How to make your wardrobe more versatile

You don't have to own a vast wardrobe to own outfits for every conceivable occasion - sometimes a little practical thinking can go a long way when choosing multifunction items that will last many years, so you'll never again have to worry about not having anything suitable to wear.

A mix and match approach can be the most effective way to diversify your wardrobe, which can also require stepping outside of your comfort zone and experimenting with styles you may not usually consider. Favouring items that have classic appeal can also be much more practical than relying on trendier items, as the lifespan of these currently-fashionable items may be shorter than you think.

Another reason to favour classic clothing is that it's easier to find well-tailored and well-made items of apparel, usually in a more basic and plain style than most modern items which tend to be more eye-catching. While this may seem duller at first, it can actually offer great versatility when it comes to wearing the same item as part of many different outfits, transforming its appearance through creative use of colour schemes and accessorising.

There are some items common to many peoples' wardrobes around the world that can be considered indispensible - such as blue jeans, plain shirts or blouses and black trousers. Neutral colours are most likely to stand the test of time, as well as being better suited to a wider range of colour combinations, with natural materials such as wool and silk proving more durable over the years.

That's not to say a versatile wardrobe has to be boring, of course - far from it, with a well-stocked wardrobe often being much more vibrant and varied than most. The key is choosing items of clothing that can be worn in many different situations, from parties to the workplace, as well as ensuring you have something for every season if you live in a temperate climate.

Today's hot fashion picks may soon become the laughing stock of tomorrow, and maintaining a diverse wardrobe allows you to reduce the risk of looking unintentionally retro, as well as ensuring you will have certain pieces of clothing available when their time in the spotlight comes around again - as has been seen with the revival of check shirts and duffel coats, among other nostalgic favourites.

Even if you feel you may never wear certain items again, they could prove important for layering on cold winter days, and you can never have enough spare T-shirts for DIY, cleaning and other household tasks.

Clint Starr writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.