How To Build Your Dream Wardrobe Using The 7 Collection Philosophy

 Have you ever stood in front of your closet and thought, I have nothing to wear?

You're not alone. Most of us have closets bursting at the seams, yet we never know what to wear or where to start. 

The truth is for most of us, our lives aren't simple or one dimensional.

You work, you rest, you move your body, you pursue passions, you clean, raise children and show up for special occasions, and you live everyday in between. 

The truth is that each of the different parts of your lifestyle deserves its own wardrobe. 

When you start thinking about getting dressed this way, everything changes.

There's a wardrobe doctrine you need to know about called the 7 Collection Philosophy. 

With the 7 Collection Philosophy, you finally start building a wardrobe that actually works.

Each wardrobe collection is actually designed for a specific part of your life.

With this you are able to create a closet where you always have exactly what you want and need. 

The 7 collections are going to be personalized to you and your specific lifestyle, but with each section, be sure to customize to your specific needs.

With the help of this philosophy you can finally break down what that looks like for you. 

Here is what each collection should include and why it matters.

1. The Sleep Collection 

Maybe you didn't expect this one, but your sleep wardrobe matters.

This may be your most worn collection, especially since we spend about 8 hours sleeping in pajamas. 

How you end your day and how you begin it sets the tone for everything else.

Changing into proper sleepwear is a small nightly ritual that signals to your body it's time to rest.

Start with a few matching pajama sets in natural fabrics.

Cotton is great for warm months, and brushed flannel for the cooler season. 

Choose pieces that are comfortable enough to forget you're wearing them but beautiful enough that folding them makes you smile.

The goal here is creating a boundary between your waking hours and your rest. You deserve that transition.

2. The At Home Collection 

These are the clothes for when you are spending time at home.

Be it working from home, weekend mornings, after work and all those calm at home hours that actually make up a significant part of our life. 

If you’re thinking of skipping this one because who cares, you’re at home and nobody is going to see you and what you’re wearing. 

You may want to reconsider, so hear me out. 

Build a wardrobe specifically for at home with around five to seven elevated basics.

Tops: 5-7 Lightweight long sleeves for winter and short sleeve tops for summer.

Bottoms: 5 -7 Pairs of comfortable linen style pants in neutral tones.

Sweater weather: A cozy cardigan in a neutral tone to pair on those chilly mornings. 

When you're spending a day at home, you should feel comfortable but also change out of pajamas.

The at home collection should be good enough that you'd answer the door without hesitation or embarrassment because you don’t want to be caught in those old ratty clothes that should have been recycled long ago. 

Elevated basics that are comfortable yet put together are great here.

The kind of clothing that work well for making breakfast, taking a video call, or spending an afternoon organizing your home. 

This collection should feel comfy, cute and casual. 

This is where I have built a capsule wardrobe for myself.

My at home wardrobe tops and bottoms sit in my dresser drawers next to each other.

Every morning after I wake up, I change into these clothes, even if I plan to leave several hours later.

It's about getting out of my pajamas without the decision fatigue while I am half asleep still.

All of my at home clothes can mix and match with one another. The color palette is beige, pink & black. 

These are the foundational pieces that make you feel human instead of sloppy. 

Getting out of pajamas sets the tone for starting your day and if you're staying home all day, you need a wardrobe specifically for home. 

3. The Work Collection

Your work wardrobe removes decision fatigue while making you feel like the most competent version of yourself.

Your work wardrobe should become a uniform that just works. 

Perhaps you are a stay at home mom or you work from home. You will want to adjust for your needs here. 

Bottoms: Start with foundational bottoms.

Choose neutral colors that pair with a variety of tops to create a cohesive style.

Tailored trousers, pencil skirts, classic denim or whatever your work environment requires. 

Tops: Build out a rotation of beautiful tops or sweater in your favorite color pallette or whatever work color themes your job may require.

Dresses: Build out a collection of work appropriate dresses for your warm weather work rotation. 

Blazers & cardigans or jacket: Add a couple of blazers or cozy cardigans to layer and complete your workwear wardrobe. 

Depending on your job, you may just need specific uniform requirements or gear such as aprons, high visibility vests, lab coats or scrubs. 

Make sure you have enough of a work wardrobe collection to at least get through a week of work without needing to run the washing machine. 

These are investment pieces that will serve you so be sure to refresh these items as needed to keep your workwear closet polished and professional.

4. The Workout Collection 

If you're going to move your body, you deserve clothes that move with you.

Having a go to workout wardrobe breaks the barriers between you and the habits that keep you healthy.

Invest in three or four pairs of well made leggings or shorts. 

A few work out tops or bras. Supportive sports bras that actually support. Breathable tanks. T-shirts cut for movement.

Include a lightweight work out jacket or pullover. These are for early morning runs or the walk home from the gym. 

Don't overlook good socks, the right ones simply disappear on your feet.

Customize this collection to how often you work out a week.

If you work out 2 days a week, then perhaps you only need 1-2 sets of workout clothes.

If you work out 5 days a week, then add a few more sets & adjust for your needs. 

Keep this collection separate and ready to go.

When your workout clothes are organized and appealing, you're already halfway out the door.

I like to keep a dresser drawer specifically for work out clothing only. 

The easier it is to start, the more likely you are to show up for yourself.

5. The Hobby Collection 

Your hobbies deserve their own wardrobe.

This is where your life gets interesting, and your wardrobe should support that.

You need clothes you can get lost in, pieces you don't mind getting messy and things that make you eager to dive into what you love.

This collection is entirely personal.

While not all hobbies need a wardrobe, like knitting for example, some hobbies do in fact call for a specific wardrobe. Just to name a few: 

• Surfing
• Painting
• Ice skating
• Gardening
• Wine tasting
• Dining out 
• Skiing
• Skateboarding
• Golfing
• Dancing
• Pool 
• Clubing
• Traveling
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Scuba diving
• Fishing
• Pottery
• Cycling
• Metalworking 
  

For me, it's worn in denim and old dresses for gardening. Pieces that have already lived full lives and don't mind a little dirt. 

For you, it might be technical hiking gear that performs on the trail.

Old linen for painting that's earned its splatters.

Sturdy canvas for woodworking that can handle sawdust and stains.

The important thing is having enough that you're never waiting for laundry to pursue what you love.

At least a couple of complete outfits for your main hobby, adjusted for the season.

If you paint every weekend, you need dedicated painting outfit.

If you hike every Sunday morning, you need gear that's always ready.

These clothes should feel like permission to try, to fail, to get completely absorbed without worrying about ruining something you actually care about. 

6. The Fantasy Life Collection

This is your special occasion wardrobe, but think of it as more than that.

These are clothes made for memories you want to make.  

These are the clothes for the version of yourself you become when the evening stretches ahead and anything feels possible in that dress.

Think about the events on your calendar.

Gallery openings. Anniversary dinners. Your best friend's wedding. That concert you've been looking forward to for months. 

These events deserve something that makes you feel transformed.

A sequin dress that photographs beautifully.

A dreamy blouse that feels special but not overdone.

Perhaps a midi dress with just enough drama for a rehearsal dinner.

Start with a few dresses or styles that a you are just drawn to.

The kind that will make you feel beautiful and confident. 

I find myself drawn to sparkling sequins and tulle dresses.

I find these styles so dreamy and captivating.

I dont get to wear these styles all of the time, but I keep a collection of them on hand for upcoming birthday parties, date nights and special occasions.  

Add a few pieces with real personality that you'll remember for years to come.

This collection is so fun to play around with, so dare to dream in that dress! 

7. The Weekender Collection 

This has got to be my favorite collection!

This is your everyday but not at home wardrobe.

You don’t actually have to save the weekender collection for the weekend. 

It’s meant for anytime you leave the house for any casual activity. 

Farmers market mornings. Long lunches with friends. Costco runs and grocery shopping. Church or faith. Gallery openings. Post office runs. Impromptu road trips. You name it.

These are the casual days that make up a life well lived. 

This is where style meets practicality in the most natural way.

Think versatile bottoms such as jeans.

Your most loved jeans that fit like a dream. Linen pants that move beautifully. These will be the bottoms you reach for without thinking because they've proven themselves time and again.

Add tops or sweaters that give off your unique personality. 

Have fun with dresses. Since you don't have to wear these to work, you can really play around here and pick styles that truly suit your style. 

Don't forget about seasonality with wardrobe essentials like Puffer jackets, coats and accessories such as gloves and hats! 

This weekender collection allows for freedom and creativity, so choose pieces that genuinely excite you and feel fun to wear. 

Building Your Complete Wardrobe

A complete wardrobe is about having what you need for each season and each part of your life. 

It's about opening your closet and feeling genuine confidence.

The kind that comes from knowing you're prepared for whatever the day brings, whether that's a board meeting or a pottery class or an evening that turns unexpectedly magical.

When you build these seven collections thoughtfully, getting dressed stops feeling like a daily struggle.

It literally becomes second nature.

You stop wasting mental energy on what to wear.

You create a closet full of pieces you genuinely love and actually wear.

Understanding your pieces what they meant for makes a huge impact on your day to day. 

Your wardrobe should work as hard as you do,  for every version of your life.

As you grow and change, let your closet evolve with you.

That's not too much to ask.

 In fact, it's exactly what you deserve.