After I read The Budget Fashionista’s article, “Ten things you should have in your closet”, it got me thinking about which pieces I consider to be closet must haves.
And despite being a commitment phobe, here’s my list of the items I think every wardrobe needs (in no particular order):
• Great fitting jeans – You want a pair that fits well and comes in a dark wash, which works with dressy and casual outfits.
• Blazer – Pick a neutral color like black or brown and you can wear it to work, on dates, and to party. You can practically sleep in it because it goes with so many outfits!
• Perfect pumps – The color is irrelevant to me. The key here is to get something you can walk in for long periods of time without wincing in pain. You can pick the heel height though I do recommend a heel that’s at least 2.5 inches tall.
• Comfortable flats – You need a cool pair of flats for those moments when you need a break from heels. Of course neutral colors will work but an interesting hue or print makes wearing flats even more fun.
• Versatile dress – Try a sleeveless or strapless dress so that you can top it with a cardigan, shrunken sweater, or a blazer. Style tip: Consider using a plain, long skirt as a dress. Instead of wearing the skirt in its conventional way, pull the skirt up over your chest and wear it like a strapless dress.
• Basic suit – Stick to black, brown, navy, or gray. Just make sure that it fits well on you. (Don’t be afraid to have a suit altered by a tailor if it doesn’t fit well off the rack.)
• Tanks/tees – One or two tees or tanks can easily be incorporated into your wardrobe. Most people would recommend black or white and I can’t argue with that logic. However, I do believe that selecting your favorite colors will enhance your closet by adding a punch of color.
• Quality handbag – If you can’t afford to spend a lot of money on building your wardrobe, I recommend that you obtain the best handbag you can afford. And most people won't agree with me on this idea but I strongly encourage you to purchase a bag in another color other than black or brown. If most of your wardrobe is in a neutral color palette, your handbag will complement it nicely regardless of its color. Choose a color that you're enamored with and you'll enjoy carrying it everyday! Shopping tip: Try TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Loehmann’s, or some other discount retailer since they have good quality bags at reduced prices. They also carry designer handbags so check these stores regularly for great sales.
• Wear with everything coat – I like a coat in a print or fun color. You can wear it with jeans, pants, or a skirt. It is essential for looking chic AND staying warm.
• Boots – This item depends on where you live. If you live in a cold-weather location, you have to buy something that you can actually wear through the snow. If you live in a place with milder winters, you can afford to have boots that cater to looks over function.
• Strappy sandals – I recommend a pair in a metallic color like gold or silver. They can be worn in numerous ways in the summer and for special occasions in the winter.
• Key accessory – For me a key accessory is a belt to wear around my natural waist. For other people this accessory could be a pair of funky glasses, a scarf, or a signature necklace.
That’s my list. It was a little tougher than I thought to compile. Feel free to submit comments or drop me an email with your wardrobe must haves.
I agree with the list. It's very quintessential D. Dot. I can't agree more about the bag and the key accessory. In fact, if you can't manage to do the other things on this list, the bag and accessories will make the $3 tank top from Hanes look like something.
Posted by: Jess | February 27, 2007 at 06:04 PM