These are the top ten basics that should be in every woman's closet. If it is a wardrobe essential that means it is versatile, classic, and timeless. These are the ten items that come up time after time again, which is why they are closet staples!
1. The Little Black Dress- how many times have you seen this or heard about this? Well, it's constantly stressed for a reason! (Side note: this is also credited to Chanel!) The Little Black Dress will be here time after time and decade after decade. Your LBD is your blank canvas. Accessorize! Brand does not matter here and the price is immaterial, since it can be justified by the number of times worn, which equals priceless!
"When the little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place." - Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor
2. The Wrap Dress- Buy it! Own it! Love it! Cherish it! I promise you, this will be your go-to dress. This dress is for every woman, any shape or size. It hugs all the right places and elegantly drapes over the others. What better brand to buy this from than the woman who created the wrap dress: Diane Von Furstenberg. You can try Banana Republic for a less expensive version. Buy it in black, buy it in print, wear it with pumps, wear it with boots- just buy it and wear it and you will thank me later!
"I design for the woman who loves being a woman." - Diane Von Furstenberg
3. The Blazer- Thank you boys (and Chanel of course)! This can go with your LBD (Staple #1), or your skinny jeans (Staple #10), or tights (Staple #6). You can dress it up or dress it down for a casual look with your plain white tee (Staple #7). Actually, the blazer can go with all of the Staples listed! Start with the classic black blazer first, whether it is unconstructed or oversized or tailored to your body. My favorite? Helmut Lang! Less expensive favorite? Zara or TopShop!
"It is about style, not fashion. Fashions come and go, but style is forever." - Yves Saint Laurent
4. Black Trousers- I prefer pleated, but pleated is not for everyone. I also like high-waisted trousers with a boot cut or even straight leg. But the more trendy trouser right now is the wide-leg. If they are long, DO NOT be afraid to tailor them (future post)! Either way they are a must-have in a working girl's life!
"Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress." - Chanel
5. Crisp White Button Down- The white button down shirt should fit you well. It can be worn on its own, tucked in or out, under a sweater, under a jacket, or as a part of a suit. Have an interview? Not sure what to wear? Wear your crisp white-button shirt with your black trousers (Staple #4). (Side note: if it is an interview in the fashion industry, wear the shirt with the trousers on its own. Suits are in a sense banned.)
"Clothes don't make a man, but clothes have got many a man a good job." - Herbert Harold Vreeland
6. Black Opaque Tights- While it started in the 60's, it continues to march its way into every decade. It can bring edge to an outfit and even make your leg look longer and slimmer! The tights can be worn with black suede boots or black pumps, so the leg portrays one long, sleek line. It can be worn under dresses or skirts or a long shirt or long sweater. They CAN NOT be worn as pants. I recommend investing in a good quality pair because they are something that will be worn quite a few times making the item, once again, priceless. I recommend Wolfords or American Apparel for a less expensive brand.
"Fashion is the science of appearances, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be." - Edwin Hubbel
7. Plain white tee- It should not be worn too tight; it should hang a little loose from the body. You want it to look like you just threw it on. It can worn with a blazer and skinny jeans or simply just with jeans. I love to wear my boyfriend's Hanes t-shirts, which are great, look effortless, and cheap! For a more expensive version, I LOVE T by Alexander Wang or Vince.
"I've always thought of the T-shirt as the alpha and the omega of the fashion alphabet." - Giorgio Armani
8. Jeans- These are an absolute wardrobe essential! Again, I prefer skinny or boot-cut, but flared/wide-leg is in trend right now. Fit is everything here! I do not want to recommend a brand for this one because one brand does not suit all. My favorite is jeans with stretch! What a revelation! Do we all agree that jeans are one of the most frustrating pieces of clothing to shop for? I suggest trying out as many brands, styles, and sizes as you can until you find the right jeans for you!
"Blue jeans are the most beautiful thing since the gondola." - Diana Vreeland
9. Black Pumps- What don't these go with? They can also go from day to night- how convenient! For a more comfortable pump, I suggest ones with a platform. I suggest investing in at least one quality pair because it will last longer and wear better, and you will feel incredible every time you slip them on. What better than those red bottom shoes? You know exactly what I'm talking about. Christian Louboutins! I also love Yves Saint Laurent platform pumps. Yes, these are expensive, so for a less expensive pump, I suggest Steve Madden.
"How many pairs of shoes do you need?" - Men
10. Flats- Give your feet a break! It is simple, but still elegant, but most importantly, comfortable! Of course you can't go wrong with a black pair, but try a bright color or bold pattern to spruce up an outfit. I suggest Chanel, Marc Jacobs, or Tory Burch flats. For a more inexpensive option, try H&M or Gap.
"What do women want? Shoes." - Mimi Pond
To add to my quotes, below are a few of my absolute favorite quotes:
"Clothes that are not purchased or worn is not fashion." - Armani
"Fashion fades, style is eternal."- Yves Saint Laurent
"There are no ugly women, only lazy ones." - Helena Rubinstein
"Fashion is made to become unfashionable." - Chanel
"As long as you know men are like children, you know everything." - Chanel (Too funny!)
