This is the third in our series of reader-question videos, with the subject this time being wardrobe building.
Specifically: “I am building up a wardrobe from scratch. What do I buy first, and how much should I spend?”
It’s a popular question of course, and one that the entire section of PS - Wardrobe Building, here - is designed to break down.
Being so big, it’s not something that can be dealt with comprehensively in a 15-minute video. Let alone for every type of office, lifestyle and personality.
But, there are some good principles. And that’s what Aleks and I try to explain here.
The need to plan, so you know what level you should be spending at. The sense of buying classic, foundational pieces like a navy blazer (it’s really not too corporate). The way that accessories can stave off your impatience, keeping things fresh for a while.
I know from the number of consultancy clients who ask about these things, that this will be a popular video. But I also think there’s something there for everyone - no matter how far along they are in that wardrobe-building process.
Our main points are captioned during the video. But for those reading this before diving into the film, they are:
- Plan over three or four years
- Planning sets your item budget
- Don't worry if you can't afford the top end
- Buy a good navy jacket
- Classic pieces are a blank canvas
- Shoes are particularly satisfying
- Narrow down your categories
- Accessories can freshen up a wardrobe
- Buy things that go from smart to casual
- Capsule wardrobes are travel wardrobes
- Look at an interesting brown
Other videos we’ve produced recently are (also all on the YouTube channel):
- How a bespoke suit can be repaired
- How to look after tailoring
- How polish shoes part 1 and part 2
- How to fold a handkerchief
- How to look after suede jackets
- How to look after good shoes
And the clothes worn in the video are:
- Me: PS Striped Oxford shirt, with knitted silk tie from Tie Your Tie, under Ciro Zizolfi jacket in Holland & Sherry tweed. Plus Yard-O-Led silver pen
- Aleks: Stevenson Overalls moleskin western jac-shirt (via Clutch Cafe), over John Smedley merino mockneck
