12 wardrobe staples a personal stylist uses to create the most outfits!
/This month we are on the subject of an overflowing closet yet your outfits just aren’t that exciting, we’ve decided the fault may not be with your clothes…but with your overall wardrobe concepts.
Another challenge that is holding women back to from enjoying getting dressed is with the types of pieces in your closet and what you can do with them. Having a closet filled with trendy or dramatic pieces can stop you from creating polished outfits.
While experimenting with a fun trend is not bad (it keeps your look modern and current), but having more trendy pieces than classic staples can put you’re your closet in a bad position. What do you think you mix and match those fashion forward pieces with? Your foundation!
The same goes for if you own too many wow pieces, you can’t dress head to toe in all statement pieces. It is best to have 1 or 2 items that is a show stoppers and the rest are classic pieces that always look amazing on you.
So how do you make these trendy and statement pieces OK to buy? First, make sure you have all your basics, from shoes to pants. Once you have a solid foundation, buy trends that fit into your aesthetic.
I’m never a fan of lists or must have items…I’m sure they are a ploy by the fashion industry to keep us buying new things! But there are certain items that I specifically look for when I am putting together outfits for clients. They are items that continuously support my clients and are the workhorses of their closet. These are the pieces that I believe are worth investing in if you do choose to purchase them, because they should last you a long time. As always, be sure to take into account your lifestyle, personal style, climate, etc. when making purchasing decisions, and calculate cost per wear when deciding what to budget for each item.
Here are the classic items a wardrobe stylist believe you should have in your closet
CLASSIC TRENCH
The easiest way to elevate a simple outfit is to throw a classic trench on top.
When choosing a trench coat, don’t rule out single breasted styles. The traditional double breasted style with bulky epaulets isn’t flattering on a lot of women depending on body type.
Camel and black are the traditional colors, but don’t rule out a fun color. The trench is also great to use as a raincoat if you have one that’s waterproof.
A trench is also the perfect style coat to wear over a blazer or bulky sweater.
A DENIM JACKET
A jean jacket is an all-American classic that can completely transform outfits…. used to dress up or dress down an outfit. I typically style a denim jacket with a floral dress to help it look a little more causal or to dress up a post workout outfit so you can grab lunch after the gym. It’s definitely one of the more useful items in my closet, especially on a chilly summer night or on vacation.
To avoid a denim jacket being too boxy… I recommend a fitted cropped style to denim your waistline without adding any unnecessary bulk.
SHOP DENIM JACKETS AND TRENCH COATS
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CASHMERE SWEATER
Nothing feels and looks quite the same as a cashmere sweater. You can layer it over a button-down shirt, under a blazer or denim jacket for work, with a skirt or dress pants… the possibilities are virtually endless.
For this purchase, I would go for a neutral that is super versatile like camel, grey, or black. I would also choose a classic style like a turtleneck, crewneck, or v-neck with clean lines, and of course make sure the fit is on point.
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
A classic black dress will serve you well for years. If black isn’t your color, navy is a good alternative.
A sheath or A-line are both timeless styles… depending I prefer a dress without much embellishment, and then I can add accessories to achieve the look I’m going for each time I wear it.
A LBD can we worn to cocktail party, charity event, to a funeral (unfortunately a necessary preplanned outfit we all should own), or on a date night. It’s so flattering and versatile.
This dress is the perfect foundation piece. You can add a leather jacket for an edgier look, a blazer for a professional look, or a trench for a classy event.
SHOP CASHMERE SWEATERS AND LITTLE BLACK DRESSES
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SEASONLESS BLACK PANTS
The pant silhouette that is trending may evolve over time, but an all season black trousers is certainly a timeless closet essential. For a truly classic pair, look for a “4-season” or “seasonless” wool blend that is designed to work for you all year round.
Ankle-length slim pants are all the rage right now, but don’t rule out a traditional trouser style either. If a pant should or shouldn’t have a pleat or pockets will depend on your body type.
DARK STRAIGHT LEG JEANS
Jeans that never go out of style? Dark wash denim. Perfect for dressing up or down,straight leg jeans in an ultra dark rinse will be your bread and butter for every season and every shape.
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LEATHER TOTE
There are basically two kinds of women in the world — you love handbags, and those who don’t. I’m sure you know which team I’m on!
A tote it should be classic, elegant, and functional. It must be large enough to hold all of your necessities your laptop, files, cosmetic bag, etc.,--- but not so large that it’s weighing you down. The straps need to be long enough that you can reach into the tote while it is on your shoulder, even when wearing a coat. It should stand on its own, without slouching, when it is placed on the floor or a table. It should be stylish enough to carry after hours, as it should take you from work to a lunch to school activities to dinner, you’ll want a bag that will transition from day to evening. A tote is one of the most important pieces in a professional women’s wardrobe, as it sets to tone for all of your outfits.
When deciding on which tote to invest in you really must think about what you want this piece to say about you… Carrying a designer handbag could be viewed differently within specific industries and demographics.
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CLASSIC EARRINGS
A stud of a hoop never goes out of style, and they go well with most necklaces, making them pretty handy to have. A classic earring helps to polish an outfit and complete your look.
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BELT
Belts are often overlooked as a staple accessory, but they are one of the main items that should be in your closet. You would be surprised how a simple, classic belt can completely transform a look. If you have a normally loose-fitting top, add a classy waist-belt to instantly cinch it in and define your womanly curves.
A belt should be your go-to for creating an hourglass shape. Use it to cinch a maxi dress, tunic, peasant blouse or one of those long cardigans. Just make sure the width of the belt is proportional to your height. A wide belt on a petite frame could make you look shorter rather than curvier; in which case, go for a skinnier belt.
A belt is also the perfect way to polish the popular half tuck…. Many of my client’s go to outfit finisher because it balances your proportions while helping you look taller and leaner. This tuck also can also make an outfit feel a little more sophisticated and smart especially when applied to a casual outfit.
It helps provide a bit of camouflage around the tummy area, while also making your legs look nice and long. I’ve noticed that when wearing a “French Tuck”, you tend to feel a bit leaner and more confident!
Fashion Sneaker
I find that with women that work in business or business casual setting, it is challenging for them to figure what to wear weekends. Everyone needs comfy sneakers to kick back on the weekends or wear on casual Friday. I’m partial to a fashion sneaker because, while casual, they can have a semi-sophisticated/dressy vibe when paired with more-polished separates.
Choose a sneaker with a simple, streamlined look and feminine colors and/or details and you’ll be able to make them work with countless combinations in your closet.
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NEUTRAL FLAT
A pointed flat or loafer are timeless, and I would make a case for having some of each. They dress up an outfit by instantly creating a polished look.
With a pointed toe flat you get the comfort of a flat coupled with the style of a pump.
Even in darker colors, they create a streamlined silhouette for your legs, instantly lengthening them.
Loafers are having a moment and this more tailored, menswear-inspired look is both comfortable and modern.
Both styles are classics that have stood the test of time, and it’s worth investing in a good pair (or two or three) if you wear them often.
Bonus:Nude-colored flats create a seamless transition from your leg to your foot, which, in a way, masks the real length of your leg. Think of it as an optical illusion of sorts.
SUEDE OR LEATHER PUMPS
I realize not every woman has a need for pumps in her wardrobe, but they’re definitely a great piece to have if you work in a professional environment or have events to attend with any regularity.
Pumps can be worn with everything from skirts and dresses to jeans and even shorts, if you have the personality to pull it off!
For this purchase, I recommend investing in nude and/or black first, and if you wear pumps a lot, it’s nice to have a leopard pair and some fun colors as well.
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Again, this isn’t a list of wardrobe essentials, but rather items that stand the test of time, so it’s worth investing in quality pieces.
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