies instead. Expanding on my post above, I really studied my life like I was a scientist and figured out what was worth splurging on based on what I would wear a lot and what would feel good. I have sensitive skin and many synthetic fabrics like acrylic don't agree with. I also live in a cold climate. I incorporated everyone's advice and here is what I have - and this is more than enough clothes for me to get through to next fall at a minimum! Not pictured are 3 pairs of cigarette leg jeans, some black leggings, and 6 basic v neck tees (3 black, 3 white) and 3 tank tops (all black), and some linen dresses that have been packed away for the season.

Pardon the poor picture and background quality, social media novice here.

I got 3 fancy coats for spring, fall, and winter weather since 90% of the time this is what people see me wearing outside my home. All 3 by dior.

Then I got some nice sweaters - turtleneck, black crew neck, and cream cardigan from Hermes (will order another cardigan if I can find it), navy cardigan from Vince, and the cream and lilac crew neck by a brand called Nobili. I live in my sweaters now.

And last some more shirts, dresses and pants (Ulla Johnson, Maria Cornejo, and other designers I didn't know) that are my nicer "meeting" or eating out/meeting friends clothes. And 2 basic sweatshirts that are amazingly comfy.

So not a huge wardrobe at all, and not very stylish or trendy, but I love everything and more important feel good in everything!

Thanks again to everyone for their generous advice and encouragement!

ETA: I took about 3-5 months to buy everything, and sold several bags that were gathering dust that I had been keeping out of sentimentality. I decided I'd rather have the funds to buy things I'd use every day instead of tied up in things I wasn't using and felt guilty about whenever I saw them.

 

[A bottle of Red]

Hello everyone! I kept waiting till I felt confident enough to post action shots but it looks like that will never happen so here are some passive shots of my goodies instead. Expanding on my post above, I really studied my life like I was a scientist and figured out what was worth splurging on based on what I would wear a lot and what would feel good. I have sensitive skin and many synthetic fabrics like acrylic don't agree with. I also live in a cold climate. I incorporated everyone's advice and here is what I have - and this is more than enough clothes for me to get through to next fall at a minimum! Not pictured are 3 pairs of cigarette leg jeans, some black leggings, and 6 basic v neck tees (3 black, 3 white) and 3 tank tops (all black), and some linen dresses that have been packed away for the season.

Pardon the poor picture and background quality, social media novice here.

I got 3 fancy coats for spring, fall, and winter weather since 90% of the time this is what people see me wearing outside my home. All 3 by dior.

Then I got some nice sweaters - turtleneck, black crew neck, and cream cardigan from Hermes (will order another cardigan if I can find it), navy cardigan from Vince, and the cream and lilac crew neck by a brand called Nobili. I live in my sweaters now.

And last some more shirts, dresses and pants (Ulla Johnson, Maria Cornejo, and other designers I didn't know) that are my nicer "meeting" or eating out/meeting friends clothes. And 2 basic sweatshirts that are amazingly comfy.

So not a huge wardrobe at all, and not very stylish or trendy, but I love everything and more important feel good in everything!

Thanks again to everyone for their generous advice and encouragement!

ETA: I took about 3-5 months to buy everything, and sold several bags that were gathering dust that I had been keeping out of sentimentality. I decided I'd rather have the funds to buy things I'd use every day instead of tied up in things I wasn't using and felt guilty about whenever I saw them.

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View attachment 5634289

Fantastic set of classy staples !
Can I ask where you bought your basic v necks? I’m always on the hunt for nice ones that don’t stretch out by the v

 

[Antonia]

Hello everyone! I kept waiting till I felt confident enough to post action shots but it looks like that will never happen so here are some passive shots of my goodies instead. Expanding on my post above, I really studied my life like I was a scientist and figured out what was worth splurging on based on what I would wear a lot and what would feel good. I have sensitive skin and many synthetic fabrics like acrylic don't agree with. I also live in a cold climate. I incorporated everyone's advice and here is what I have - and this is more than enough clothes for me to get through to next fall at a minimum! Not pictured are 3 pairs of cigarette leg jeans, some black leggings, and 6 basic v neck tees (3 black, 3 white) and 3 tank tops (all black), and some linen dresses that have been packed away for the season.

Pardon the poor picture and background quality, social media novice here.

I got 3 fancy coats for spring, fall, and winter weather since 90% of the time this is what people see me wearing outside my home. All 3 by dior.

Then I got some nice sweaters - turtleneck, black crew neck, and cream cardigan from Hermes (will order another cardigan if I can find it), navy cardigan from Vince, and the cream and lilac crew neck by a brand called Nobili. I live in my sweaters now.

And last some more shirts, dresses and pants (Ulla Johnson, Maria Cornejo, and other designers I didn't know) that are my nicer "meeting" or eating out/meeting friends clothes. And 2 basic sweatshirts that are amazingly comfy.

So not a huge wardrobe at all, and not very stylish or trendy, but I love everything and more important feel good in everything!

Thanks again to everyone for their generous advice and encouragement!

ETA: I took about 3-5 months to buy everything, and sold several bags that were gathering dust that I had been keeping out of sentimentality. I decided I'd rather have the funds to buy things I'd use every day instead of tied up in things I wasn't using and felt guilty about whenever I saw them.

View attachment 5634286

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Love the Dior tan trench coat!!! Also, I love that turtleneck sweater-looks so cozy. Everything goes with everything...you did great!!

 

[Pursedoctor]

Fantastic set of classy staples !
Can I ask where you bought your basic v necks? I’m always on the hunt for nice ones that don’t stretch out by the v

It is so hard to find them isn't it! I tried a bunch and these were the best and hold their shape well. https://www.nordstrom.com/s/frame-l...zedsort&breadcrumb=Home/All Results&color=120

 

[Pursedoctor]

Love the Dior tan trench coat!!! Also, I love that turtleneck sweater-looks so cozy. Everything goes with everything...you did great!!

@Antonia this means so much coming from your fabulously dressed self!! Thank you

 

[Antonia]

@Antonia this means so much coming from your fabulously dressed self!! Thank you

Awww, thank you!!! HUGS

 

[lill_canele]

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?

Depends on your comfort level and personal preference. Casual or athleisure RTW is something my husband loves. His style is more relaxed and street (unlike mine which is more "dressed up") He's a hoodie, joggers, bomber jacket kind of guy, but he has 2 RTW bomber jackets, 3 RTW streetstyle long sleeves, 1 RTW hoodie, and quite a few designer sneakers. There are a few more things I'm sure, but that's pretty much it. He takes care of his things and he doesn't really buy that much in general, so he definitely gets his cost-per-wear.
He does change his clothes to basics (like Calvin Klein Ts or his favorite graphic tank tops) when he handles our dog though.

This is gold
I buy designer not for the name/brand but for the unique design and quality. Sometimes a medium level price on a less known but quality brand that uses quality materials and fair production is better for me.
Sometimes I will admit the brand name is part of the appeal....especially for accessories. "Some" iconic bags, shoes, headwear, scarf.
A LV bag, a Prada headband, a Hermes scarf, Louboutin pumps...I use them only for going out in the city.
My everyday life is full of basics. But a brand like Isabel Marant, I buy only is the design (shape, cut) is unique....because some of it is purely brand. I like Tibi, APC, Sezane, Cos, Acne Studios....so not exactly fast fashion

Yes, either a unique design or something very classic and well tailored (higher cost per wear) are the main reasons for me to buy RTW. I also enjoy Isabel Marant .
My husband only cares about a unique design. For classic things like suits, he doesn't really care what the brand is as long as proper alterations are done.

Hello everyone! I kept waiting till I felt confident enough to post action shots but it looks like that will never happen so here are some passive shots of my goodies instead. Expanding on my post above, I really studied my life like I was a scientist and figured out what was worth splurging on based on what I would wear a lot and what would feel good. I have sensitive skin and many synthetic fabrics like acrylic don't agree with. I also live in a cold climate. I incorporated everyone's advice and here is what I have - and this is more than enough clothes for me to get through to next fall at a minimum! Not pictured are 3 pairs of cigarette leg jeans, some black leggings, and 6 basic v neck tees (3 black, 3 white) and 3 tank tops (all black), and some linen dresses that have been packed away for the season.

Pardon the poor picture and background quality, social media novice here.

I got 3 fancy coats for spring, fall, and winter weather since 90% of the time this is what people see me wearing outside my home. All 3 by dior.

Then I got some nice sweaters - turtleneck, black crew neck, and cream cardigan from Hermes (will order another cardigan if I can find it), navy cardigan from Vince, and the cream and lilac crew neck by a brand called Nobili. I live in my sweaters now.

And last some more shirts, dresses and pants (Ulla Johnson, Maria Cornejo, and other designers I didn't know) that are my nicer "meeting" or eating out/meeting friends clothes. And 2 basic sweatshirts that are amazingly comfy.

So not a huge wardrobe at all, and not very stylish or trendy, but I love everything and more important feel good in everything!

Thanks again to everyone for their generous advice and encouragement!

ETA: I took about 3-5 months to buy everything, and sold several bags that were gathering dust that I had been keeping out of sentimentality. I decided I'd rather have the funds to buy things I'd use every day instead of tied up in things I wasn't using and felt guilty about whenever I saw them.

View attachment 5634286

View attachment 5634287

View attachment 5634289

Beautiful outerwear and love the brown turtleneck! (I wish I could wear turtlenecks but unfortunately my neck is very sensitive and easily develops a rash. )

 

[A bottle of Red]

It is so hard to find them isn't it! I tried a bunch and these were the best and hold their shape well. https://www.nordstrom.com/s/frame-le-mid-rise-v-neck-tee/5351679?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home/All Results&color=120

Tysm

 

[Christofle]

I hate to be the one recommending them but lilysilk really does make thick quality silk RTW (and for a small surcharge you can personalize the fit by specifying your measurements for a quasi MTO experience). Their blouses/skirts/pants are really cute and they are proven to survive the cat test of nails.

As for how I built up my own RTW collection:
I usually like to pick up about 25 pairs of pants per season and add maybe 10 or so shirts to keep things fresh. Whereas I don't mind spending more on a single quality jacket or coat as you can really transform their looks with the various shirts and pants and other accessories.

I tend to wait till the end of the season and pick up the RTW coats and jackets for roughly 60-85% off. (usually from the SSENSE private sales because their formal wear seems to get steeply discounted every season).