Start Your Spring Shopping With Purpose

As a former buyer in the fashion industry, I had several million dollars a year to spend in the market. Every single dollar of my open to buy had to be calculated by category so that when you, the customer, came in any of our stores we had an ample supply of jackets, skirts, pants, dresses, blouses, sweaters, shoes and accessories. What you might not notice in this list is the ratio of tops to bottoms – right – pretty sure that didn’t come top of mind for you.

Here’s the scoop. Women’s ratio of both purchasing habits, as well as subsequent wardrobe numbers, is 3 to 1, tops to bottoms.

Think about how you layer your top half – tank, blouse, jacket – long sleeve blouse, sweater vest, leather jacket – T-shirt, flannel shirt, cotton blazer – are you catching my drift?

Bottom line here, women buy more ‘tops’ than anything else in their wardrobe.

Top categories are defined as:

Sleeveless shells – solid and patterned

Long sleeve blouses – solid and patterned

Sweaters – solid and patterned

Jackets/blazers – solid and patterned

Well now that I defined the obvious and you are nodding your heads in agreement – let’s do some Spring shopping!

Picking up one new top in each category will give your crossover style the boost that it needs right about now.

Crossover style defined as: Get me out of these tired boring duds that I have been wearing for 6 months and open the heaven gates to the rainbow of colors!

Sleeveless Shells – The building blocks to every well-dressed wardrobe. Have at least two solid neutrals and one solid pop of color. Have at least 2 patterns, preferably patterns that include the color of your neutral bottoms so you can create outfits easily.

Long Sleeve Blouses – The next building block, easy to wear and can be worn without a sweater or a jacket (usually worn to either hide the arms or provide warmth). Again, you should own at least two solid neutrals and one solid pop of color. Have at least 2 patterns, preferably patterns that include the color of your neutral bottoms so you can create outfits easily. Sound familiar?

Sweaters – If you are a frequent reader – you know my rule – No Mr. Rogers cardigans allowed. Your sweater should be sassy and sophisticated and fit better than a tablecloth – yes, no draping allowed either! Again / again – you should own at least two solid neutrals and one solid pop of color. Have at least 2 patterns, preferably patterns that include the color of your neutral bottoms so you can create outfits easily. Seeing the trend yet?

Jackets & Blazers – The final layer, appropriate for any occasion, work-wear or casual-wear! Build a variety but shop wisely. Consider whether you would look best in single breasted or double breasted, then shop away. Add solids, patterns, cottons, spring leathers, both casual and dressy! A jacket is a power piece, sets you apart from the crowd. And the best reason for another jacket purchase – you just have to keep that ratio 3 to 1!