Fashion

[Andreatoo]

I heard Antthony mention this wardrobe 'guideline' if you will over the weekend.

While I think it's a good idea to have options when you're purchasing I would think a smarter way to do it would be backwards:

Wouldn't it be more cost effective if you had 5 options of bottoms for every top? I just think it's much easier to say 'oh sure. I have many tops that will work with those' cuz of the nature of the garment. Tops are generally (or can be) more  elaborate....

I get that it's a 'rule' for a smart, working wardrobe...just mulling the statement over and thinking what would be more practical...

[LexPex]

I do it Anthony's way.  I have 4  pair of spring, fall and winter work pants in black, charcoal gray, navy and brown.  I love tops and probably have.  That doesn't include 3 pairs of jeans   I do also wear suits occasionally

Also I think that you can get buy wearing the same pants in a 4 day rotation...;you could probably wear black all the time and people wouldn't notice but you can have a10 day rotation of tops

[Sweet Caroline 1]

I'm thinking a few basic bottoms and a nice selection of tops in different colors and styles.   Peoples eyes naturally go to your upper body "I  hope".   Your hair, jewelry, make up and tops.   When they look down, the shoes.   Now thats another topic  

[Chi-town girl]

I think that's a good approach for bottoms that are prints or seasonal colors. When I purchased Iman's palm print palazzo pants, I also bought the coordinating tanks and tunics. I wanted tops that matched the green tones.

The basic black, navy, gray, jeans will work with most tops /colors, but you need to take into account the style of the pants. Flowy, peasant, boho tops look best when worn with skinny jeans, slim pants or leggings. 

[Andreatoo]

@Chi-town girl

In my book texture works like print; it still needs to be coordinated, even when it's tonal i.e, pintucking, lace, embroider, etc.. A piece can be elaborate or busy without being colorful..

[151949]

My total wardrobe of better bottoms consists of black,navy,grey and khacki pants, dressy capris, and skirts., 2 pair of blue jeans, 1 pair of black jeans,and one pair of casual khacki pants. Every top I own goes with this selection. I always have all I need. Now for everyday around the house or neighborhood I own about 10 pair of old denim or color  capris and at least 16 t shirts. Many weeks these are all I wear. Beside what is listed above I own 6 dresses and one cocktial dress. A few pieces of winter clothing for the rare need to be warm and that is my entire closet.

[sunshine45]

definitely agree with antthony except i would add the words "at least."

at least five tops for every bottom.

i have WAY MORE tops/sweaters than bottom pieces.

i think people notice more what you are wearing closer to your face rather than what you are wearing closer to your booty. LOL

when i am traveling i can wear the same pants for three days and have three different tops or sweaters to coordinate.

[Andreatoo]

@sunshine45

Oh I definitely do too (at least)! lol I'm just thinking for practical purposes when shopping to actually stop and think 'do I have at least a few options for this top?'

[KathyM23]

I am one who loves color.  I have pants in just about every color you could think of and have a choice of several tops that can go with any of them.  Some pant colors have more choices in tops than others.

My neutrals are greens, browns and greys and have many tops/jackets that can go with them.  I do wear black often but only when it is going to look better than any other color with certain tops.  Black would be my last choice.  I do like to wear black with a bright pop of color (pinks, greens and red.  I do like black, white and grey, but have to be in the mood to dress toned down that day.

I love clothes and love mixing and matching colors/prints - it is sort of a hobby with me.  I could never get by with a basic wardrobe as many others prefer.  Since I have many colors in pants, my vote would go for more tops to match pants than pants to match tops.  For me dressing is fun.

[Andreatoo]

@KathyM23

Perhaps you misunderstood me. This has nothing to do with paring down my wardrobe, not in a million years, but more how you purchase.

Pants, for the most part, are easy to match with 5 tops. I think taking a top and matching it to at least 5 bottoms would be  more challenging and not necessarily a bad idea if we're talking cost per wear

Fashion is fun and even more fun when you can creat new looks going through your own closet.