My October Wednesday Wardrobing Series has been all about Maximizing Your Wardrobe, or getting the most looks from the fewest pieces. First we looked at the basic concept of wardrobing. Next we looked at how to use closet staples to provide maximum benefit. Today, I want to talk about how to use layers and accessories to maximize your wardrobe.

First of all, let’s talk layers. Although most people think accessories are the most important tool to get different looks from the same pieces, I would argue that you can get more benefit from investing in layers than you will from accessories. That is not to say there is no value in having a great store of accessories available to you. Merely, I will make the assertion that layers will actually take you farther.

As you can see from the looks pictured at the top of this blog, when you plan your wardrobe around being able to mix and match layers, you can get multiple looks by simply changing up your layers. Let’s break down how you could layer the eight pieces pictured here:

1. Four looks as pictured (4)
2. Blue puffy vest with striped sweater, heart sweater, and light blue sweater (3)
3. Blue denim jacket over both plaid shirts and heart sweater (3)
4. Shacket over top plaid shirt (1)

This gives you 11 different look with eight pieces. If you were to add a solid, long sleeve, tan top into the mix, you could then pair it under all of layers, including the puffy vest, shacket and denim jacket, giving you 3 more looks with only one additional item, for a total of 14 different looks from 9 pieces. You could also layer three pieces together and combine the tan top under the plaid blouses and then layer over that one of the jackets or vest and add even more looks. And, in this example, we are assuming you are using the same bottom. If you have three different bottoms to rotate through, you could have a month’s worth of different looks.

Now, let’s talk adding accessories.

If we were to take two different handbags and add it to this wardrobe capsule, you would have a handbag that would match each and every outfit we have discussed. In this example, I have chosen a solid tan handbag from HOBO and a mixed blue crocodile handbag from Anushka. One is a bit more casual and the other a little dressier, but they would both work with every look. Add a couple of necklaces into the mix and a tan scarf, and you would be able to change up the looks even more.

This is the art of maximizing your wardrobe with layers and accessories. For even more ideas, watch my live Wednesday Wardrobing Video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. You can see all of these items in store or on our online store here: https://fashioncrossroadsinc.com/collections/fcr-10-21-23