How to Build a Seasonless Wardrobe

Seasons change, but your closet doesn’t have to. Read on for our guide to building a wardrobe that works for you month after month, year after year.

As a writer in the clothing industry, it’s important that I keep an eye out for the latest runway shows and trends. That doesn’t necessarily mean I indulge, however. With time and a little wisdom, I’ve learned I don’t need to invest in a whole new wardrobe every four months to feel current. That's because I’ve figured out the hack to building a closet that works for me year-round: choosing versatile, timeless clothing that spans the seasons. While the “less is more” sentiment gets thrown around (a lot) when we talk about building a sustainable wardrobe, buying fewer pieces that work harder for me is ultimately an easy task with huge benefits.

So what does it mean to build a seasonless wardrobe? It’s choosing proportions and fabrics that work together day after day, month after month, year after year. It’s mixing and matching everyday staples with more seasonal pieces—like that puffer jacket you only break out when temperatures plummet. And finally, it’s building a closet that feels timeless and stylish regardless of the current trends.

The bottom line: When it comes time to shop, I look for simple shapes in seasonless fabrics that work throughout the year. By focusing on staple pieces, I can ignore the impulse to revamp my closet with the turning of the seasons, ultimately saving me time and money. And the best part? Making the most out of what I already own has helped me build a wardrobe with foundational pieces that put in overtime.

START WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Before giving your wardrobe a seasonal refresh or adding new pieces, take inventory of your closet.

Let’s face it—an overstuffed closet can make getting dressed harder. If you're overwhelmed with options but still can’t seem to find anything to wear, you might consider downsizing. Donate or resell any items you haven’t worn in the past year to help streamline your closet.
Take note of any gaps in your wardrobe—that striking maxi skirt that doesn’t seem to go with anything? You might be missing a staple in your closet, like a classic button-down that dresses up or down.

DEFINE YOUR STYLE

Knowing what works for you and your lifestyle is a helpful tool for rejecting trends that are just as fleeting as the season.

Invest in simple, timeless shapes—these are the pieces that mix and match with what you already own, ensuring you’ll get more wear out of your clothing throughout the year.
Find the shapes and silhouettes that work for you year-round: “Think of all of your favorite shapes in your wardrobe as ingredients,” says Ellie Thoren, Senior Director at EILEEN FISHER. That boxy linen top you wore with a high-waisted jean all summer? Consider a box-top in Boiled Wool Jersey to replace it when temperatures drop. “Once you know how certain shapes work together, you can choose your own adventure. Those essentials can translate just as easily to other fabrics so you can wear your favorite proportions year-round.”

INVEST IN SEASONLESS FABRICS

Consider materials that work in both cool and warm climates.

Look for breathable fibers such as cotton, linen and Tencel™ Lyocell—you’ll find them in comfortable, versatile fabrics like our signature French terry or Stretch Jersey that wear easily across seasons.
When it comes to seasonless fabrics, don’t be afraid to think outside the box: “I love cashmere at the beach, especially in fun pops of color,” says Ellie Thoren. “It’s soft, lofty and doesn't have the itch factor.” Silk and linen can also be worn all year. Read our guide to styling silk in any season.

LAYER LIKE YOU MEAN IT

You’ve heard it before—layering is the essential trick to getting more wear out of your clothes throughout the year.

Focus on simple shapes in lightweight fabrics that don’t feel bulky layered over or under each other.
Get creative and consider unexpected pairings: That silk cami can live under cashmere in winter and over a linen T-shirt in summer.
For more wardrobing ideas, check out our styling guides: How to Build a Simple Wardrobe and How to Play with Proportion—and Maximize Your Wardrobe.

FIND YOUR COLOR

Think of color as a way of connecting one season to the next.

Colors like black, white and beige may live in your wardrobe year-round, but don’t be afraid to experiment with more unexpected neutrals like olive green and burgundy—they add a little more intrigue than your standard color palette without confining you to any one season.
Subtle patterns like stripes and checks hold year-round appeal, too. Stripes create visual interest peeking out under a coat sleeve while looking equally at home on the beach—think of it as an ode to the French marine stripe.

CARE FOR YOUR CLOTHES

Maintain your clothes so they last longer, making them more cost-effective to you—and the planet.

Are you washing your silk tops more than you need to, or paying for regular dry cleaning when you can hand wash at home? Refer to our how-to-care guides for a refresher on caring for our most popular fabrics.