Building a Great Wardrobe: What to Buy Now
By Olivia Ciardi, GalTime.com
Cozy sweaters, puffy jackets, and corduroys are fun and all. But with winter well underway, chances are your closet needs a pretty pick-me-up. And that got us thinking.
With a new season on the horizon, what's a girl to do? Go crazy with winter sales, stock up for spring, or play the waiting game?
Tica Tallent, author of "What is Beautiful: Secrets From a Personal Shopper," shares her top tips with GalTime.
Risky Business: If you want to stretch your budget, it only seems logical to wait for spring sales, right? Not exactly! If you wait too long, you risk rummaging through an assortment of limited sizes and damaged threads, not to mention some of your must-haves may be out of stock altogether!
Tallent says the key to getting the best bang for your buck is to look for transitional and versatile pieces that you can wear tomorrow, into spring, and possibly into the summer. Maybe some are on sale. Maybe some aren't. It's really about maximizing your "cost per wear."
Related: Celeb Wardrobe on a "Regular" Gal's Budget
Here are three transitional trends that are worth the investment:
The ¾ Sleeve Dress: When it's chilly, pair this piece with a faux-fur vest, tights and boots. During the spring and summer, swap out the heavy stuff for a simple pair of wedges or sandals. (PS: Keep your eyes peeled for graphic prints. Tallent says they are tops for spring.)
Akiko Dress, $218
Brightly Colored Blazers: Saturated pops of color aren't fading anytime soon! Tallent says bright blazers and jackets are especially popular. Wear them now with your sweaters and jeans. Once it's warm, throw one over a t-shirt, dress, or skirt.
Related: Blazer Madness: Spring's Freshest Picks
Tortoise Button Jacket, $29.80
Cropped Pants: Here's a news flash: Tallent says cropped pants are good year round! In the fall and winter, pair them with tall boots. In the spring and summer, grab some open toe shoes. And if you're digging bright colors, cropped pants are a great way to get in on the trend.
Theory Baryn Wallflower Skinny Pants, $188
Other versatile pieces to be on the lookout for include pleated skirts, lighter jackets and faux-fur vests.
Winter Wonders: When it comes to winter sales, don't be afraid to snag those cashmere tops! They may not sound versatile, but a light cashmere top is perfect for a cool summer night, or a day by the sea. Winter is also a great time to buy any scarves, hats, or gloves that you may need for next year. Not only are they classic pieces, they're a must when the temperature drops and are typically one-size-fits-all.
Wait It Out: When it comes to things like tees and tank tops, wait for spring sales to bloom. Tallent says these items are almost always in stock, so chances are you won't have a problem finding your size come once prices start to fall.
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