branching out from the basics
Hi guys
I’ve been gathering basics for a few months now and can say I have a few basics I’m actually comfortable with and like, but now I’m kinda stuck. It might sound like a stupid question, but how do I branch out once I have my basics down? Thank you!
24 Replies
do you have any ideas of where you want to take your style? any photos saved for inspiration or outfits that you like? it's good to have at least somewhat of a clear direction before taking a step like this
yeah I do, I have been saving pictures to my phone of outfits that I like
send em so people can help you find what you like! also helpful if you had a budget in mind
Consider including:
- A specific budget in numbers. Phrases like "affordable" and "won't break the bank" mean different things to different people.
- Your vague location, particularly if that limits your options because of customs/import or if you have limited access to stores etc. Even a country or continent can be helpful.
- Whether you would prefer to buy in person or if online is fine.
- Whether you're happy to buy second hand.
- Reference pictures of things you like or are looking for.
alt search for "inspiration" "inspo" or the "wardrobe overhaul" tag in this channel
Can I post all of that in here?
yes
Budget : I always allocate between £100-£120 for clothing
Location : I’m from the UK and a 3hr train journey from London, where I live the stores are pretty limited it’s mostly fast fashion brands
I mostly buy from online, so would prefer that over in person
I also don’t mind shopping secondhand
Lastly these are some selections of outfits I’m really liking from my inspo folder
varyingly relevant https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1298465482923573331/1298470283363225611
ALD probably in your sweet spot tho
Yeah I was looking at ALD a few weeks back and honestly I really like the stuff they got going on
Off-Season - Noah
Returns on discounted items are accepted for store credit only.
Noah has a sale rn
Ralph Lauren on ebay too
if you wanna explore older stuff
For a UK brand, you might like https://www.instagram.com/drakesdiary?igsh=M3RsNW1hNzJxMTEw for inspo
Drake's (@drakesdiary) • Instagram profile
345K Followers, 1,389 Following, 6,496 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Drake's (@drakesdiary)
Great styling, though their items are expensive (but can sometimes be found for decent prices on Marrkt or vinted etc)
This thread may be useful to you for a list of brands and stuff to browse through. Most of these will have lookbooks for styling ideas, and insta accounts worth looking through for inspo https://discord.com/channels/1116793467654381685/1205586826782318634/1205586826782318634
Ay thank you for everyone’s help and recommendations really appreciated
while i encourage continuting to explore there's some common motifs in these inspo images - loafers, big coats, sweatshirts or hoodies, relaxed or wide fit pants
one option is to start with one such thing - say a pair of big pants found secondhand for little money - and wear them with your normal fits to see how you feel and how they look without spending all your money
that’s actually not a bad shout, I myself have noticed that quite a few items repeat in my inspo folder but never really pinpointed them as a starting point, thank you for that 🤝
ALD has really good styling, but for a good chunk of their collection you can find similar pieces for much cheaper. things like cricket sweaters, rugby shirts, wool pants/coats, etc.
there are a few people here who take ALD fits they like and try to copy them on a budget
Sell your basics and upgrade to better basics. Rinse and repeat! I’m not sure what happens at the end.
i personally wouldn't sell basics in good condition that i'm still wearing (i know merz b schwarnen exists but my kirkland blanks are fine as they are) but that's me
switching a regular fit tee for one that's oversized or cropped, perhaps (not a direct suggestion to op, keep finding inspo)
I guess it depends what your basics were and when you bought them. All of mine were Spier & MacKay and that stuff flew on ebay for what i paid during the pandemic. I replaced it all with very similar stuff just better quality and adjusted fit. I don’t know what happens next.
that's not really branching out though that's just buying the same thing but more expensive
With winter coming up and based on your inspo, i think a good next garment to get would be a big coat
Since you have basics i thinks a good layering piece that can have some really fun variations and is a good foray into moving away from basics
As others have said, i would start searching ebay, ALD is great but its all based in stuff like vintage RL which is cheap and plentiful on ebay
You’re not wrong, I have been meaning to upgrade from my puffer jacket that I’ve been wearing for years, so will defo check out ebay thank you 🙏