If you have momentum going after completing the four essential layers of your fall wardrobe: layer one (classic garments), layer two (classic shoes and accessories), layer three (statement garments), and layer four (statement shoes and accessories), you can continue on and add in as many optional lifestyle layers as you want!

This layer is different than the previous four because it includes all categories of items that could fall under the lifestyle title. Instead of shoes and accessories being separate, they are included with garments in this layer.

Layer Five: Optional Lifestyle

• Lifestyle-based collections that include: garments, shoes and accessories.
• Category collections: workout items, pajamas, cold weather items, swimwear and beach items.

My Layer Five Workout Collection:

Black Leggings | Tan & Blue Leggings (old – similar from the same brand) | Burgandy Leggings | Green Printed Leggings (old – same style in a similar solid color) | Orange Crop | Teal Bra (old) | Tanks/shirts are all old Nike | Black Shorts | Green Shorts | Black Hoodie (old – similar) | Both pairs of sneakers are old Nikes (similar black) | Apple Watch | Hair Tie

How to Decide What and How Many Items You Need in an Optional Lifestyle Layer:

Just like you prepped and planned for layers 1-4:

• Pull out everything you have for this layer/collection, try it all on and sort through it— make keep, maybe and donate/sell piles.
• Separate keep items out into categories so you can see it all.
• Write down everything you have by category.
• Make a shopping list, considering your: budget, lifestyle, and style preferences (review what works in your keep items and what did not work in your donate/sell items for clarity/direction on new purchases).
• Fill in your categories with intention and shop through your list as your budget allows (there is no exact number of items in this layer— it is whatever works for you).

Where I Shop for Items in This Layer:

Since I’ve chosen my layer five to be a workout collection, I’ll share my favorite places to shop for the items in this layer:

NIKE. A classic athletic brand, great for all of the things in a workout collection. This brand is sold at a lot of different retailers, so it is really accessible. I have always found items from this brand to be great quality.

Standout favorites: shoes and shirts/tanks

OUTDOOR VOICES. This brand is a favorite of mine because they have the most comfortable running shorts that I’ve ever put on my body! (pictured in an outfit below) The band on the shorts is wide, stretchy and feels just like the top of yoga pants— they stay in place and do not squeeze your waist. The quality is great and I love the colors and patterns of their leggings.

Standout favorites: shorts and leggings

LULULEMON. The items I have from this brand have lasted for so many years! The quality is great and I love the materials they use. Their leggings have great compression and they are comfortable!

Standout favorites: leggings, tanks

AERIE. If you want cute on a budget, this place is it! It is super affordable and the quality is great. They make a lot of matching sets and use prints as well as solid colors.

Standout favorites: leggings, oversized tees, sweatshirts, bike shorts

FREE PEOPLE. Their movement line is not only cute but also so comfy! I have one of the crop tank/bras (you can see it in one of my outfits below) and it’s this magical material that stays put, is so soft, and doesn’t squeeze. I have honestly never felt anything like it!

Standout favorites: crop tank/bras

Layer Five Outfit Ideas from a Workout Collection:

Tank (old) | Watch | Leggings | Shoes (old – similar)

Jacket (old) | Tank (old) | Shorts | Watch | Shoes (old)

Orange Crop | Sweatshirt (old from H&M – similar) | Leggings | Shoes (old – similar)

As you finish intentionally filling in your wardrobe, I hope that you feel inspired to make new outfits and empowered to be your unique self! Because you thoughtfully built your wardrobe with items you needed, items that fit your lifestyle, and items you love— the days of feeling like you have, “nothing to wear” will be gone and you will be able to make a variety of interesting outfits!

I am excited to continue to share outfit inspiration with you all through my blog posts, on Instagram, and on Pinterest!  If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through this series— it was so much fun to write and share with you!

***This post was originally published on August 27, 2020 and was updated on September 10, 2021.***