The ABCs of curating a closet you love: Part 1

As I walked out the door this morning I was greeted with two sounds: cicadas and lawn mowers. For some reason I was immediately transported to pre-season field hockey practices, which holds such fond memories for me. But pre-season field hockey means back to school and back to school means fall is just around the corner. I may not be ready for summer to be over, but the shifting of seasons is coming, and with that comes thoughts of shifting my closet.

So with that in mind, I thought I’d do something a little different and share what I’m calling the ABCs of curating a closet you love. This is as much for me as anyone because with so much noise about what trends to try and ads for new clothes coming to our inboxes and on our feeds, it’s important to be in awareness about what we’re purchasing and why so we don’t end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

This week we’ll go through A-M and next week I’ll share N-Z. This was really fun for me to come up with!

Images from Abby Alley, Mirth, Vincent James, Jamie Haller, Soft Goat, Ozma

A - authenticity

This one is really important to me. Getting dressed is a form of self-expression and I want to represent myself authentically. For me that means wearing pieces from small businesses, particularly those that are producing their products with integrity. That doesn’t mean that I won’t occasionally shop elsewhere, but I truly enjoy the discovering small brands, and am happy to pay a premium for ethical production. Some of my favorites right now are Mirth, Vincent James, Sea NY, Ozma, Soft Goat, and Donni.

B - button up shirt

A button up shirt is my go-to top 8 months of the year in Chicago. They are refined and elevated, but also feel relaxed and easy. My personal must-haves here are the Kyoto from Mirth, the Linen from Vincent James, and the striped Jo Shirt from Alex Mill.

C - cashmere

Having quality cashmere is a luxury that is so worth it in my opinion. Nothing is better or more timelessly chic than a fabulous cashmere sweater. Ryan Roche makes some of my favorites. My current obsession is this one from Soft Goat. I also love this cashmere travel wrap. It’s the best thing ever.

D - denim

If there was ever an argument for cost per wear, it’s with denim (for me). There’s nothing better than putting on a pair of jeans and just feeling great in them. Admittedly I have more than I probably need right now (maybe we’ll do a denim deep dive soon), but my top 5 right now are: a medium wash straight leg pair from Agolde, dark denim from Ozma, relaxed fit with a little stretch from Amo, vintage Levi’s, and my off white Agolde ankle length. I’ve been wanting to try Jamie Haller’s denim because I’ve heard nothing but good things, but I haven’t pulled the trigger on them yet.

E - evening bag

A small, polished bag that makes any outfit dinner-ready is something I have come to really value in my closet. Something you’d wear to a wedding one weekend, a date night the next, and dinner with girlfriends the next. For me our Soirée Bag has filled this hole in my closet.

F - flats

A pair of chic, comfortable flats is a lifesaver. Right now, ballet flats and loafers are everywhere and for good reason. These styles have stood the test of time. Neither of these styles really feel like me (though, I wonder if this is the season I’ll finally try the Jada Flats that look so cute on everyone who has them) - so I’ve opted for Mary Janes, mules, and these sandals for a summer option. For all-day wear, prioritize good construction and materials.

G - go-to tee

Basics don’t have to be basic. A great t-shirt (or tank top or long sleeve) paired with jeans can really be all you need to feel great in the morning getting dressed. I have a list of my favorites here!

H - heels

The term “heels” is super vague, I know. I don’t wear heels a ton and most of my heels are for more formal occasions than everyday wear, but heeled boots and clogs are also in this category and a good, well-made, walkable pair of boots can transform an outfit and will last you several years.

I - investment pieces

These are your wardrobe anchors - the ones you’ll still be wearing five or ten years from now. A tailored wool coat, a gorgeous cashmere sweater, or a handcrafted leather bag. The cost-per-wear makes them worth the upfront spend, especially when you choose timeless styles.

J - jumpsuit

This one may be controversial as I know not everyone loves a jumpsuit. I personally love a one and done look. That’s why I love a flowy maxi dress in the summer. It’s just so easy. It’s the same with jumpsuits. All you need to do is add shoes and a bag!

K - knits

I know we touched on this a little with cashmere, but I think knitwear deserves its own spot. The key for me is sticking to natural fibers - cotton, merino, wool, alpaca, cashmere, etc. They are made to last, feel good, and are actually good for us (as opposed to the microplastics in any poly blend). They’re the pieces you’ll reach for on transitional days or when you want softness without losing polish. You can find a roundup of some of my faves here.

L - leather crossbody

This one is an absolute must for me. I wear one of our Sling Bags literally every single day. I’m always looking for the intersection of fashion and function and these truly hit the bullseye.

M - mindfulness

This is a perfect one to end on today. Slowing down and understanding the why behind your purchases or why you like/don’t like something in your closet will save you time getting dressed each day and save you money when you’re shopping. Just like everything in life, if we aren’t in awareness about our choices, we risk opting in on things that don’t serve us, don’t align with our values, and ultimately leave us feeling overwhelmed instead of inspired.

I hope this was helpful! Let me know if there are any letters you would have chosen a different word for. :) Looking forward to finishing this off next week.

xo,

Abby

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