We love getting dressed. Yes, every single day we get to enjoy the splendor that is fashion, showing off what new-new we copped at this sale or that exclusive drop, or flaunting how smooth our face is because we decided to upgrade our skincare routine.
But style starts at the home, before you go to bed when you moisturize your face, in the shower after you wake up and when you go to your closet to choose your outfit. It happens outside of work hours, when your shoes need some TLC or a button needs sewing. Little upgrades here and there can set you up 10 out of 10 outfit for the day and the right tools can keep that average going for much longer. For that, we’ve put together this list of style essentials for the home, from head to toe.
Gentle Laundry Detergent
First thing’s first: be gentle on your clothes. Use a detergent that’s mild and easy on your clothes. While we like our fragrances and can’t deny that the smell of laundry is objectively good, save the perfumes for your person and not your clothes.
Clothes Drying Rack
This goes for the drying cycle, too. It may take more time to air dry your clothes, but that time you put in pays dividends on your clothes’ longevity (not to mention the Earth).
Proper Hangers
Once your garments are clean and dry, make sure to hang them up with a good hanger. Avoid the flimsy, thin plastic ones if you can. Clothes are made to hang on a human body (which is three-dimensional). When they’re not on you, they should be hung on a hanger with wider shoulders, lest you want your clothes to slowly deform and lose shape over time. Hangers made from cedar wood help to defend your clothes from moths, so opt for these if you can.
Steam Iron
Nobody wants to see a wrinkled shirt. Invest in an iron, especially if the occasion is meeting with investors or your future in-laws.
Ironing Board
For the love of Ralph Lauren, do not try to iron your clothes on your bed or coffee table. Invest in an ironing board, preferably one that has a rack to hold your iron.
Steamer
Steaming your clothes in the shower does not work. It’s good for wasting water and developing black mold in your bathroom. Instead, get an actual steamer that will quickly and effectively get those wrinkles out.
Sewing Kit
Your clothes will eventually need some tune-ups. Plus, learning to sew and mend clothes is a skill you should know since home ec isn’t really a thing anymore.
Leather Soap
After a good bath soak replete with bubbles, surrounded by candles and meditative tunes, maintaining your leather shoes is the next most-relaxing thing. For that, start with some leather soap like this one.
Leather Conditioner
Once you’ve cleaned your shoes, make sure to condition them with some leather lotion or oil. It’s just like the shower.
Horsehair Shoe Brushes
Oh, and before you go to town on your shoe care regimen, make sure you’re using the proper tools.
Reusable Lint Brush
Lint happens. Rather than using lint rollers that you constantly have to refill, try a reusable lint brush.
Nail Clippers
Now let’s shift the focus to you. Unless you’re going for a world record, keep your nails trimmed and neat.
Beard Trimmer
Taming a mane, trimming the hedges or having a Britney Spears moment, an electric trimmer is there for you.
Grooming Scissors
For those who are deft with scissors to do some mane maintenance, a solid pair of grooming scissors stretches your dollar more than trips to the barber.
Gentle Soap
Like treating and caring for your clothes, you want to be gentle on your skin, too. Try a soap for sensitive skin that’s free of scents and harsh ingredients.
Lotion
Even the most gentle soap can wash away some of your skin’s natural oils. Follow up the wash with a good lotion to prevent dry skin and keep your natural moisture barrier intact.
