So, this may be an embarrassing admission to make, but I’m still stumped when it comes to predicting what pieces will become my wardrobe workhorses. Things I think will be shoo-ins for the title end up being also-rans, often losing out to pieces I buy on impulse, with low non-existent expectations.

Take this Gap Factory striped top. It cost me a whopping $6, and I rarely over-think $6 purchases. (And by “rarely”, I mean never. Consider it my version of the stupid “latte factor”.) I have worn it … hang on, let me check* … 15 times this summer, and it shows no signs of being retirement-bound. It’s simple, hence versatile, but the ruffle/peplum thing adds a little bit of flair to otherwise uber basic-bitch outfits (my specialty). It doesn’t get more workhorsey than this.

Who woulda thunk it?

(Answer: not me.)

* Yes, I track my clothing use. I do it on my iPad, which makes it quick and easy, and I find it very useful for wardrobe-culling purposes. I also like that it gives me actual cost-per-wear numbers, as opposed to guesstimates, which can then help inform my buying choices. Nerd alert?

This is one of my favourite tops, so I have no idea why I didn’t wear it much this summer. Well, if I was pushed to speculate, I’d say it might have something to do with the fact that it’s a bit … busy. A statement piece, as they say. It has a tendency to take over the outfit, and prove difficult to accessorize. Naturally, I decided to solve the latter problem by throwing another busy pattern (two, in fact) into the mix.

The clogs, on the other hand, work with everything. Even when they don’t (cuffed ankle jeans, anyone?), they still sorta do. Magic.