Wardrobe Math – How Many Pieces Do You Really Need?

Wardrobe Math – How Many Pieces Do You Really Need?

By Brian Maynor

 

I may not have been a math major, but I caught on pretty quickly to concept of wardrobe math.

The issue even popped up earlier this week when I caught up with a fellow consultant and friend who asked me for some support and advice.  She was looking to update her style to be more corporate and camera friendly while still showcasing her creative expertise.

As we talked and she pulled her ideas from the racks it was clear she was on the right track, but she also ran into the same conundrum we all do:  how many pieces do you really need for a functioning wardrobe?  Here was my advice to her that actually works for all of us:

 

1.    Focus on the number of ways you can wear an item and not on the number of items.  This is one of my golden rules and something I constantly bring up when working the clients, whether it’s editing their closet or shopping.  Beyond the label, the deal or the style if you can’t immediately see three different ways of wearing it you probably shouldn’t get it.

2.    Borden your view of how to use your pieces.  When I ask clients to envision three ways of using each item in their closet they look at me kind of funny thinking I’m asking for three specific looks.  Realistically there are a lot more than three ways to wear an item, but every one of them falls into one of three categories.  It’s the categories I want people to focus on, because they will structure an endless number of options.

So what are the categories?

a.   Conservative Business.  Think boardroom, presentations and meetings with your boss.

b.   Relaxed Business.  This is everyday office wear that is professional but a little more laidback.

c.   Casual.  These are your after work and weekend styles.

3.    Favor separates over standalone pieces.  My friend immediately started pulling dresses one after another because that is her comfort zone and they are easy to wear, but when she ran out of hanger space it became clear the investment in these standalone pieces would be significant.  Her situation was made even more unique since she would be filmed and photographed, thus significantly limiting the number of times and places you would wear them.

 

She was surprised when I suggested she look at focusing more on suiting separates.  They may cost more than a dress but they don’t cost twice as much and you can easily get three times the wear out of them.  Each suit separate can be worn in endless combinations for each of the above three categories.  When you look at it that way isn’t it clear which is the better investment?

Even though guys don’t have to worry about dresses, we should optimize our investment in suits by breaking them apart and wearing each piece separately and in different situations.  It’s not just about how many ways you can wear something to the office, but how many ways you can wear it in your lifestyle.

We all want a closet that versatile and user-friendly and understanding wardrobe math is the way to get there.  It really is the best way to maximize the use of each piece.  If you want some more examples head over to the GAP where they are showcasing wardrobe math promoting 10 pieces for 7 days of unique looks.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.