tessmontgomery's Wardrobe advice Collection on LTK

Wardrobe advice

By tessmontgomery

This is all my best advice as a wardrobe expert curating a timeless sustainable capsule wardrobe

The 3 fabrics I always look for in the sales.

These 3 materials are luxurious, elegant, high quality and sustainable.

They can also be really expensive, that’s why we always should look for them in the sales.

1. Linen - A wonderfully lightweight natural material with beautiful texture. I always look out for linen shirts, blazers, trousers and sundresses.
I wash my linen myself at home, and as it’s a material that creases easily, I always have a steamer at hand.

2. Silk - This is probably my favourite texture in the whole world. So soft and shiny. It’s the most luxurious sensation on skin.
Some silks can be washed at home, other has to go to the dry cleaner. This is also a material that creases easily, but respond well to steaming.

3. Cashmere - the wool of wools. Soft, bouncy and not itchy. It has the properties to keep warm and wick moisture in the winter. Comfort level is as good as it gets.
I wash all my cashmere in 30C with wool detergent and dry flat (underfloor heating is a hack, just pop them on a thin towel on the floor).

…and I don’t just look for these materials on sale, I also search for them preloved.

If you have linen, silk and cashmere in your wardrobe, then it’s already more luxurious and sustainable than most.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #wardrobeexpert #garnmentcare

#LTKStyleTip #LTKSaleAlert #LTKOver40

My 5 favourite summer shoes in my capsule wardrobe 🤍

Between these 5, I don’t really need any other shoes in the summer.

I styled all of them with the same dress to really highlight the different feels they give to a look.

1. Fabric trainers - these are comfortable, flirty and fun. Great for a picnic or a romantic bike ride.

2. Nude barely there sandals - these are subtle but yet lends some glamour to a look. They are also still comfortable with a 8.5 cm heel.

3. Ballet flats - Romantic and feminine. Perfect for a stroll in town or a coffee date.

4. Statement sandals - this pair will grab the attention and be the stand out piece in most outfits.

5. Luxe sandals - when I want to be comfortable and look put together at the same time. Think Italian holiday or shopping in st Tropez.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe

#LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip #LTKOver40

My 5 favourite black items for the summer 🖤

Would you find more use out of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5?

Black in the summer? Definitely!

We often think of black as a winter colour. Personally I find it dark enough that time of year. However, in the summer it can really make a tan pop and looks amazing paired with beige or a lighter brown.

I don’t wear black very often at all. But there is something very elegant and sophisticated about black summer outfits.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #blacksummerlooks

#LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip #LTKOver40

3 misconceptions about “old money”.

The term old money is used frequently to describe a more classic style and lifestyle. But it’s so much more than that!

Old money doesn’t actually have a lot to do with money at all, but more to do with a certain set of values and beliefs.

It’s true that the fashion focuses on timeless pieces in great quality that will stand the test of time. But it’s not necessarily about being rich.

It has more to do with how we chose to spend the money that we do have. Less, but better. One quality piece for 10 years instead of 10 for 1 year.

A common misconception is that old money is judgemental and snobby. But it’s the absolute opposite.

New money is loud, snobby and judgemental. Old money is about being raised to be kind and understanding that everyone brings something different to the table.

Good manners is not to point out when someone makes a mistake, it is to pretend you didn’t see it. 🤍

Money doesn’t give anyone more value. But to be a kind person does. Thats why you can be old money with no money.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #oldmoneystyle #oldmoneyaesthetic

#LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip #LTKOver40

5 items I will be wearing a lot in May 👏🏻

It’s getting warmer in the UK ans we are definitely closing in on Summer.

The 5 items I will be wearing a lot in May are ;

1. Wide legged white jeans by Goelia. They are comfortable and a solid staple in my summer wardrobe.

2. I have spoken about these cotton t-shirts from Theory before. The quality and fit is exceptional. I’m always keeping an eye out for these in the sales.

3. My white Kate loafers from Tod’s. They bridge the gap between dressy and comfortable with understated elegance.

4. This very smart cardigan by Goelia. It’s a lovely option to a jacket and dresses up any look.

5 I wear this pleated midi dress by Lilysilk to basically anything and everything. It’s always appropriate and I can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #wardeobeexpert

#LTKStyleTip #LTKSeasonal #LTKOver40

The 5 items you should never buy if you want your dream wardrobe ☝🏻

Stay away from these 5 items and you are on a good path to eliminate bad purchases.

1. The one someone else tells you to buy - it doesn’t matter if it’s a stylist, a magazine, your friend or your mom. They are not the expert on your personal style, you are.

2. If you don’t see yourself wearing this item for at least 3 years - don’t get it. Most likely it’s a trend and as soon as it passes, you won’t want to wear the piece anymore.

3. The item that you can’t straight away match in at least 3 looks with pieces you already have in your wardrobe. If it’s not a match to the rest of your clothes, it’s most likely not your style and won’t be used.

4. The item that won’t last for 3 years. Preferably a lot longer, however some basics like white tops and t-shirt might be a stretch beyond that time.

5. The item that doesn’t suit our budget and lifestyle. Be honest with yourself, will you really use this and most importantly, can you afford it?

🤍 You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM them to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #wardrobetips

#LTKOver40 #LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip

The difference between price and value is one of the most important things to consider when we are making any purchase.

The price is the initial sum we invest when we buy something. This is set and we all pay the same.

Value on the other hand is hyper individual based on affordability, lifestyle and needs.

The best way to figure out the value of an item is to use price per wear. Basically try to estimate how many times you are going to use the item before you buy it.
Then you divide the initial price in the amount of wear you are expecting to get out of it.

(This is where quality and timelessness is very important. Without it, your wears will be capped when it breaks/goes out of trend).

This way you can spend more of your budget on items you will have a lot of use for and less on the pieces you need only now and then.

If you found this useful, make sure to hit the link button to let me know to make more videos like this.

…and if you are new to this and don’t know where to start your wardrobe journey, then I suggest you have a look at my 7 day wardrobe reset. Just comment “Reset” and I will send you the link.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #wardrobeexpert

#LTKOver40 #LTKWorkwear #LTKStyleTip

Never underestimate the power of texture 💪🏻

Texture can really make a look, especially if it’s tonal or monochrome. It can take something potentially boring and make it much more interesting.

The trick is to match softs with hards and sheen with matte.

I love mixing materials like leather with big chunky knits and sheeny silks. The contrast will bring out the best in each fabric.

Do you think about textures when you get dressed?

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I will DM the links to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #stylingtip

#LTKOver40 #LTKStyleTip #LTKShoeCrush

The 5 timeless dresses I come back to every summer 🤍

Do you prefer 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5?

Some cuts and styles are more timeless than others. And that means that they can be used year after year without feeling dated.

I wear these 5 dresses continuously in the summer and when on holiday. They are super reliable and each has their own special strength.
With these in my wardrobe I always have something to wear!

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery

#LTKOver40 #LTKStyleTip #LTKWatchNow

Get rid of these 3 things from your wardrobe now ☝🏻

They clutter up your wardrobe and only act as placeholders for things you actually could have loved.

1. The items that don’t fit us.

Unless we are pregnant, just had a baby or tend to go up and down in size a lot, we should never keep an item that doesn’t fit us well right now. It will only make us feel bad about ourselves.

2. The old trend.

It might circle back one day. But most likely it won’t be exactly the same as brands are too clever for that. There will be enough of a difference in the items to make sure you can’t just wear the old, but have to buy new.

3. The “almost”.

It’s almost what I wanted. It’s almost perfect. I almost love it. Get rid and get the item you want instead.
This is why buying dupes is a terrible idea, it will never feel as good as having the thing you actually want. And you won’t end up using it.

Do you have any of these 3 in your wardrobe? 🤔

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #wardrobeadvice

#LTKWatchNow #LTKOver40 #LTKStyleTip

Are you making this super common wardrobe mistake? 🤔

Do you have a lot of clothes in your wardrobe that you love, but don’t ever seem to find the right occasion to wear?

…then you might have an imbalance between your wardrobe and your lifestyle. 🤷🏼‍♀️

When I was a shopaholic, I was obsessed with buying cocktail dresses. And even though we want to be aspirational in other parts of our lives, our wardrobes is not it.

Even though the dresses I bought were nice, I hardly ever got invited to cocktail parties. So the price per wear was awful, and I should have spent that money on clothes I really needed instead. 🤦🏼‍♀️

The only part of our wardrobes that can afford to be aspirational is our workwear. As it can be beneficial psychologically and image wise to dress for the position we want instead of the one we have. ☝🏻

…but apart from that. Figure out what you wear most of the time, and spend your wardrobe budget on that!

Do you have the right balance in your wardrobe? 🤔

🖤 You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, “links” highlight or just comment “link” 🖤

#wardrobeexpert #wardrobetips #tessmontgomery #stylingtips

#LTKWatchNow #LTKStyleTip #LTKOver40

The biggest mistake we make when we go shopping ☝🏻

If we want that dream wardrobe, then we will have to shift our mindset when it comes to shopping.

I know it’s fun to browse and play with the thought of who we would be if we bought different things. But if we shop like this we get influenced by lifestyles that are not ours and styles that don’t suit us or the rest of our wardrobe. 🤷🏼‍♀️

It’s a trap most of us fall into and it leads to impulse purchases and a mismatched wardrobe full of things that don’t go together. 😩

Instead, ask yourself “what can I buy that will make the rest of the wardrobe work harder for me?”. Where are the holes, what would make it easier for me to get dressed in the morning, what do I actually need?

To figure this out, we have to have a look at our wardrobe and make a wish list before we hit the shops.

This is the best way to make sure that our purchases are rational and not emotional. 💪🏻

A great wardrobe is not about collecting as much clothes as we can, it’s about curating and picking the perfect items that will harmonise together. 🤍

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, “links” highlight or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe

#LTKOver40 #LTKWatchNow #LTKStyleTip

5 items I’m wearing in April. 🤍

It’s getting warmer here in the U.K and I’m focusing more on lightweight pieces for my spring wardrobe this month.

1. My high waisted wide legged jeans by @grlfrnd are my go-tos for a flattering fit and elongating cut.

2. I haven’t found any t-shirts that beats the quality and shape of these from @theory__ .

3. This @everlane blazer is a few years old now but still has that perfect oversized fit that make me feel scandi cool.

4. This cream top by @lesuperbecalifornia is superb! I can wear it in many different ways and it always looks elegant.

5 last but not least, these lightweight beige trousers by @goelia_official makes ever look put together and is perfect a perfect addition to a spring wardrobe.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #springwardrobe

#LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip #LTKOver40

How many items should one have in a capsule wardrobe?

This is a question I get almost every day.
And it’s actually a bit of a trick question as there is no specific answer.

As we all have such different needs and lifestyles, what might be enough for someone will be much too little for somebody else.

So my answer tends to be - “as few as you can get away with without feeling like you are lacking.”

Basically, you need a wardrobe that can cover your needs. No more or less really. And how many items that is no one will know but you.

If you want to start your own wardrobe journey but don’t really know where to begin, i suggest you have a look at my 7 day wardrobe reset guide.

It’s the best way to set a great foundation for your future dream wardrobe. Just comment “reset” and I will send you the link. And don’t forget to use the code “FIRST40” for 40% off 🤍

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #capsulecloset

#LTKStyleTip #LTKOver40 #LTKWatchNow

Let’s put together a small neutral capsule wardrobe for the office 🤍

This edit can be as small as 6 pieces or as big as 12 depending on your needs.

I decided to only focus on neutrals as we already know how to wear black in a corporate setting. Of course all these items would work really well in other colours too.

The focus is on elevated materials, clean cuts and great fitting designs. Quality does really pay off when it comes to clean looks like these.

I would add a pair of nude pumps, cream or beige ballerinas and potentially a pair of smart loafers to go with these looks.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, or just comment “link” and I’ll send them to you 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulewardrobe #officewardrobe #officeoutfit

#LTKOver40 #LTKWatchNow #LTKWorkwear

The most common question I get as a wardrobe expert is…

…’Tess, I really want to change my wardrobe and find my personal style, but I don’t know where to begin?’.

At first I thought maybe I should write a book on the subject, but as a slightly impatient and highly rational person, I wanted an answer that was much more effective and concise.

And that’s how the idea of ‘The 7 day wardrobe reset’ was born.

Over the last 6 years I have via trial and errors created my own framework on how to curate a dream wardrobe with efficacy and ease.

The 7 day reset can be executed in just one week or spread out if you prefer a slightly slower pace. It will take even the most chaotic closet and transform it to a solid base to rebuild your very own dream wardrobe, learning about your personal style along the way.

🤍 If this is for you, comment reset and I will send you the link and if you would like the link to my outfit, just comment link and I will DM you. You can also find both in the link in my bio🤍

As I want this guide to be as accessible as possible. I have added the code “FIRST40” that takes 40% off straight away.

#tessmontgomery #wardrobereset #capsulewardrobe

#LTKOver40 #LTKWatchNow #LTKStyleTip

The 5 pairs of those I would get if I had to start my capsule wardrobe again from scratch 💪🏻

1. A pair of fairly smart white sneakers. They can be worn with anything from jeans and more casual trousers to summer dresses and skirts.
Leather usually looks more elevated, but fabric allows for freshening up in the washing machine.

2. A nude pair of pumps. Nude goes with all colours and a closed toe works year around and for most occasions. We can save the sandals for later as they are less versatile.

The trick for comfort is to never pick a heel taller than 8.5 cm.

3. A flat pair of high boots. They are flattering, smart and comfortable especially when it’s chillier outside.

4. The classic ballet flat. Dainty and light but also comfortable and fairly smart. I keep a pair in my bag for whenever I’m wearing heels and might want to swap.

5. A tall boot with heels. These really do wonders for proportions and are super flattering. They are the perfect party option when it’s cold outside or when you just want to show a little bit of leg.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulecloset #capsulewardrobe

#LTKOver40 #LTKWatchNow #LTKStyleTip

Why I barely ever buy jewellery 🤍

None of the items above are particularly expensive, but to me they have high value. Not everything can be measured in money.

I often get the question why I don’t show a bigger variety of jewellery. And even though I have a few carefully selected pieces of costume jewellery, to me, why would I go out and buy and wear items that are less significant to me than these?

Especially as they are all timeless and in amazing quality.

I’m aware that not everyone has items like these, but we can still strive to give them to our kids. To invest in timelessness and quality and hope they will last them a lifetime.

Jewellery are truly special as that the pieces usually do last for a really long time and can be handed down to coming generations.

Do you have a special piece of jewellery that has a significant meaning to you? 🤔

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #capsulecloset

#LTKWatchNow #LTKOver40 #LTKStyleTip

3 elegant looks I will be wearing in March. 🤎

Do you prefer look 1, 2 or 3? 🤔

This is such a good wardrobe month. Finally we can shed the layers and start wearing our wardrobes aesthetically and not just functionally.

I’m leaning into tonal neutrals in natural fabrics. Cashmere and silk being the number one picks for texture and contrast.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #oldmoneystyle #quietluxury

#LTKOver40 #LTKSeasonal #LTKWatchNow

My #OneItemAMonth in March is…

This beautifully elegant bag by @demellierlondon 🤎

It was gifted to me, so I asked you guys in stories if you thought I should treat it as a One item a month or an extra.

Most of you cleverly replied that if it fits my criteria of my monthly item, then go for it, but keep the money I saved budget wise for a larger purchase.

I couldn’t agree more! So that’s what I did.

This bag is a great example of beautiful design in great quality without the designer price tag. At £395 it’s very reasonable for a handbag of this caliber.

I can think of a lot of designer brands I would skip and instead get a more understated bag like this one.

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #clevershopping

#LTKOver40 #LTKStyleTip #LTKWatchNow

How to be a more clever shopper.

It might sound innocent to pop to the shops for a browse. Especially if we are doing it socially with friends.

But what we actually are doing is setting ourselves up for impulse purchases, especially as there will be outer influence to buy something or a potential to feel like we are missing out when someone else does.

This sounds like an innocent habit, but it that makes us spend the money that could go towards dream purchases on items that we most likely won’t love.

The antidote is to only go to the shops when we have decided to look for something specific. Preferably we already know exactly the item and we are only going to try it on.

Are you guilty of going to shops to browse with friends?

🤍You can find the items I’m wearing in my link in bio, stories, or just comment and ask for the link 🤍

#tessmontgomery #clevershopping #wardrobeexpert

#LTKWatchNow #LTKSeasonal #LTKStyleTip

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