Ever since starting this little blog here, more and more of my friends, family, and co-workers ask me for advice on their own closets and sartorial choices. I’m always happy to talk endlessly with anyone about what they should or should not be investing in, which fast fashion trends will be gone by the next season, and closet cleaning sessions fueled by champagne and laughter. But this made me realize that I’m vastly overdue a post on my basic essentials; what I consider the foundation elements to a successful closet and wardrobe. So here’s my list of the 15 basic requirements every woman should have. Each of these can vary from person to person, but I think hold true no matter your style or taste.
1. Blazer
In the words of Nina Garcia, the blazer is “the jacket that women blatantly stole from the boys and then wore it better”. The beauty of the blazer is that it can just as much fun to dress up as it is to dress down. It can tie any outfit together and give you a polished finish. Now you can definitely experiment with colors and patterns, but if you can only choose one blazer, go with a neutral color like a tan, navy, or black. You’ll be able to wear a neutral-hued blazer in and out of the work place, and with as many color combinations as you’d like.
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2. Striped Shirt
A striped shirt can easily toggle between nautical and french looks. And what girl wouldn’t love that sort of versatility in a top? Horizontal stripes have gotten a bad rap. It’s a complete myth that they make a gal look wider. Thin stripes are flattering and a friend to all of us.
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3. Statement Necklace
A true statement necklace is equal parts large and bold. It’s eye-catching and should be the focal point of your top half if not your entire ensemble. A show-stealing necklace is the easiest and quickest way to transition any outfit from day to night.
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4. Little Black Dress (LBD)
Ah, yes. No “Fashion Essential” list can exist without mentioning the classic of classics, the little black dress or LBD. One thing to keep in mind when trying to find the perfect little black dress for is that usually it’s the perfect little black dress that finds you. This is one of the items where, if you can afford to splurge on a quality piece that looks amazing on you, DO IT! The fit here is the key to success. You should look and feel like your best self. An LBD is timeless, classy, and can be worn to work, a date, or just a night out with the girls. This is your chance to be Audrey Hepburn, so make the most of it.
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5. Bright Flats
To me it’s not enough to just wear a simple flat. Ugh, what a wasted opportunity. Now I don’t usually wear flats, but when I do, they POP! Whether neon, sparkly, or otherwise embellished, I always want a flat to be eye-catching. Now I fully admit that, at 5’3″, I’m likely overcompensating for my shorter stature by making a flatter shoe feel and look a bit more special than I might with a simple pump. And if you’re taller and feel like your only option is a flat, than making them brighter and flashier is a great way to make-up for not rocking a sky-high stiletto.
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6. White Oxford
It’s hard to beat a classic, clean, and structured white oxford. They look just as great with trousers and heels for work as they do with ripped denim and bright wedges for weekend fun. Personally, I like mine with french cuffs because nothing beats flashing a pair of vintage cuffs at brunch. A classic oxford can be as simple or as fancy as you want it to be. A silky and more blouse-y option is also a suitable choice and equally as versatile. But if you’re looking for something a bit more economy-friendly and easier to wash than you really can’t beat a cotton option.
Shop White Oxfords here
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7. Trench Coat
The beauty of a traditional khaki-colored trench coat is that this one coat can be as conservative or as trendy as you want it to be. This is a coat, born of a need for function over style (it was originally designed for the British soldiers of WWI), and yet both needs are easily met. Now, with that being said, an attention to fit is important to avoid looking like a walking, talking cardboard box. Nowadays, there are tons of options available in differing colors, cuts, lengths, price-points, etc. So don’t be afraid to live a little when shopping for your own trench.
Shop Trench Coats here
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8. Oversized Watch
I’m going to state here and now my personal preference for a “man’s” watch as a great twist on the classic wrist watch. They’re big, they’re bold, and most importantly they are eye-catching. Michael Kors created a bit of a frenzy several years back when he started making and marketing mulitudes of “boyfriend watches” to the masses.
Shop Oversized Watches here.
9. Wrap Dress
I’m of the firm belief that if you’re going to do a wrap dress, you should do a wrap dress right. And it doesn’t get any better than the iconic Diane Von Furstenberg. Made to fit and flatter every woman, there is just no way a woman doesn’t feel beautifully feminine when rocking a gorgeous printed wrap dress. Now of course I realize that not everyone can afford a DVF dress so here are a couple of pointers if looking for something a little less pricey. Go for a jersey material that’s not clingy and breaths. The waist-synching sash should be located at your natural waist for the utmost in figure flattery. Go for a print to really make this piece shine and rock it with either stilettos or boots, at work or on a date.
Shop Wrap Dresses here .
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10. Statement Clutch
A statement clutch is another one of those great opportunities to keep all eyes on you. If you think of your outfit as an ice cream sundae, a clutch is the cherry on top. Beaded, animal print, tassels, silks, satins, and studs. A clutch is meant to enhance a look, so don’t be afraid to take advantage and have fun. One thing that I have a tendency to forget here and there is to make sure that my clutch can fit all of my essentials (lipstick, keys, phone, credit cards, etc.). There’s nothing worse than trying to juggle a great clutch, keys, and a phone.
Shop Statement Clutches here
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11. Leopard Heels
I cannot overstate this enough. Every woman should have a pair of leopard heels in her arsenal, regardless of her preferred heel height. Like the LBD, a great pair of leopard heels will find you, so don’t try to force it. Leopard is a neutral so it’s pretty easy to ace your leopard selection (though I would caution against smaller spots as they tend to look a bit too Real Housewives of New Jersey for my taste). I like to have fun with my leopard shoes, whether it’s playing with colors or prints.
Shop Leopard Heels here
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12. Red Lipstick
There was no way I was going to put together a list of my fashion essentials without at least one lipstick color making the list. I went back and forth between red or fuchsia, and in the end decided with the more classic red. This is definitely one of those items that should be tailored to each person. What works for one, may not work for the next so make sure to experiment with different tones and shades before deciding on what works best for you.
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13. Sun Hat
One of my favorite summer items is the floppy sun hat. The bigger the better as far as I’m concerned. The most important part of any woman’s look is her skin, so even though we all love our beach time, don’t forget to protect your face and shoulders from over-exposure. A floppy sun hat can even accentuate a beach look if you like that 1950’s bathing beauty look. There are tons of options out there right now when it comes to shapes and colors so go nuts. I know I do.
Shop Sun Hats here
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14. Knee-Heeled Boots
So far I’ve covered a flat, a heel, and now it’s time to tackle the boot. I realize that booties are all the rage right now but it’s hard to beat a leather-heeled knee-high boot. Whether below a skirt or over skinny jeans, a solid boot will take you through numerous fall seasons in high style. This style of boot is meant to be sleek, so make sure you don’t go for anything too chunky or over-embellished (I can’t believe I just said that either). Keep it simple, and you’ve got a very versatile piece of footwear at your disposal.
Shop Knee-Heeled Boots here
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15. Sparkles
I’ve saved the best and most important part for last. Sparkles! Sequins! Beading! Oh my! It’s important to have fun with your clothing and what is more fun the glittery embellishments? Wear as little or as much as you like, but make sure you make your sparkle your own. Personally, I try to add a touch of sparkle to every outfit but then that’s my personality. Do what best fits yours.
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