I know, I know. The last thing you’re worried about is shopping. 

But I bet you’ve been going through your closet, or at least spending time assessing what you have and don’t have, right? Maybe you’ve already cleaned it out and put aside a few bags to donate? Or you’re about to?  

Just a few months ago, I cleaned out the closet in our Miami apartment (where I keep most of my super colorful/bold pieces I wouldn’t otherwise wear in Palm Beach). We still have a few bags lingering around the apartment waiting to be dropped off at our local Goodwill, but now that I’ve gone through some of the items, I’m questioning if that’s what I need to do right now? 

One of my worst habits is impulsive online shopping…a habit I feel could get worse with all this time on my hands. I find myself scrolling more and more sites – not to mention the enticing sales in my inbox! But with the economy teeter-tottering from one day to the next and so much uncertainty about the future of advertising, fashion and retail, I guess now may not be the best time to shop for every single item in the cart. For me, at least. Right? 

When I was a broke college student (and a broke publicist…broke freelancer…) I had this silly rule where I wouldn’t buy anything unless I could pair it with at least seven other items in my closet. Rarely, would I buy something without thinking it through. Anything purchased on impulse was considered frivolous (exception: unless I absolutely loved it and truly needed it ASAP, which was a rare occurrence for me.) My thought process was, and still is today, to purchase items I can wear over and over – to get as much mileage out of my wardrobe as possible, especially if it’s pricey. But a few years back, I admittedly slipped and forgot about this rule and was stuck in a tunnel vision of buying clothes solely to “create content” — but last year I returned to my roots and rule again.

So what better time than now to shop in my own closet? There are so many items to repurpose and ways to make old things new again (like items in the bags I have lingering in the apartment). Besides, it’s a sustainable approach (I think…?) to smarter shopping and let’s be frank — way better for your wallet. Think of your wardrobe like your house for one second. Are you buying a new sofa every season (or year)? For the most part — probably not — because you’ve already been intentional about your pieces and aren’t shopping for the sake of spending.

Without further ado, here’s my take on the above. I’m highlighting specific types of pieces (call it my own capsule collection) I’ve been shopping in my closet, ways to style it and why. Given I have a walk-in closet full of WAY too many things, I have a feeling this may become a new series on the blog so get ready for multiple chapters! 

WHITE OR TAN MIDI SKIRT  

Call it comfort? I seldom feel super confident, feminine and comfortable wearing jeans or a mini skirt. But I love wearing midi skirts, plus the options are endless. It’s all about balance with one. Meaning, if you’re going to keep the bottom conservative – spice up the top somehow. For some that means wearing a daring, billowy blouse or a crop top. Midi skirts are a Style Bungalow staple! 

BLUE BUTTON-DOWN 

I’m a big fan of button-downs, although I don’t feature them enough on here. And selecting the right shade of blue (which should be based on your skin’s undertones: are you olive or pink?) is key. When I’m tan, I gravitate towards a warm, milky blue. When I’m fair, I love a cooler light blue. Don’t have a blue button-down? Rummage through your boyfriend’s, husband’s, dad’s or brother’s closets you’re bound to find a classic one.

EYELET BLOUSE 

Believe it or not, a third of my blouses are white – varying shades of white (my favorite hue being a warm vanilla-ivory). White blouses are THE MOST versatile item as you can style it with practically any piece. The key is to look for interesting details like eyelets, pom-poms or bows. But chances are, you already own one that’s decent enough to play around with. 

Bonus points if you have a silk blouse. 

WHITE OR BEIGE PANTS

I know. I own WAY too many beige pants (and I’ve worn both these pairs a million times), but I’m proud that I’ve never tossed away any! In fact, I tend to gravitate towards a wider pant leg because it makes me feel both confident and at ease; a chic look.

WIDE LEG JEANS (or CROPPED)

Additionally, being petite I’ve had to get creative with tricking the eye. When you wear a wide leg pant or a flared bell bottom jean with a thin-heeled shoe, you instantly look taller. They’re also really fun to style! The volume at the bottom means you have to balance the top with volume. I usually opt for a slightly untucked blouse or something super form fitting.  

WHITE OR TAN BLAZER 

Doesn’t matter if it’s white, black, beige or a neutral plaid. Don’t have one? Check your husband’s closet. Fit or oversized, there are plenty of ways to make it work for you (i.e. rumple up the sleeves). I tend to gravitate towards lighter tones since I live in South Florida.  

CLASSIC HANDBAG

One word: versatility. 

A handbag that can be carried as a top handle (like the one below) or has an extra strap for a crossbody (or shoulder bag) is completely worth it. The versatility keeps each style fresh, classic and appropriate for your #ootd and the next seasons to come! I’ve always loved how versatile and stylish my Brahmin handbags are; plus, they’re spacious with a chic shape (especially this one with the chicest top handle!). It’s my constant go-to and one I’m confident will top some of those trendier designs.

 GOOD BELTS 

Belts are one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to dress up a simple look. If you own a few but they’re not meant for your waist, buy a hole puncher (I’ll link one from Amazon here) to make it smaller (you can also take them to local cobblers. Shout out to West Palm favorite: Danny’s Shoe Repair!) 

COTTON DRESS

Again, love pieces that are comfortable! A white cotton dress can be styled in SO many different ways. Slip dresses work too. (Don’t be scared of silk… it’s all about wearing the right undergarments after all!) 

GOLD JEWELRY 

Leverage accessories. Gold happens to really complement my skin tone. Plus, chunky gold jewelry (a la your mom or grandmother’s jewelry cabinets) adds a nice accent to just about anything you wear. Also, this type of jewelry never goes out of style. 

SIMPLE SANDALS

I’m weird because sometimes I splurge on sandals while other times I buy them really cheap or on sale because of how much damage I do to my shoes (despite being a former ballerina, I’m actually very clumsy!). I love sandals that are brown, white or black – again, all very versatile and they’re perfect to combat the heat.

In sum,

White or tan midi skirt

Blue button-down

Eyelet blouse

White or beige pants

Wide leg jeans (or a cropped version with a flare)

White or Tan Blazer

Classic handbag

Good belts

Cotton dress

Gold jewelry

Simple sandals 

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Today, I wanted to start with a general overview, but I’ll be sure to come back and put together something a bit more detailed, like a capsule collection (we all have in our closets), geared towards specific outings or seasons like a Weekend Beach Getaway or Wedding.

And who knows? Maybe with all this time on my hands, I may even revisit the topic later this month. Let me know if you have questions you’d like me to answer in the below comment box!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope today’s post helped spur up some inspiration! 

Xo, Stephanie

PS: The whole purpose of today’s post is to shop your closet however, I know I’ll receive questions about what I wore above so I’ve rounded up everything below. If it’s not listed, it’s probably old or vintage and no longer available online.

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