Timeless Wardrobe Curation: A Guide for Collectors
In the world of fashion, where trends come and go with the seasons, there exists a niche of enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, history, and timeless style above all else. For fashion collectors and those who appreciate the artistry of unique fashion, curating a wardrobe is not merely about following trends—it’s about creating a collection that tells a story and withstands the test of time. I am a vintage collector but I also believe in the art of curation, editing and clearing out so I can make room for new gems. I recently cleared out a lot of pieces in my closet and I accomplished a ton in just under 30 minutes. I’m a bit of an expert at this by now, so here are my tips to curate a wardrobe that is as timeless as it is distinctive.
Start with a Vision: Before diving into your closet, take a moment to envision the type of wardrobe you want to curate. What are your style goals? What pieces resonate with you the most? Having a clear vision will guide your curation process. Consider your personal style, lifestyle, and the occasions you dress for. This vision will guide you in determining which pieces are essential and which can be let go. I am not a minimalist nor do I believe in capsule wardrobes; I will always have a large collection of vintage and second hand designer gems. It’s just a matter of filtering out what no longer fits my style goals or vision I have for my wardrobe. If it helps, ask a friend or family member to help you hone in your vision and help during the editing process. For my latest purge, I FaceTimed my sister and she had the final ‘keep” or “toss” say and I stuck to it.
Quality Over Quantity: As a fashion collector, prioritize quality over quantity. Yes, this coming from the woman who has over 50 jeans! Assess each piece in your collection based on craftsmanship, materials, and timeless appeal. Keep those pieces that exude quality and craftsmanship, and let go of items that don’t meet these standards. If you’re unsure of a particular brand, cross check the tag using the Vintage Fashion Guild’s archive. Don’t get rid of something just because it may not have brand pedigree, and on that note, don’t keep something just because it’s designer if you’re never going to wear it.
Organize Strategically: Organize your closet in a way that makes it easy to see and access your collection. Arrange items by category, color, and occasion to streamline your dressing process and maximize visibility. My items are all organized based on item type and color. For example, tops are arranged from white to black and within each color I organize further from tank top to long sleeves. I never have to waste time looking for pieces and can easily sort and edit. You can watch my closet tour here.
Signature Styles: Identify your signature styles and silhouettes. What shapes and designs do you reach for regularly? Focus on keeping pieces that align with your signature styles, go to outfit formulas, and let go of those that no longer resonate with you. While many websites and magazine tout the importance of classic staples, I believe in the power of unique and avant-garde pieces that are undoubtedly captivating. My thinking is why reach for a basic white tee, when I can grab a vintage graphic tee…
Rotate Seasonally & Curate Continuously: Rotate your collection seasonally to ensure that you’re making the most of each piece throughout the year. I store my off-season and special occasion pieces in an extra closet until they’re ready to be worn again. I dislike the common notion that you should get rid of something you haven’t worn in 3 months – that simply doesn’t make sense! If you can’t purge everything at once, then opt to purge at the beginning of each season so you can thoughtfully donate or sell items. Curating a wardrobe is an ongoing process; regularly edit and refine your collection to keep it aligned with your vision and lifestyle.
Document and Preserve: For vintage and rare pieces, consider documenting their provenance and history. I’m working on a vintage inventory document (lmk if this interests you and I can share when it’s done!). Properly store delicate fabrics such as antique lace and vintage furs and invest in archival methods to preserve their condition. For pieces you choose to part with, check out my guide for donating and reselling. This ensures they find a new home where they can be appreciated by another fashion lover.
Invest in the Unexpected: Curate a wardrobe that you’ll want to reach for on the regular and that should include unique pieces that are fun, loud and works of art. This goes beyond the basic white button down or black slacks – sorry if you’re here for the 10 piece capsule wardrobe I am not the woman for the job! The classics in my closet are the anti-classics! Seek out emerging designers, vintage gems (obviously!), and pieces that reflect your individuality and set you apart as a collector of fashion gems.
For pieces you choose to part with, consider donating or reselling them but be sure you’re approaching this in a thoughtful and strategic way. Check out this guide to help you.
