Finding & Caring for Your Ride or Die Wardrobe Staples

Finding Your Go-To Fashion Pieces

We all have that one garment in our closet that we constantly reach for. The perfectly worn-in jeans, the versatile button-down that goes with everything, the sweater that makes any outfit instantly cozier. In fashion lover parlance, these reliables are called our "ride or die" pieces - the clothes we would never dream of parting with. But what makes an item of clothing "ride or die" worthy? And how do you discover those fashion BFFs that will stand by your side year after year?

Qualities of a Ride or Die Garment

Ride or die clothes have a few key qualities that elevate them above the rest of our wardrobes:

• They are ultra-flattering and seem custom fitted just for you
• They are made from high quality, durable materials
• They have versatility to work for both casual and dressier occasions
• They have sentimental meaning from years of adventures together

Garments that check all of those boxes are prime candidates for ride or die status. But finding them takes a bit of trial and error.

Identifying Your Personal Style

The first step to locating those ride or die pieces is getting crystal clear on your personal style. Analyze the clothes you feel most like your best self in. What colors, silhouettes, fabrics and patterns tend to make up that dream wardrobe?

Make note of recurring themes - are you drawn to classic neutrals or bold prints? Flowy or form-fitting silhouettes? Luxe natural fibers or sporty technical fabrics? Your unique style DNA will serve as a North Star when evaluating future clothing options.

Seeking Out Versatile Basics

Once you have your style dialed, the next step is building up a collection of high-quality basics that speak to your aesthetic. Choose versatile neutrals like well-cut jeans, trousers, button-downs, or sweaters in materials built to last years rather than seasons.

While trendy statement pieces have their place, the foundations of a ride or die wardrobe should consist of classics that pair well with the more adventurous items you'll mix and match them with down the road. Invest in staples made from luxurious natural fibers like 100% cotton, linen, silk and cashmere blends whenever possible - the longevity and breathability can't be beat!

Putting New Purchases to the Test

You've identified your style soulmates and invested wisely in elevated basics - now it's time to start testing out new purchases to see if they have the stuff to make it into your ride or die roster.

The 30 Wears Test

Fashion sustainability advocate Laurie Pressman coined the "30 wears test" to evaluate whether a new clothing item is worth keeping around for the long haul. The rule of thumb? If you haven't managed to wear a piece at least 30 times after a year, it likely doesn't fit your lifestyle and can be passed onto a new home.

But for super beloved items, you'll blast past 30 wears before you even hit the 3 month mark. Those fast favorites just feel like they were made for you. And that's a very good sign you have a potential ride or die piece on your hands!

Seeing How It Fits Into Outfits

Another way to test out the versatility of new pieces is getting strategic about how you incorporate them into outfits. See how well those new trousers pair with heels for a date night or flats for a coffee shop writing session. Style that pretty blouse with moto leggings for brunch with the girls or tailored pants for important work meetings.

Does it lend itself seamlessly to both dressy and casual looks alike? Can it carry you through holidays, special events, girls nights out and lazy Sundays this season and next? If so, then you likely have a wonderful wear-with-anything winner that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe!

Caring for Your Closet MVPs

Once you've identified those special garments that make your ride or die team, be sure to care for them accordingly so they stay in tip-top shape!

Follow Garment Care Instructions

Start by getting religious about actually following all garment care instructions, including only dry cleaning truly delicate fabrics. To preserve the color and integrity of fine materials, it's well worth the investment to have specialty garments professionally cleaned.

For everything else, use a gentle detergent and wash on cold or lukewarm settings. And don't let stains set - treat them promptly to avoid fabric damage over time.

Allow for Rest Periods

Additionally, your closet workhorses carrying the bulk of styling duty deserve the occasional day off! Having enough clothing options so you aren't just cycling between the same 2-3 pieces constantly allows fabrics to fully rest and regain their shape between wears.

Implement a fashion rotation, designating certain standbys for weekends only or special events. Giving well-loved items adequate breathing room in your lineup can help extend their longevity for the long term relationship ahead!

Treasured garments that stand the test of time become more than just clothes - they become our trusty companions, the familiar pieces that make us feel like the best versions of ourselves year after year. By understanding your style, curating a collection of resilient basics and caring for those ride or die MVPs, you'll assemble the ultimate dream team that will have your back no matter what adventures life brings!

FAQs

What exactly are "ride or die" clothes?

Ride or die clothes refer to the staple pieces in your wardrobe that you can't live without. They perfectly fit your body type, match your personal style, work for multiple occasions, and have sentimental value from years of wear. You reach for them constantly and would never dream of parting with them!

How many wearings indicates a piece is ride or die material?

Fashion expert Laurie Pressman coined the "30 wears test" to evaluate a garment's staying power. If you haven't worn something at least 30 times after the first year, it likely doesn't suit your lifestyle. But true ride or die pieces often sail past 30 wears within the first 3 months - you'll reach for them constantly!

What's the best way to identify my personal style?

Analyze the pieces you feel most confident and "like yourself" wearing. Make note of common themes regarding color palette, silhouettes, fabrics and patterns. Deciphering your unique style DNA serves as a guide for identifying future ride or die items that perfectly suit your aesthetic.

Should ride or die clothes be dry cleaned?

It depends on the garment material and construction. Follow all clothing care instructions - only dry clean delicates when necessary. For everything else, use a gentle detergent and wash in cold water to preserve the color and integrity of fine fabrics. And don't let stains set before pretreating!