Versatile clothing items are some of the most valuable articles you can have in your wardrobe. But what exactly is versatile clothing, and why are these pieces so fantastic to use as the building blocks of your closet? Once you understand the answers to these questions, it will become easier to know if you’re buying versatile clothing for your wardrobe when you’re out shopping or browsing online.
What is Versatile Clothing?
The primary concept behind versatility is the ability of a specific item to work in multiple situations or be utilized in several different ways. Clothing works very well in this way. Do you have any outfits that can be worn on the job or when having fun? Do you have a lovely blouse that you can slip on for a spring afternoon or an autumn evening? One of the essential ideas behind versatile clothing is your ability to wear certain items in varying situations and social gatherings.
Another significant aspect of versatile clothing is how well it pairs with other pieces from your wardrobe. For example, your black watch plaid skirt would look fantastic with a white button-up shirt. However, that same skirt may not look as good with a lavender top. Because there are so many different colors and styles, it’s a good idea to go over some of the basic combinations to help you determine if your clothing is versatile or not.
Solids With Neutral Colors
Going back to the example with the white button-up shirt, solid articles with neutral colors are among the most versatile clothing options you can find. Solid neutrals can be paired with essentially any combination of patterns, colors, and pieces of clothing from your closet.
A nice pair of tan shoes, a gray scarf, or some black slacks are immensely versatile due to how easily they blend with things. However, while they do work with almost anything, these pieces rarely stand out on their own.
Solid neutrals typically work to accentuate the bolder parts of your outfit. While these pieces should be granted a prominent place in your closet, try not to rely on them too heavily if you’re counting on your ensemble to make a lasting impression.
Solids With Chromatic Colors
Clothing items in solid shades work as excellent building blocks for a variety of outfits. Still, when you want something a little more vibrant, consider looking for chromatic options—everything from dark magenta to ocean blue fall under the wide umbrella of chromatic colors.
Chromatic color pieces always pair nicely with neutral tones, but be careful when putting together a look that involves multiple chromatic colors. Color combinations like teal with orange or pink with lime green might not create the well-coordinated outfit you’re hoping to find.
Neutral-Colored Patterns
Solid colors are nice when putting together an outfit, but an exciting pattern is what makes an outfit really pop. Stripes, plaids, and other pattern options stand out and can often lead to some of your favorite articles of clothing.
Patterned clothing in neutral shades work incredibly well with bright, solid colors. Again, you’ll want to stick with whites, creams, and grays. For example, a nice plaid scarf with white, a few shades of brown, and a small dash of red can really make a statement. This scarf can work well with almost any piece in terms of color and pattern, but remember to keep in mind the fabric used to make the scarf, as certain materials could limit its versatility.
When searching for examples of patterned clothing in neutral colors, consider looking at Chalet’s line of women’s clothing for inspiration. Their pieces offer a beautiful balance of artistic and comfortable, and they’re a great example of versatile clothing that’s easy to add to any ensemble.
Chromatic-Colored Patterns
As far as individual pieces go, nothing stands out more than a chromatic-colored piece of clothing with a unique pattern. A bright orange and yellow checked sundress or a dark blue and red argyle sweater are both delightful clothing items. Still, they’re among the most difficult to match with other pieces and are typically more situational.
Chromatic patterns generally aren’t very versatile and mostly match with solid neutral colors or solid colors that coordinate with your main piece. However, just because those items might be hard to match, that isn’t to say they don’t belong in your wardrobe at all. When looking through your clothes, it may be good to keep this category on the smaller side if you’re planning to create a wardrobe that is less situational and works for multiple occasions.
Knowing Whether a Piece of Clothing Has Versatility
Looking at a variety of colors and patterns is excellent when trying to determine if you’re buying versatile clothing, but it’s crucial to ask a few questions while shopping for new clothes. For example, in what situations would you wear this piece? Is it an article of clothing that can work during an afternoon at the park or for heading to a wine party in the evening? Is it something that works in layers, whether you throw on a light shawl or a heavier coat? Can you think of multiple items that coordinate with it?
Clothing that works together with other pieces should be the foundation of your wardrobe to ensure things don’t become too cluttered. It’s absolutely fine to have something that’s more situational—like a nautical dress—but a single top or skirt that can be used in multiple scenarios makes it a more versatile item.
Simple yet stylish t-shirts, comfortable denim bottoms, and neutral colors are all powerful tools in a versatile wardrobe. When deciding if a piece is universal or not, try to imagine at least three different outfits where you would rock this piece. If that comes naturally, it may be worth adding to your collection.
For fantastic clothing options from reliable, creative designers that are sure to fit in with any wardrobe, Lea’s has the brands, styles, patterns, and colors you’re sure to love. Those in the Chatham, NY area are invited to visit our store; for help with our online catalog, call us at (518) 491-5353 or email [email protected] for further information.
