How did you build your designer RTW wardrobe?

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#62
Christofle said:
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).
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Interesting - I usually get more tops than bottoms. Thanks for the lilysilk suggestion - will check them out!
 
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#65
Thanks for starting this thread, this is super helpful! Loving the Dior coats you got, so beautiful!

I found myself in the same situation, having made a move to London - Kuala Lumpur - San Francisco - New York. I had built up an amazing wardrobe of Phoebe Philo (from her Chloe and Celine days) when I was in London but got rid of them when I moved to Asia.

For reference I'm about 5'0, small boned but top heavy with a tendency to gain weight around the middle, I used to around 48-50kgs, but now fluctuate between 54-56kgs. I also work at a media agency so the dress code is smart casual. Turning 40 next year so I think my style is also evolving. I am NY-based so the items I have skew towards American retailers.

Item-wise, I have 70% basics, 30% hero items, and spend 20% budget on basics, and 80% on the hero items ;)
  • Basics tops: I have very sensitive skin and found myself buying (liking!) Lilysilk's knitted silk range
    • Turtlenecks (black and cream)
    • 1 bateau top
    • Camisoles in black and beige
    • Silk shirts to wear under jumpers
    • Basic cotton tees from COS
  • Basic knits
    • Crewneck, mock-necks and v-necks in solid colours from Vince (highly recommend their coastal blue, not as harsh as black)
    • Cashmere cardigans from Saks
  • Basic Bottoms:
    • Jeans from Sezane and Levis
    • Linen trousers from Everlane and Quince
    • Silk skirts and from Quince
    • Silk joggers from ATM
  • Basic dresses / loungewear from Lunya and Quince
  • Hero items (elevated basics with a twists, or just items i fall in love with)
    • Gorgeous frilly tops from Zimmermann
    • Leather jackets (Helmut Lang, Balenciaga, Rick Owens and Hermes do great ones!)
    • Leather skirts, I got mine from Hermes and Dior via TheRealReal (TRR)
    • Interesting sweaters from Celine, Brunello Cucelinni, Maison Margiela and Jil Sander from TRR
    • Blazers in interesting detailing like leather accents, or incredible cut
    • Great quality trousers (I find high waisted ones give me a better shape and make my legs look longer!)
  • Great accessories
    • Colourful shawls to break up the monotony and give a pop of colour)
    • Shoes with visual interest (cool heels from Loewe, pop of colour like Louboutin's red soles or even a bright shoe, cool hardware like the Hermes roulis loafers
    • Interesting bags with fun silhouettes - Cult Gaia has some, but the timeless ones are the Hermes Lindy, Dumpling bag,
    • Belts & jewelry - combination of high and low price ranges to have fun with
I'm still on the lookout for a coat or two, so would love some recommendations there!
 
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#66
rayshines said:
Thanks for starting this thread, this is super helpful! Loving the Dior coats you got, so beautiful!

I found myself in the same situation, having made a move to London - Kuala Lumpur - San Francisco - New York. I had built up an amazing wardrobe of Phoebe Philo (from her Chloe and Celine days) when I was in London but got rid of them when I moved to Asia.

For reference I'm about 5'0, small boned but top heavy with a tendency to gain weight around the middle, I used to around 48-50kgs, but now fluctuate between 54-56kgs. I also work at a media agency so the dress code is smart casual. Turning 40 next year so I think my style is also evolving. I am NY-based so the items I have skew towards American retailers.

Item-wise, I have 70% basics, 30% hero items, and spend 20% budget on basics, and 80% on the hero items ;)
  • Basics tops: I have very sensitive skin and found myself buying (liking!) Lilysilk's knitted silk range
    • Turtlenecks (black and cream)
    • 1 bateau top
    • Camisoles in black and beige
    • Silk shirts to wear under jumpers
    • Basic cotton tees from COS
  • Basic knits
    • Crewneck, mock-necks and v-necks in solid colours from Vince (highly recommend their coastal blue, not as harsh as black)
    • Cashmere cardigans from Saks
  • Basic Bottoms:
    • Jeans from Sezane and Levis
    • Linen trousers from Everlane and Quince
    • Silk skirts and from Quince
    • Silk joggers from ATM
  • Basic dresses / loungewear from Lunya and Quince
  • Hero items (elevated basics with a twists, or just items i fall in love with)
    • Gorgeous frilly tops from Zimmermann
    • Leather jackets (Helmut Lang, Balenciaga, Rick Owens and Hermes do great ones!)
    • Leather skirts, I got mine from Hermes and Dior via TheRealReal (TRR)
    • Interesting sweaters from Celine, Brunello Cucelinni, Maison Margiela and Jil Sander from TRR
    • Blazers in interesting detailing like leather accents, or incredible cut
    • Great quality trousers (I find high waisted ones give me a better shape and make my legs look longer!)
  • Great accessories
    • Colourful shawls to break up the monotony and give a pop of colour)
    • Shoes with visual interest (cool heels from Loewe, pop of colour like Louboutin's red soles or even a bright shoe, cool hardware like the Hermes roulis loafers
    • Interesting bags with fun silhouettes - Cult Gaia has some, but the timeless ones are the Hermes Lindy, Dumpling bag,
    • Belts & jewelry - combination of high and low price ranges to have fun with
I'm still on the lookout for a coat or two, so would love some recommendations there!
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing your wardrobe system! Those ATM joggers went straight on my wish list :)
 
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#67
Pursedoctor said:
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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Love everything you chose! polished, comfy, versatile
congrats!
 
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#68
rayshines said:
Thanks for starting this thread, this is super helpful! Loving the Dior coats you got, so beautiful!

I found myself in the same situation, having made a move to London - Kuala Lumpur - San Francisco - New York. I had built up an amazing wardrobe of Phoebe Philo (from her Chloe and Celine days) when I was in London but got rid of them when I moved to Asia.

For reference I'm about 5'0, small boned but top heavy with a tendency to gain weight around the middle, I used to around 48-50kgs, but now fluctuate between 54-56kgs. I also work at a media agency so the dress code is smart casual. Turning 40 next year so I think my style is also evolving. I am NY-based so the items I have skew towards American retailers.

Item-wise, I have 70% basics, 30% hero items, and spend 20% budget on basics, and 80% on the hero items ;)
  • Basics tops: I have very sensitive skin and found myself buying (liking!) Lilysilk's knitted silk range
    • Turtlenecks (black and cream)
    • 1 bateau top
    • Camisoles in black and beige
    • Silk shirts to wear under jumpers
    • Basic cotton tees from COS
  • Basic knits
    • Crewneck, mock-necks and v-necks in solid colours from Vince (highly recommend their coastal blue, not as harsh as black)
    • Cashmere cardigans from Saks
  • Basic Bottoms:
    • Jeans from Sezane and Levis
    • Linen trousers from Everlane and Quince
    • Silk skirts and from Quince
    • Silk joggers from ATM
  • Basic dresses / loungewear from Lunya and Quince
  • Hero items (elevated basics with a twists, or just items i fall in love with)
    • Gorgeous frilly tops from Zimmermann
    • Leather jackets (Helmut Lang, Balenciaga, Rick Owens and Hermes do great ones!)
    • Leather skirts, I got mine from Hermes and Dior via TheRealReal (TRR)
    • Interesting sweaters from Celine, Brunello Cucelinni, Maison Margiela and Jil Sander from TRR
    • Blazers in interesting detailing like leather accents, or incredible cut
    • Great quality trousers (I find high waisted ones give me a better shape and make my legs look longer!)
  • Great accessories
    • Colourful shawls to break up the monotony and give a pop of colour)
    • Shoes with visual interest (cool heels from Loewe, pop of colour like Louboutin's red soles or even a bright shoe, cool hardware like the Hermes roulis loafers
    • Interesting bags with fun silhouettes - Cult Gaia has some, but the timeless ones are the Hermes Lindy, Dumpling bag,
    • Belts & jewelry - combination of high and low price ranges to have fun with
I'm still on the lookout for a coat or two, so would love some recommendations there!
Click to expand...

You made me smile "Item-wise, I have 70% basics, 30% hero items, and spend 20% budget on basics, and 80% on the hero items"

I'm similar, XS slim-fit tees from Men's M&S (pure cotton and 'proper' colours) skirt from McQueen, pure cotton leggings from Children's M&S (no tax on children's) leather jacket Gucci

You're quite petite but can do detail, I recommend tailored and classic-with-a-twist Alexander McQueen, Dolce and Gabbana, Max Mara and pre-loved Burberry Prorsum. Cos also do some great tailoring, have a look at their Cos Atelier Tuxedo this season.
 
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#69
I may be in the minority here but I do love luxury coordinated sets (top and bottom jogger sets). It's nice to run errands and to lounge in the house in a leisure luxury jogger set (and to travel in as well, and to go to the movies, and to go to the store...just about everything). It also gives me less to think about when I am dressing. I have one from Burberry and Gucci. They have paid for themselves in cost to wear. I used to fear that people would notice me wearing the same thing all the time. Now I don't because the sets are quite nice and I think I would get a pass for that (or at least I hope so lol). Further, it's nice to feel somewhat dressed when being at home.
 
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#71
Pursedoctor said:
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
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing your inspirational post. I really like everything you have selected for your minimal closet; luxury high quality items with quiet yet understated style. Love it. Could you kindly share the footwear you wear on a daily basis? Would also love your take on your cigarette jeans and your tank tops. Many thanks in advance.
 
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#72
Swedishstyle said:
Thank you for sharing your inspirational post. I really like everything you have selected for your minimal closet; luxury high quality items with quiet yet understated style. Love it. Could you kindly share the footwear you wear on a daily basis? Would also love your take on your cigarette jeans and your tank tops. Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Happy to share, and thank you for your kind words! I wear flats for daily use. I rotate between some Vibi Venezia slippers, Sneakers (On or Keds), and Sperry loafers for fall and spring. Uggs and Soresl in winter, and then Tevas in summer. I have one pair of Dior flat slingbacks (so uncomfortable!!) for when I have a nice dinner or meeting, and 1 pair of gold heels for weddings (I think by Nina? They are so old the name wore off!).

The tank tops are from Uniqlo :) In my next round of shopping I want to upgrade them to Eileen Fisher tanks. And the jeans are the AG Prima Cigarette Leg.
 
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#73
Pursedoctor said:
Happy to share, and thank you for your kind words! I wear flats for daily use. I rotate between some Vibi Venezia slippers, Sneakers (On or Keds), and Sperry loafers for fall and spring. Uggs and Soresl in winter, and then Tevas in summer. I have one pair of Dior flat slingbacks (so uncomfortable!!) for when I have a nice dinner or meeting, and 1 pair of gold heels for weddings (I think by Nina? They are so old the name wore off!).

The tank tops are from Uniqlo :smile: In my next round of shopping I want to upgrade them to Eileen Fisher tanks. And the jeans are the AG Prima Cigarette Leg.
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing :)
 
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#74
Bit late to the party- I started my designer rtw journey by buying key basics, coat, blazer, cashmere sweater, blouse, shirt, skirt, dress and pants. I like to have all bases covered and am quite minimalist. However, I do now buy a few runway pieces that are a bit different. I find if I choose well the pieces are beyond fashion, in that they make a statement but don’t date season to season because they are so different and are not pieces that filter down to the high street so don’t look high fashion. Now I have an established wardrobe I just build on it season to season as I replace items. Sometimes I buy one or two pieces, sometimes 5-6 as a mini capsule wardrobe to update my look for a season. I mainly buy chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Dior. Plus good quality cashmere.

I am ruthless and sell items on if they don’t work for me, I don’t wear them much, they start looking worn, or I’ve replaced a key piece with something else.

I try to buy items that are transitional between seasons, can be layered, dressed up or down and avoid dresses and tops that can’t be worn with coats or blazers over them due to big statement sleeves etc. (Learnt that lesson early on).
 
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#75
Handbag1234 said:
Bit late to the party- I started my designer rtw journey by buying key basics, coat, blazer, cashmere sweater, blouse, shirt, skirt, dress and pants. I like to have all bases covered and am quite minimalist. However, I do now buy a few runway pieces that are a bit different. I find if I choose well the pieces are beyond fashion, in that they make a statement but don’t date season to season because they are so different and are not pieces that filter down to the high street so don’t look high fashion. Now I have an established wardrobe I just build on it season to season as I replace items. Sometimes I buy one or two pieces, sometimes 5-6 as a mini capsule wardrobe to update my look for a season. I mainly buy chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Dior. Plus good quality cashmere.

I am ruthless and sell items on if they don’t work for me, I don’t wear them much, they start looking worn, or I’ve replaced a key piece with something else.

I try to buy items that are transitional between seasons, can be layered, dressed up or down and avoid dresses and tops that can’t be worn with coats or blazers over them due to big statement sleeves etc. (Learnt that lesson early on).
Click to expand...

I have so many Burberry coats and lovely old Celine items I can’t fit into anymore but can’t seem to part with.

Love your approach on streamlining. How do you get ruthless about parting with them — can you share your thoughts process — and where do you sell them?
 
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