Shopping Like It's 1982: Part 2

Shopping like it’s 1982: Part 2 Building a Recession-Proof Closet

My mom always taught me there are certain pieces every girl should have in their closet. They are the timeless basics that never go out of style and only change slightly in style from decade to decade. These are also the things you can splurge on without feeling that sense of “buyers remorse”, knowing they are pieces you will have for years to come and can see as a investment instead of a “splurge”. And a key to smart shopping in this economy is building a recession-proof closet, full of classic pieces that will last you years longer than the current economic slump.

1. As you shop look for staples. These are items that have stood the test of time, whether it’s a certain color (black), fabric (denim, silk), print (plaid), or silhouette (bootcut pants). These are what make a classic, a classic.

2. Look for classic/basic items to build up your closet. My favorite example of this is “Tim Gunn’s 10 Essentials” list from Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style. The original is listed below.
Tim Gunn’s 10 Essentials
-Basic Black dress, like the Lanvin dress (left)
- Trench coat
- Dress pants
- Classic shirt
- Jeans
- Any Occasion Top
- Skirt
- Day Dress
- Jacket
- Sweatsuit Alternative
Bonus: one indulgent trendy item

I also took the list and changed a few things to make it suit a normal teen girl.

Runway2Hallway’s version of Tim Gunn’s 10 Essential Items

- basic black dress (a timeless classic and a girl’s best friend)
- dress coat (a coat you can wear over a formal dress or with a skirt/dress pant)
- Classic dress pants (good for job/college interviews, internships, formal occasions, work, etc.)
- classic white shirt (classic. enough said.)
- Skirt. I’ve changed this to one casual skirt, like a denim mini, and one classic skirt, like a pencil skirt you could wear for the same events as the dress pants.
- Jacket.
- Day dress. Personally I don’t just have one dress for daytime all year. I would have at least on for spring/summer and one for fall/winter.
- Any occasion top (perfect for a nice dinner, worn with skirt or dress pants, or for shopping with friends or a date.)
- Jeans. Again, personally I have more than one pair of jeans but if you have to have one pair I’d go with a bootcut or straightleg denim. they never go out of style.
- Sweatsuit. Not even a sweatsuit really, just a pair of nicer sweats than you can wear out running errands or to the library on the weekends.
Bonus: Trendy item. Everyone needs one.

3. Stick to what you know. do you have that one item in your closet that you couldn’t live without? That thing that’s so basic and yet you have it in a millions different colors and is a staple in your wardrobe. everyone does. For me it’s my Old Navy ribbed racerback tanks or my Rubbish long sleeve tees (right). For my friend it’s her v-neck Hanes white t-shirts. If you know you wear it all the time, all year round then don’t be afraid to stock up.

4. When really splurging think of it as a investment. Ask yourself, am I going to wear it enough for this price? This year? Next year? Will it still be in style next year? What’s the cost per year? (see Shopping Like it’s 1982 part 1). Think about it and if you’re not sure sleep on it. After waiting a day or two and if you are still obsessing over it, go for it.