The Five Wardrobe Staples You Need!
I have said it before, and I will say it again. Classic basics are the building blocks of your wardrobe. Without them, it is difficult to build a polished and cohesive look. Once you have the basics that are perfect for you, your wardrobe options will be endless! Keep reading for my curated client favorites for the basic staples you need for all budgets!
The White Tee
Every wardrobe should have that perfect white T-shirt that can be worn by itself or layered underneath a third piece. Once you find a white T-shirt that you love, buy another one. It never hurts to have an additional one. Also, a white tee is a clean slate for accessories that will express your own personal style. If you are one of the girls that is fed up with the tiny holes that happen in your T-shirt, then invest in a higher-quality cotton that will last longer.
SAVE: Madewell White Crewneck T-shirt $19.99
SPLURGE: Rag and Bone The Tee $90
Leather Jacket
Whether it’s real leather or higher-quality faux leather, a leather or suede jacket is the perfect third piece for any women’s wardrobe. Although a moto style is my personal favorite, there are all sorts of different styles available, so find the one that speaks to you! This third piece complements both casual and dressier styles. Make sure to find one that fits well in the shoulders and that the sleeves are the correct length. If either of these fits need to be tweaked, a trip to the tailor would certainly be worth the investment.
SAVE: BLANKNYC Faux Leather Jacket $98
SPLURGE: IRO Ashville Leather Jacket $1,200
Blazer
Although black would be my first suggestion, any color or print of blazer would be a great addition to a wardrobe. Layer a blazer over a T-shirt for that off-duty look or over a button-down blouse for that quintessential classic look. If you are just now getting in the blazer game, start with single breasted. The one caveat with a blazer—make sure it fits correctly! As with a leather jacket, make sure the shoulder lines are in the correct place and that the sleeves are not too long. This is also a piece that would be worth a trip to the tailor.
SAVE: H&M Single Breasted Black Blazer $39.99
SPLURGE: Veronica Beard Scuba Black Jacket $600
Black Denim
My number one wardrobe staple is a great pair of black denim jeans. Find a style that fits your shape like a glove and you will instantly slim your figure.
Quick Tip: To keep the color from fading, do a vinegar wash for the first wash. Turn the denim inside out before placing in the machine. Add ¼ cup white vinegar and do a rinse cycle on cold. Hang to dry. This trick should help to set the dye of your denim.
SAVE: Madewell Roadtripper $75
SPLURGE: Mother The Dazzler Straight Leg $198
Black Pump
Every woman needs a pair of black pointed-toe pumps in her closet. You may not wear them every day, but when you need to look polished, these are key! I prefer a sleek black leather or black suede. Make sure the shoe fits your instep and isn’t too narrow in the toe box. If comfort is important to you, invest in a pair that you will have forever.
SAVE: Sam Edelman Hazel $150
SPLURGE: Jimmy Choo Romy Pump $595 ■
Written by: Abby Wood
Abby Wood is a wardrobe stylist and style blogger in Kansas City, and her education in design plus retail experience make her an expert in fit, fabric, style and trends. Her professional experience in fashion began with an apprenticeship with a bridal designer, shifted to creating and showing her own line, moving up to management and training at a retail level and now professional styling as an independent consultant. Abby loves to help individuals develop and evolve their own sense of style.
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