Her Style: Demystifying Wardrobe Staples

Intentionally & intelligently investing in apparel

What are some of your favorite wardrobe staples? What is something everyone needs in their closet? What are the must-haves this season?

As a personal stylist, these questions seem to haunt me wherever I go. Whether I’m working with a client, chatting at a cocktail party, or running into my mom’s friend Pam at the grocery store — everyone wants to know what the closet staples are. I would love to say that I have a surefire, cut-and-dry, simple list of items that I could hand off to everyone; the truth is, this is something that’s highly individualized and differs from person to person.

As we look ahead to spring, I think now is a great time to demystify what it really means to have closet staples — and how to decide if it’s time that you invest in them.

When we think about investing in a new piece, we tend to only consider the dollar amount that’s listed on the price tag. While this makes total sense, I would encourage you to expand your definition of “investment” to also include how much time you’ll be investing in this piece. The amount of time you’ll spend wearing the item, as well as the length of time you’ll keep it in your closet, are two more meaningful factors to me than what you initially paid for it. It can be a big misconception that an investment piece must come at a luxury price point.

A good rule of thumb is the “Cost Per Wear” equation, meaning that the true value of an item is determined by the amount of use you get out of it. As you can imagine, this is where so much individual variability comes into play. For example, the designer blazer one person wears to countless boardroom meetings would be a staple in their wardrobe. For another, the running shoes they lace up every morning before hitting the gym would certainly make their list.

My biggest tip for identifying your own, unique list of wardrobe staples is to inventory what you already own. What are the pieces that work the hardest? Ask yourself: If I got rid of this item, would I immediately need to replace it? Please proceed with caution the next time you read a click-bait headline or caption that claims to have “the list of staples every closet needs!” Just like with most things relating to your personal style, it is exactly that: personal to you.

BY CARSON

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Nsider

A look at upcoming dinners and events for those in the know

As we begin 2023, our friends and readers have gently asked for details on even more upcoming events. Seriously. Thus, the Nfocus Nsider column has been rejuvenated as a fresh look at not-to-bemissed events taking place in and around Music City, the region and the world.

Dining

Honey Tastings At Southall

The recently opened bucolic resort of Southall Farm & Inn is, firstly, a farm. Boasting over 325 acres of idyllic surroundings, these green spaces have been thoughtfully transformed into an apple orchard, kitchen gardens and an apiary. Now guests can enjoy the product of the bees’ labor with Honey Tastings: The tasting is an intimate, four-pour experience combining gourmet honey, exquisite wines and delectable small plates. Guests will enjoy chatting with Southall’s Executive Chef, Head Beekeeper and Head Sommelier while learning how to properly taste honey. Available at Southall every Saturday in February (except Feb. 18), 3:45–5 p.m. $150/person + tax & gratuity. SouthallTN.com

Innovator Dinner Series

Noelle's Makeready L&L is launching a new Innovator Dinner Series that will spotlight local innovators, engaging conversations and delightful dishes. The first dinner features Todd Lawrence of Urban Green Lab, Linda Breggin of Environmental Law Institute and Chef Bianca Morton with the Nashville Food Project to discuss the Nashville Food Waste Initiative and championing sustainable food programs. At Makeready L&L. Wednesday, Feb. 8, 5–7 p.m. $90/person with tax & gratuity included. EventBrite.com

Star Rover Sound Dinner

One night only! Chef Ford Fry and Star Rover Sound Executive Chef Zane Dearien are teaming up with East Side Bahn Mi Chef Gracie Nguyen. This multicourse, familystyle dinner and cocktail pairings will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a casual evening of community and excellent food. At Star Rover Sound. Thursday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. $135–$150/person + tax & gratuity. OpenTable.com

Fashion

GUS MAYER TRUNK SHOWS

Spring is just around the corner, and that means it might be time to add an item or two to your closet. For a fresh look this season, be sure to visit these upcoming events: known for beautiful couture and dazzling trunk shows, Gus Mayer spotlights two special designers this month.

First up, Lourdes Chavez will be featured in the store Feb. 9–11. Known for stunning design, Lourdes handdraws her designs while keeping her client’s comfort and personal style in mind. The fashion-minded will find soft pastels and color in this season’s line — a refreshing change from the darker tones of winter.

Lela Rose, a regular at Gus Mayer, is back with a new line Feb. 22–25. Offering a well-rounded palette adorned with soft, gauzy accents, these pieces will be perfect for the spring social season.

Clay Risen Rye Whiskey Dinner

Enjoy an evening at Hathorne with New York Times bestselling author Clay Risen and a thoughtfully curated menu and rye tasting. Executive Chef Chris Gass will prepare some spectacular dishes such as a risotto with Kenny’s KY Brie, scallops and lovage — which Beverage Director Hayley Teague has paired with a Whistle Pig Piggyback Rye Cocktail. The dinner will also include a signed copy of Clay’s new book American Rye. At Hathorne. Feb. 10–11, 6:30–9:30 p.m. $250/person + tax & gratuity. HathorneNashville.com

JEAN-GEORGES VONGERICHTEN DINNERS

In honor of the one-year anniversary of Drusie & Darr, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will be visiting Nashville for three distinct evenings of celebration. Each night’s dinner will be an entirely unique experience as guests enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit with internationally celebrated Chef Jean-Georges and Executive Chef Kelsi Armijo of Drusie & Darr. At The Hermitage Hotel. Details at Nashville’s Resy.com

Performances

DAKHABRAKHA

Captivating crowds worldwide, the Ukrainian ensemble DakhaBrakha will bring their haunting approach to avant-garde and traditional musical arrangements to OZ Arts. Exactly one year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the musical group, heralded by Rolling Stone as the “Best Breakout” of 2014’s Bonnaroo, will perform — in Nashville for one night only — ancient Ukrainian melodies merged with indie rock, pop and hip-hop. At OZ Arts. Feb. 25, 8 p.m. Tickets $30. OzArtsNashville.org