When it comes to parties, some pieces don't work

There’s no sense in having a beautiful wardrobe if you don’t take care of it, especially when going out on the weekends. I’ve spent enough time seeing bands in the beer-soaked basements of Bloomington’s houses to be sick of cracked boot soles and silk dresses blemished by the careless spills of others.

Now, when I brave the inebriated madness, I’m sure to put thought into my outfit choices in terms of style and durability.

If you haven’t gathered by now, I’m a boot person. If they’re vintage, leather and just my size, I guard them with my life, which means never wearing them to a party. Unlike more modern boots that have flexible rubber soles, vintage boots tend to have hard soles that crack when exposed to harsh temperatures and precipitation, which means they’re better suited for wearing during the week than on the dance floor. The same goes for any boots that you love — if you want to keep them nice, don’t risk wearing them out.

Instead, I opt for a pair of “throwaway boots.” This pair should only put you back about $30 and be frill-free in basic black or brown. They go with anything and are usually fashioned out of man-made materials. When they get too torn up after a year or two, you won’t be saying goodbye to an expensive, one-of-a-kind pair.

Fabrics are also key. As much as I love my silk and rayon pieces, these are meant to be dry-cleaned and are therefore not suited for a messy evening of party hopping.

Also, be wary of polyester. While it is amazing in terms of wrinkle resistance, polyester can actually retain odors after a certain amount of time, making the smells of a cigarette smoke-filled porch linger well past the morning after. Keep cottons, wools and other natural fabrics in mind for low maintenance.

Finally, don’t be one of the people who skips a coat. Another chilly Bloomington winter isn’t far from now, and while watching or carrying a coat all evening can be a tad annoying, it beats having a cold or being cold.

A long, belted pea coat should be an addition to your outfit, not something that covers it up, so enjoy a double-breasted wool trench that will keep you warm and in style forever.

Building a wardrobe of staple and well-loved pieces takes more than just investment; you also have to be sure to maintain your delicate favorites. When you keep your fabrics and footwear in mind and out of parties, you can be sure the pieces you’ve put money into will last as long as your love for them.