Sunday, January 6, 2013

15 closet essentials

here are 15 items my wardrobe can't live without! these items allow me to create a base for any outfit and also allow me versatility. if you're trying to reinvent your wardrobe or you find yourself buying things you wear once or twice, this is a good way to help get the most out of your clothing.

i am totally guilty of buying things that i only wear a few times, so now i've been making a point, if and when i go shopping, to ask myself how much use can i get out of this one piece? i also ask myself if this item is super trendy is it worth it? now i've been buying more classic wardrobe basics and finding that i get so much more out of one item of clothing because there are numerous ways to wear them.

thats not to say i dont buy something trendy every now and then, but if i do i buy in limited quantities and keep the colors or patterns as neutral as possible so i can carry it into the next season. but with these trendy pieces are the basics that can go along with them, so here are 15 things my wardrobe craves.

1. a white button down



this is essential for any wardrobe, no matter what your style is. the basic color allows you to dress it up or down, and allows you to layer as well. if your dress not work appropriate? layer this underneath and see if it looks more professional. or for a more comfy on the go outfit, pair this with jeans, flats and a scarf for a more relaxed feeling.

2. a sweater



a pullover sweater is great because its easy to slip on in a hurry, or an easy transition from the office to going out. keep it neutral so you can wear it with multiple outfits without seeming like you're wearing the same thing. you can layer it over the white button down for work, and then pull on a circle skirt in the evening to go out.

3. a white t-shirt



ok ok ok... i know these colors are getting kind of boring, but having a really nice white t-shirt will take you so far. again, its perfect for layering. i like v-necks because i can wear them underneath a button up to keep warmer or with a fun scarf, and jeans when im out and about.

4. can you guess?... a chambray shirt



i've said it before and ill say it again this goes with everything! the denim almost works as a neutral so those crazy printed pants you bought won't look so overwhelming. or you can wear them with a comfy pair of leggings and boots.. OR... underneath your sweater for work... OR... layered over a dress... OR... ok you get the point!

5. leggings



grey or black! these are perfect for lounging around or to wearing under dresses or skirts when its too cold outside. this is an item i dont mind paying a little extra for a higher quality. i wear my leggings all the time and i dont want them wearing thin so i pay a little bit more, but its so worth it. make sure if you're wearing leggings as pants that you're shirt covers your rear, leggings are not jeans so its flattering on no one as just pants.

6. speaking of... jeans!


investing in a comfortable pair or darker wash jeans is a must for any wardrobe. there will always be occasions that call for jeans, such as grocery shopping, hanging out with friends, or being more comfortable after work. denim is a must because they will go with almost anything in your closet. kind of obvious.

7. a little black dress



this is a given, just like the jeans, and i've explained before what to wear with a little black dress, so i wont go over it again. but every girl needs a little black dress.

8. a black button down cardigan



again more layering, but a black cardigan will go with so much in your wardrobe. during the summer switch it up with a white or cream one. but this will take you from day to night, over a button down or with a cute dress.

9. tank tops


white, black, cream, and gray. do not wear these by themselves! it is flattering on no one, but they are perfect for wearing underneath shirts. i have cami's in practically every color and wear them under everything. treat them as under garments and change them every day. during the day your dead skin cells attach themselves to your clothes, which is why its also a good idea to wear them underneath your clothing! gross but true.


10. blouse



a feminine blouse in a neutral shade such as white or cream is great for any wardrobe. most of the pieces i have listed so far have some kind of structure. adding a pretty blouse adds softness to your shade as opposed to rigid or straight cut lines, and they're easy to wear both casually or in the office.

11. a belt


i like to find versatile belts, one that can keep my pants up, or cinch in my waist when im wearing a dress. i also like to buy them in brown because even with black its breaks up the darkness with a change of color. finding a cute one with a pattern is also a plus too!

12. a good comfy pair or flats



i always like to have a pair of black, nude and gold flats. they're all essentially neutrals which can go with any outfit, whether its jeans or a skirt. i like black flats for my office outfits, nude flats for my casual outfits and gold to dress up.

13. riding boots



a cognac pair of riding boots are great for your wardrobe. they will go with every outfits. you can pair them with your leggings, jeans, or even with a skirt or dress. its a change from your flats every now and then, and can be the statement in your outfit if you choose.


14. a scarf



im gona say stick to leopard print, it adds pattern to a plain outfit, or works as a neutral to a more colorful one. if you're not a fan of animal print, stick to a simple neutral pattern with not to many colors so you can get the maximum wear out of it.

15. crossbody bag.



a small crossbody is good for your wardrobe. its small enough that you can stick it in your work purse in case you decide to go out after work, and its not bulky so if you need to run errands you dont need to worry about carting you're entire life with you. keep to black or brown so its easy to pair with most outfits and depending on whether you wear more gold or silver try to match the hardware to the majority of your jewelry collection.




so that is my 15 closet essentials and the things that i find myself wearing the most. you by no means have to make your outfits or wardrobe boring by buying only these things, but it not only makes choosing outfits easier but buying you're clothes as well. for example if you find a statement top try to find basics to go with it so you can get the maximum use out of it. its all about maximizing your wardrobe without spending a ton. choose the things you love and know you'll wear!

<3 til next time!

No comments:

Post a Comment