New year, new wardrobe? We wish! While starting from scratch isn’t feasible, we can definitely be more mindful of what we add to our closets this year.
This is a popular time to purge and organize—but stocking up on more isn’t necessarily better. The goal is to make dressing quick and stress-free, and the strategy lies in the classic adage of quality over quantity.
“The key to having a well-edited closet that makes getting dressed a breeze is shopping smarter,” says The Local Moms Network fashion contributor Kristin Kennedy. The Closetful of Clothes influencer recommends investing in versatile pieces that work for many occasions and match with other pieces in your closet: “I always look for workhorse pieces that can do double duty at work and at home — staples that work whether I’m taking my kids to a birthday party or heading to the office simply by pairing them with different items in my closet.”
Below, Kristin shares five favorite workhorse pieces that will do double duty at work and home.
DUDLEY STEPHENS Palace Puff Sleeve Top, $168
I love how this puff sleeve fleece upgrades jeans or leggings for a casual but cute mom look. To take it to the office or a meeting, I layer it over a dress or pair it with a skirt or black pants. I can also wear it with a pair of jeans for a more casual setting.
BA&SH Cardigan Gaspard Cardigan, $380
This cardigan has the structure of a jacket, so it’s a great workwear staple that pairs nicely with a silk skirt, trousers, or a dress. Yet the soft knit makes it easy to dress it down with jeans and flats.
VERONICA BEARD Miller Dickey Jacket, $695
This is such a classic staple every woman needs in her wardrobe. The fit makes it worth every penny! This blazer is incredibly flattering and Veronica Beard really got the proportions right. Because it’s a timeless silhouette that you’ll wear forever, it pays for itself in cost-per-wear. Zip in the hoodie dickie attachment or just pair with a t-shirt and sneakers for mom-ing around. Then use it to dress up jeans or wear over a dress or with tailored pants for the office.
ENGLISH FACTORY Front Slit Pants, $80
A great pair of black pants is another closet staple you’ll wear for years and can mix and match with everything in your closet. Dress these slit-front pants up for the office with a blouse or tailored jacket. For home, team with a sweater and boots or sneakers for a polished but laid back vibe.
TANYA TAYLOR Aurora Cotton Tucked Midi T-Shirt Dress, $295
A good t-shirt dress is one of my favorite staples for busy moms! Toss it on with some sneakers or flats and you’re good to hit up the birthday party circuit, head to your kids school, or host a playdate. Add a blazer and heels or dressy flats and you’re ready for the office in no time.
More Fashion Stories from Kristen Kennedy:
Mary Jane Shoes: The Trend Moms are Loving
