Wardrobe basics: 10 things you need!
I know that it seems quite confusing sometimes when it comes to buying clothes these days with the fast fashion moving at a scary rate; new collections keep dropping on a daily! Buying trendy, cheaply made pieces seems to make sense nowadays but I believe that they aren’t necessary in your wardrobe unless you know you will get your wear out of them. Buying just to buy is pointless and not only makes a dent in your wallet but also a dent on our planet. It is quite important to invest in good quality pieces that will always be necessary to have around in your wardrobe and those are the basics; the building blocks and foundation of a good solid wardrobe. Basically, that’s where your big money should go! We women tend to fall for adverts quite easily and feel like we need to own a lot of shit, but truly we don’t…when you have the basics down, you can easily mix and match whatever you want with them…plus you will be at a point where you no longer have to stress about what to wear. Here are the staples I think every woman should have in her wardrobe:
* Leather Jacket *
A leather jacket is the epitome of badass when it comes to fashion; it adds a certain edge to an outfit without being too out there or too in your face and what I love about a leather jacket is that you can take it from day to night and still look like a million dollars. Investing in good quality leather will ensure that you keep this piece in your wardrobe for years and years…and what’s awesome about leather is that the more you wear it the more it will be amazing as it takes your shape and you’re individuality; you basically become the jacket and the jacket becomes you. Make sure to pick something that is classic but still has a something something to describe you and make you stand out. I would say go with black because you can easily mix and match it with any other item in your wardrobe, but if you feel like you can do another color easily, then go for it! Don’t let anyone stop you!
* Crisp White Shirt *
Whatever your work field is, you will always need a basic white shirt. A good quality classic white button-down shirt will always save you when it comes to meetings or dates or any other important outing. A basic white shirt can take your outfit ten notches up and will make you go from drab to fab in no time. You will look crisp, clean and ready to take on the world! This basic will always be in trend and will always be necessary, so make sure to invest in a good cotton shirt or even silk, whatever your preference, but just make sure that the fit is right and the buttons stay closed! You can never go wrong with having a button down shirt in your wardrobe. If you are in a field that requires you to wear shirts on a daily, then go crazy with the colors and give yourself plenty of options.
* Black Dress *
The little black dress is basically a no brainer and every woman should own at least one LBD in her wardrobe for emergencies. This is a basic piece that you can take from day to night easily without fuss or hassle; just make sure to accessories accordingly and you’re set! Make sure to buy a dress that you’re really in love with and that suits your body type; like that you know that it’ll stay in your wardrobe for a long time. Black dresses are super versatile so don’t be afraid to drop a little more coin into buying one.
Tailored Blazer
This is must even if you don’t work in an office on a daily because it takes any outfit to a whole new level of professionalism. I honestly always feel like I can take on anything when I wear a good tailored blazer; it makes such a difference in the way you hold yourself and the way you present yourself to the world. Making sure that the fit is snug and just right is crucial to owning a blazer. Owning a blazer in a basic color is always a good idea as it can be a versatile piece to wear even over evening dresses to add a little je ne sais quoi element to your look. If you feel like owning two or three in different patterns or colors, go for it because you can never go wrong with them.
* Pumps: Black, Nude & Red (or any pop of color you choose) *
You definitely need a good pair of basic black pump in your wardrobe…but I feel like you also need a good nude pump and a good red pump…maybe not necessarily red, but a good pop of color is needed because you can add this to a boring outfit and make it ten times better and more interesting. Owning black pumps is a must for any woman! Neutral, goes with anything, perfect for work and special outings! Basically a good quality made pump is the be all end all to any outfit! It is the finishing touch to your whole look and making sure that your shoes are right will make you look amazing and then some!
* Dark wash denim *
Dark wash denim is genius to own in your wardrobe; especially when it is tailored and good quality. Don’t pay for jeans that don’t fit you snugly in the right places and certainly don’t pay for jeans that stretch so much that become super baggy when worn. Choose a cut that you are comfortable in but make sure it is dark wash because it’s more versatile and can even work for the office when worn with smart pieces such as a beautiful button down shirt. Dark wash jeans fit a bunch of different scenarios and so don’t shy away from spending a little more on a good pair. Plus dark wash is a lot more flattering than light wash.
* Trousers (Black or whichever color you feel comfortable in) *
We all need a good pair of tailored trousers; this is pretty much a no brainer. Trousers are essentials to own because they smarten your look whenever you need. They’re like a trusted friend that will never do you wrong! Always there and always by your side to make you look elegant, feminine and put together. Trousers will get you through the week; it’s a Monday through Sunday piece; you can easily wear it to work or even to brunch…just make sure to buy a pair that fits you right and accentuates all your good parts. A black pair would be a must-have but if you want to own other colors, it wouldn’t be wrong. Trousers are smart and they’re a great investment!
* Plain White Tee *
No closet is complete without a plain white tee; however, there are different types of qualities…a million cut and a million styles. No piece is more versatile than this item; it is pretty much your holy grail! Always make sure to have a white tee on hand because you can dress it up or down, wear it to work or on a night out. You can style it in many different ways and make it your own. Tucking it into pants, skirts, jeans, you can choose to put it with whatever item you own and you will look amazing for sure.
* Ballet Flats *
Pretty much like the pumps, ballet flats are a must because they’re smart but can be casual too depending on how you style them. Let’s not forget that they are also very comfortable. They can add a little pizazz to your outfit depending on the style you decide to go with. Pointy toe, sling-backs, Mary-Janes…you choose what best suits your lifestyle and you’re all set.
* Evening Dress, Fancy Skirt or Jumpsuit *
Depending on your lifestyle and your own liking, you should have something fancy to wear to special events. Choose a piece to make your own that helps sets you apart from others; something elegant, something feminine and well-made. I would personally go with a jumpsuit because you can never go wrong with jumpsuits. Buying a jumpsuit in a plain color can be very versatile for an evening out…you just have to style it with the right accessories. Not many people would go with a jumpsuit and this is why it would be a great investment because you will have something special to be in. Evening pieces don’t necessarily have to be bedazzled from head to toes; having interesting details in those garments such as cut and stitching can make a whole difference. Choosing a dress or a skirt can be easier as they are available pretty much everywhere you go, just make sure that the cut suits your body type and with that you’ll be set.
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Day to day dressing becomes easier when you have the foundations of a basic wardrobe. Having these essentials available to you at all times help you build a wardrobe that you are proud of and that you can easily dress out of…when you have those essentials, you simply build around it so that you can easily mix and match other pieces to have many different looks. You don’t need a big closet to dress pretty and nice, you just need good quality items that will see you through and will be your best friend for a long time. Investing in those pieces is important so that you don’t change them too often or throw them away. Be sure to have items that please you and make you feel extra special.
