Let’s be real; the rules of fashion do not always stay the same. To think so would be the same as believing music, technology or architecture remains in a horizontal time-warp as well.
Sure, there are iconic staples that should be the mainstay in our wardrobes, like the Little Black Dress or a crisp white blouse.
However, to assume these items are never re-invented or modified will eventually lead you down the path of having a stagnate wardrobe. Today’s modern woman is a woman on the go. She leads an interesting life.
She maintains a schedule that takes her to a plethora of events. She’ll dream of going grape stomping in Tuscany and do it; have plans to attend a weekend business conference; she may cancel everything and whisk herself away to a quiet spa retreat; have tickets to a sporting event or art opening. She may be busy enjoying her children or grandchildren’s school events, or perhaps she’s touring the globe on her book launch.
Wherever life may lead, the modern woman has a wardrobe to coexist with her intriguing lifestyle of business, leisure and spontaneity. In order for her to achieve such a curated wardrobe, she knows when items in her closet have seen their time of day, and when it’s time to part ways and donate them to charity.
Fashion isn’t what is used to be. Now, with such a wide variety of designers, fashion houses, and clothing stores, we’re no longer dictated by a regimented trend police. To keep your closet trajectory on course, I’ve composed a list of 8 steps to assist you with having a modern wardrobe. As always, all links are affiliate links.
The Modern Woman’s Guide to Wardrobe Essentials
1. Good quality hangers: Good hangers and clothing storage keeps your clothing organized nicely and prevents wrinkling. Show you care for your garments by not allowing them to hang haphazardly. Faye Dunaway’s portrayal as Joan Crawford as a crazed, abusive mother in Mommie Dearest will forever hold a memory in my head. After seeing the iconic scene when she goes ballistic after finding wire hangers in her daughter’s closet, I never allowed them to touch my clothing again. Once garments are retrieved from the dry cleaner, I immediately swap them out for my padded, luxurious hangers.
2. Full midi skirts: Yes indeed, these babies look great dressed up or down; with heels or flats, for a stroll in the park, or on a dinner date.
3. Tuxedo jacket: The shape and length of jackets come and go, but a truly modern take on a blazer is a tuxedo. A great piece for wearing to an elegant event or looking downtown cool while paired with distressed boyfriend jeans.
4. A superb strapless bra: I’m sure lingerie makers are thrilled with the onset of the off-the-shoulder look. I’ve been wearing this style for decades and have always had a good strapless bra on-hand. Don’t limit your wardrobe because you don’t have proper foundations – go out and get one!
5. Several pairs of eyeglasses and sunglasses: Today’s woman can change her mind in a heartbeat. Therefore, a variety of eyewear is important to compliment her mood and her calendar. While an outdoor speaking engagement may require a more serious frame, she knows her day at her friend’s installation reveal would lend to a more artsy pair of shades… perhaps the yellow ones with the mother of pearl rims will do the trick.
Midlife Boulevard recommends Warby Parker and Zenni Optical.
6. A chic timepiece (or two/three): A modern woman doesn’t have time to dig through her handbag to check the time on her smartphone. Some things never go out of fashion, and a classic watch is one of them. Just a quick check on her wrist and she’s on point.
7. Phone apps: Speaking of smartphones, the modern woman downloads the app for her favorite shopping destinations, and keeps them on the front screen of her phone for quick and easy access. The best part? These apps will frequently update you on the latest deals.
8. Vintage and consignment shopping: Strange as this may be, the modern woman keeps her finger on the pulse at her favorite vintage and consignment shops and e-stores. She knows how to rock the high/low look, and the best way to pull it off without a hitch is to masterfully wear an incredible vintage treasure with your current Michael Kors.
You can shop vintage online, too! Try VintageTrends or Poshmark.
I hope you enjoyed these tips and remember, the rules of fashion rarely stay the same, so why should you? {wink}

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Karen Anderson
Thursday 15th of September 2016
No more wire hangers! I use one type of hanger that guarantees my clothes are not wrinkled, and no annoying shoulder bumps! Great tips here. I feel like I've got these covered, though not the apps so much. And I really need a new watch. One skill I've really honed is knowing when it's time to donate and refresh. I usually do this seasonally when I change over my closet. This is a great way to identify wardrobe gaps.
Glenda Harrison
Thursday 15th of September 2016
Sorry, Karen, I meant I get my hangers from the Container Store - http://www.containerstore.com/s/closet/hangers/non-slip/123
Glenda Harrison
Thursday 15th of September 2016
I agree, Karen. I also use the change of season as a time to "take inventory" I place items into pile - Keep, Donate to Goodwill or Dress for Success and Resale (eBay). I also use a great hanger that I pick up from The Storage Place. My clothes stay in place. I remember one year the pants to my good suit slid off the hanger and into the wash bin. My husband, who was totally unaware, decided he would do the laundry. Well, guess what? Yep goodbye suit. I learned my lesson.
Mithra Ballesteros
Thursday 15th of September 2016
I thought I knew the answers before reading, but I didn't. This advice is spot on, intelligent, and doesn't venture into the tiresome 'donts' of fashion advice for the over-forty crowd. Very refreshing. Off to shop sunglasses now!
Glenda Harrison
Thursday 15th of September 2016
Mithra, thank you my friend! I'm glad it was unexpected. That is always my philosophy...the unexpected. Enjoy your sunglass hunt :)
Neti*
Thursday 15th of September 2016
Great list and a superb strapless bra is a must for me. Thanks Dear.
Glenda Harrison
Friday 16th of September 2016
Hi Neti! Thank you for commenting. I agree with you. I couldn't survive without a superb strapless ;)
Glenda Harrison
Thursday 15th of September 2016
Hi Anne, Thank you! A couple of my favorite apps are obvious - Instagram and Like To Know It. I'm obsessed with eBay. I find the eBay app is much better than using eBay via desktop. I also love the UO app for Urban Outfitters because it makes shopping for deals so super easy. And, when I'm dreaming, I like the Net-a-Porter app. Oh yes...Instyle Magazine has a cool app as well. It lets me search for brands and tells me when they're on sale. I also love them because it keeps me current on fashion news while I'm on the go.
And I'll add this in. I love Garance Dore's podcast called Pardon My French. It use to be a YouTube series, but she has since turned it into a podcast.
Anne Parris
Thursday 15th of September 2016
Great list, Glenda! What are some of your favorite apps?