This Maximize Your Wardrobe article is a guest post provided by fashion designer Dagmar Spichale.
I finally watched a few episodes of Emily in Paris the other night. Being me, of course I was more interested in Patricia Field’s costume design than the actual plot…
I could not have been more fascinated with the difference in how the American character, Emily, dressed compared to how the French characters but mostly her boss, Sylvie, dressed. Both were absolutely stunning. Main difference: Sylvie dressed largely the same every day in a very well fitting, lovely, expensive looking (Note: we don’t even know the label or price tag!) suit. Emily, on the other hand, dressed entirely differently head to toe, looked stunning, exciting, inspiring. But, is this attainable for someone like you and me? And yet, we all yearn for it. RIGHT?
I have good news for you. I’ve developed what I call the FORMULA. Keep reading.
It’s actually really simple: when I spend my money on something pricey, I try to choose an item that I’ll get a lot of wear out of – also known as a good return on my investment. This used to mean I owned a lot of black clothes. Then some day I noticed Arianna Huffington’s quote “Find Something You Love and Wear It… Again and Again and Again. It saves time, money, mindshare and the environment,” and something just clicked. It changed everything for me. Let me explain.
The idea that the only way to have a diversified wardrobe and always something different and interesting to wear is to own every garment in one color: black, is a myth. I have noticed that if I expand my idea of what a “neutral” or “classic” color is from black, gray, beige, and navy to include classics like metallics, and animal patterns like leopard, snake, or zebra prints, my options for mixing and extending the wearing potential of a special buy increase exponentially.
Reading Arianna Huffington’s quote and article, though, I realized that I didn’t just want to find a few more opportunities to wear that special dress every now and then. I wanted to make that one standout dress that I loved so much the main player of my wardrobe. I set out to create options for wearing my investment piece over and over again without necessarily looking the same way every day. And I made sure to create outfits I wouldn’t have to fuss over every morning, because who has time for that, right?
As I started thinking about how to pull this off I decided to challenge myself to see how many outfits I could create with classic items I already had in my closet. I was amazed how many options I could come up with, and I decided to create a guide I could share. Another surprising insight I gained was how much this one bold dress elevated the otherwise rather subdued staples – it was almost as if they received a new life just by being paired with something new and in some cases unexpected.
Let me show you what I am talking about through some examples from my style guide.
The updated classic option: The trusted trench coat allows the dress to remain center stage while the shiny patent silver pumps provide a modern take while still remaining in the background – at least to some extent.
The groovy option: Pairing a standout dress with snakeskin booties (or other animal print footwear) might not appear to be for the faint of heart, but once you try it you will see how much FUN it is! Compliments at every turn guaranteed (and no kidding about that)!
My gift to you: The all new, not included in the guide option: A friend recently mentioned that she doesn’t dress up anymore because she moved to the country. This instantly brought the image of a cherished dress with wellies to mind. On a warm Fall day I love the idea of strolling through the fields with just a thin turtleneck underneath the slip, though this combination would work just as beautifully with a parka on top.
It is my hope that I was able to make you curious and inspire you to try some combinations of your own. GO AND HAVE FUN (I suggest Supreme Five to start!). And, if you wish to see more of my outfit ideas, grab my FREE GUIDE here.
XO – Dagmar
Thanks for visiting! While you are here, please take some time to enter our new style giveaways. And, if you enjoyed this Maximize Your Wardrobe post, please visit Designer Dagmar Spichale to see her entire line of stunning women’s fashions.
GET YOUR PRODUCT, SERVICE OR STORE FEATURED AT SUSAN SAID… WHAT?! If you have a fashion, beauty or style product line and want an honest evaluation, or if you would like to create a giveaway or promotional event, please contact us.
DISCLAIMER: This Maximize Your Wardrobe guest post was written and images provided by Dagmar Spichale. No financial compensation was received in exchange for this Maximize Your Wardrobe post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will be good for my readers.
Named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone.com, Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with real style. From fashion, handbags, jewelry and beauty, to inspirational gardens and stunning interior design, plus the latest products for chic wedding and parties, you’ll find it here. Editor, author and entrepreneur Susan Conforte McNeill is also the co-founder of the Delaware based literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin’