042: Workhorses vs. Show Ponies
And other metaphors for building your closet
Call them staples, call them workhorses, hell, call them the meal, either way you need them to do the heavy lifting and sustain you through life. And then, there’s the show ponies, the spices if you will. Their fun, their flirty, they steal the show, they’re what makes life worth living. What would a meal be without the spices? Bland, and don’t you ever forget it. Welcome to Workhorses vs. Show Ponies: Episode 1.
Let Us Cook
AB: I took a step inside my closet for the sake of this topic, and looking at it from that POV gave me very interesting information about what kind of shopper and dresser I am. I was shocked to find that the “workhorses” of my closet were specific articles of clothing, instead of a wardrobe within my wardrobe. What I mean is when I first thought of what a “workhorse” item was I figured it would be along the lines of what most would consider “staple pieces”. Which it is! But, you would think the majority of people have these things in each category of the closet i.e. a capsule closet. A base that sets the tone for the style to come into play. This could be the perfect white T-shirt and pair of denim (the most cliché of them all), or your it trench coat and a sneaker. You can make a thousand looks with those workhorses. However, my core happened to be my entire section of pants and my entire section of jackets. To me, and how I get dressed everyday, the pants are the true meat and potatoes, and my jacket collection, the bread and butter! I am talking about STAPLE PIECES!! Things I will never get rid of, have emotional connections to, and where I start when getting ready each day. My looks are made on those foundations. Which I am unsure is a common thing??
CM: That’s a perfect intro AB. When ruminating on this topic, I started a checklist in my head. You know, white t-shirt, straight leg denim, black long sleeve, yadda yadda—very capsule closet if you catch my drift. And then I really looked at the clothes hanging in there and one thing in particular popped out at me. I have a white long sleeve tee, a black long sleeve tee, a grey long sleeve tee and an olive green long sleeve tee—stay with me here—I only wear the grey one, but I bought all the others thinking I needed to have them checked off the ‘basics list’ but guess what chickadees, my ‘basics’ don’t have to be the same as the next chicas, in fact my workhorses shouldn’t be. AND SO, let’s reframe. Your workhorses are not a 2015 Pinterest capsule closet consisting of browns and beiges, they are the foundations of your daily style.
AB: I discovered this revelation by actually exploring all my tops first. It quickly became very clear that with all the frills, colors and shapes my tops were not my foundational pieces but where I did all the playing. These, along with my skirts and dress all became a collection of items that felt more fun and creative, where my pants and jackets felt serious and well – hard working! This led to a series of more questions, but what’s not discovery without curiosity! So, in case you're like me, here are examples of my closet’s workhorses, that go OT, vs. my keeping-things-exciting show ponies.
AB: Now you'll notice that I have a skirt on both my lists. I found that in this specific category of my collection (I have a v large closet, there is A LOT of data collecting) I have a strong case for both. And, if I am being honest it isn't one special lady that is the overachiever here, it's that I wear them all, but a skirt variable is so often chosen. The idea of a skirt is my work horse, but I often choose a style that aligns with the show ponies.
CM: Like my gal AB here, I find that jackets and jeans are my usual workhorses. For tops, I have three white tees and then this blue cashmere sweater that I can’t live without, from there it’s more of a shape + style than it is a specific few. Though that does change with the seasons (duh). In fact, tops are my biggest struggle in style. I never have enough and I never know which show ponies to pick. As such, my spring workhorses are as follows: quilted jacket, barrel jeans in two colors, a suede jacket, leather jacket (for when it’s raining)—I, for the life of me, could not find a good match for what actually sits in my closet, a light green collarless suede jacket, so this and the pictured below will have to do—mesh flats (I rotate these in often, too) and tall black boots.
CM: As for show ponies, I’ve really picked up some GREAT ones this season—if you’ve been with us for a minute you’ve seen my *actual* fits, these are as close as I can get for ya. I have bright colors, fun prints, varying hemlines—even though I’d consider my barrel jeans to be a staple, I’ve tried to add in some other options to shake it up. I like my show ponies to feel different, because I already feel like me when I pair them with my workhorses. I would also like to note that I’m really working hard on adding more color into my regular round up of show ponies. A few faves: red leather jacket, cow print pants, cropped patterned sweater vest, something floral like this skirt (or this sweater), mesh flats, butter yellow cardigan (duh), boxer shorts.
Honorable Mentions
AB: I did find every piece of the suggested above second hand. You’re welcome!
Work it!!: Cargo pants, wide leg pants, cheetah print midi skirt, epic chore jacket, my take on a denim jacket is that no one does it better than vintage levi’s, trench coat (burberry nonetheless)
Show and tell: Graphic tee, woven button up, statement sweater, mini skirt (not convinced this is real prada but the pleats are on point), maxi dress, or I am loving this one!
Deep Cuts
CM: Burberry’s comeback. Iconic.
CM: It’s a mermaid summer and Chloé is leading the charge—I’m here for it. If you want to hop in on the trend but invest in pieces that literally won’t quit summer after summer, I’d start with some vintage jewelry. Don’t worry, I shopped for you: this shell necklace, this pendant, conch earrings, scallop earrings (these are clip-ons!), it’s giving aquamarine, these are cutie clip-ons too, a bag that is rattan AND a shell (?!?!) say less, a classic shape for any fit, mother of pearl clutch!!!!
Before You Go
CM: We have so many exciting things coming to you in Summer ‘25! If you’ve been paying attention (and following along on IG) we are busy little bees but we love you nonetheless and are grateful you’re here!
AB: Curious to know how your closet works! Let us know in the comments <3
Ciao for now. xx