Hi guys!
It is time to look into your wardrobe
We all need to clean out the things we have kept for nostalgic purposes (which for argument's sake you CAN wear around the house), and really take a look at what is serving its intended purpose.
I have 21 basic essentials for you all to take a look at and if you don't have it, you need to hit the stores this fall. It's simple, straightforward and very important to realize how little you really need to make your wardrobe collection complete.
So let us get started!
Now I know you usually hear of the 10 basics or 15, a number that is well rounded and shorter, but I have glammed it up a little bit in my personal way, hope you enjoy!
Keep in mind these are not listed in order of importance
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I find leggings are the biggest staple in fashion at this point. There is nothing more forgiving to women than a black pair of stretchy leggings. They go with just about anything; they give you shape, make your legs look longer and leaner. What more can you want? I own two with varying lengths, both black and both with the same knit fabric. Fabric is key, you don't want it to be too sheer or thin if you have thighs and hips that are wider, that stretch will make it very unflattering. For a casual look, I pair it with longer tops and/or summer dresses. If you want to update it, prints are really in at the moment on leggings & pants in general.
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A pair of jeans has been important in an American's wardrobe for decades now, however the type of denim you have makes a big difference. Get rid of your 80's medium shades that are baggy, have elastic waistbands & holes in them! Get rid of those mommy jeans, trust me your butt deserves to look a lot better. It is time to come over to the dark side. There are plenty of shapes and sizes for you to try on and find your flattering AND comfortable pair. If it's hard for you to find one, ask someone in the store for help, it'll be worth it. This dark skinny denim is from Aero, and I absolutely have loved them ever since I bought it.
p.s. I personally don't push this idea, but there is an invention of something called 'jeggings' out there, if you're into it.
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When we think 'scarves', a lot of us probably think about the winter holidays. But there really is no excuse needed to wear them in the summer anymore guys. Fashion has evolved, this idea from the French is worth learning. Add a splash of print and color to an everyday look, it makes all the difference. If you don't know what kind of a look you want from it, think of them as a pair of socks. You want to go with something neutral, something that you can pair with most of your wardrobe if you're focusing on just having one or two. However, I recommend if you're afraid of color on your body like me, then you should concentrate it on your scarves. This way you can play with color in your look, but they will never overpower you. A black dress with a bright red scarf, and you're good to go. You don't need to have many, although it isn't a crime to have a handful!
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Never be ashamed to admit that you prefer to wear more comfortable shoes. I always happily admit it. The best part about it is, just like a scarf, you can either add to your look or link with it. I prefer both, depending on the look, weather and the occasion. You will usually see me with a pair of flats on, and I do like browns, blacks and blues more than anything else. It's something you can get a lot of wear out of, running errands everyday and not killing your feet. However as you see here, I chose to go out of my zone for a very strong snakeskin print in a pointy toe. It makes your legs look longer, and in my case, a little more ladylike. And these are really not pricey, I got these at Old Navy a few months back.
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Speaking of killing your feet, ladies you have to do it every now and then. You just gotta, I mean it is worth the way it makes your posture look. A sexy pair of heels elevates you literally in body and mind, trust me. But you don't have to go for something obnoxious of course. It is an investment you want to take your time to find, something that suits you, and your feet, and that you know you will like. If you are just starting out, start with kitten heels or wedges. They both go well in day to day looks, or something that's a little fancy. I got these from Nine West a few years back, my favorite part being the straps and the zipper. It also has really great cushion for the feet, so believe it or not they are extremely comfortable.
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I have had a black turtleneck in my wardrobe since I was 10. By that I don't mean it's still the same one.. but that I always have one.. you get the point. It is a must have for fall/winter. It is classic, flattering, professional, and extremely fashionable without going overboard in any way shape or form. If you live in a place where in the winter it doesn't get that cold, you can always opt for a sleeveless one. However either way, make sure it isn't too big, keep it close to your body shape and size, you don't want to look like you're just covered by this huge piece of print/color.
7) Trenchcoat
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A trenchcoat is going to be one of the most expensive and stylish looking piece in your wardrobe. It should go with everything or it shouldn't go with anything. You can have it either way really. It can be a bright red one, something that expresses your personality & makes you stand out. You don't need to go get one from Burberry, you can find a perfectly suitable one from stores like JCPenny/ Kohl's/ H&M depending on your age, use and taste. The thing to note about your coat is your length. Make sure your coat isn't overpowering your body, keep it a little short if you are short, add a belt to give it shape & structure. I got a black one from Kenneth Cole a while ago, and it is still serving me well.
8) LittleBlackDress
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This is probably the most unsurprising part of the list. You knew it was coming right? Your little black is like your wedding dress, once you see it, you'll know it. But unlike your wedding dress, you can buy more than one. Keep it simple, that way you can embellish and accessorize to the occasion accordingly every time. Make sure it gives you shape, comfort, and a little bit of a sexy factor. I personally went for something that can be worn day or night. I got it from H&M, it's a very light knit fabric, so it gives it a casual look. However, you see the belt is really changing the way it fits me, but you can go for a thinner belt if you prefer of course.
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I bet you didn't really see this coming. This isn't really hard for anyone to own, if anything we all have too many of these. But I am talking about a casual T that you can wear out in public, try to find a pair that you can wear with your leggings, your jeans, your tailored pants, your shorts, you blazer. I have this one that actually has print on it (it was actually a gift). But it is still pretty basic, and actually a little bigger than my actual size which adds comfort. The best part about it is undoubtedly its soft fabric.
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Blazer for women is rather underrated when you think about it. It has such an ability to transform your upper half of the body, it is almost a sin not to own one. The key to a good blazer is the cut and the fit, because if it doesn't fit you right it is just no good. You want to have that extra bit of tailoring, preferably on the princess lines, which I find very flattering. Make sure your sleeves are not overpowering your arms. I personally opted this one, [I got it from Charlotte Russe] which is not a full length, because this way I can use it for a more casual look. It doesn't always have to scream 'corporate'. You can add color and texture that you feel comfortable in.
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Shorts are something that women don't always feel comfortable in, and some that are too comfortable in them.. You have to find a medium and realize your size, your height, your age, your occupation whilst you're wearing them and be very appropriate with it. Don't let them have your buttcheeks hanging out, no one wants to see that, and even if they do take them in a room and don't make a show out of it. It is unattractive, and just more than you should give away and more than what most of us want to see. But with all that said, you need to have at least one pair that's good for spring/ summer when you're out enjoying the day with friends/family.
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I feel like a lot of women don't even consider going towards a skirt because they don't want to draw attention to that part of their body. That being the waist and hips, which most of us aren't satisfied with, EVER. You won't believe how feminine you will feel after you find the one that suits you and one that you appreciate on your body. You can go for something that's cut a little below the knees, A-line and a little high waisted band. That's something a bit on the casual outdoor style, which is also very flattering. And if you like to show off your shape you can go for something a little fitted, you can opt for a little bit of a professional look. I very recently fell in love with this from H&M. It's fitted, but not to the point where I am unable to function and/or move. It doesn't ride up, it isn't unflattering. The extra zippers give it a really cool edge, and it's just a really good length for me.
13) Cardigan
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A cardigan is a very simple staple of the wardrobe. You really want something you can wear on top of your dress, a shirt, a t-shirt. It really doesn't have to be fancy, as it has to be practical. I have this simple black knit with pockets. I can pretty much pair this anytime of the day and/or night. You can definitely go with a more colorful look if you wish.
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Hats are accessories that might seem too loud as a statement in your wardrobe, but it is really fun to find you own style and look, once you give it a shot. They are such a big piece these days, it can really impact your look. The big southern summer hats, to the winter knit hats, to the french style, it is really a big spectrum of options laid for your preference. So far I have about 3-4, this being my favorite.
It is also a great trick to look more stylish if you happen to be having a bad hair day.
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As most women have an addiction to have a ton of purses, I would say you really just need one. I know it's a terrible fact, but you're going to have to agree with me. A big, sturdy, fashionable handbag that is versatile will really be good in the long term. It can be used when you're off to work, when you're out with people shopping/ eating or anything else really. You don't have to pack it all the way up all the time. It is your purse not your backpack! I've had this Vera Wang handbag for about 3 yrs and I used it everyday during my college time. It's gorgeous and simple, I can even take it out at night. I love the grey snakeskin texture, it's really chic & sophisticated. I pack it very light; just phone, keys and a few beauty essentials. I keep my scarf in there and my cardigan fits in there too when I decide to take them off. So it's functional & stylish.
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Another piece from the formal side of the wardrobe, however women really need to take advantage of this very attractive piece of clothing. You can wear it just as men do, without the jacket, and let it look a little casual. It doesn't even have to be a matching one, I have two that I often pair with jeans. It really brings out your curves and waist. It gives you an amazing shape. Just make sure it isn't something that's too fitted/tight, you don't want it giving the wrong impression or look like a costume. Get something that is balanced between a little sexy, a little professional, a little casual and a little stylish.
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We always hear people adding a belt to emphasize on the waist, which is why you really need to find one that isn't just for your jeans. I have a variety of them, because some just came with the dress itself. However I like to mix and match at times just to spice it up. Just makes it more interesting. You can do textures, or prints, or colors. Any way you like.
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Clutches are a great little mini bag for your evening looks. You can't exactly pair your big handbag with it can you now? I am someone that likes silver over gold, and so I have this one that actually has a strap hidden inside if I need to use it. Otherwise it's just there in my hand. It's small and capable of carrying a phone, keys, and a lipstick so I'm good to go.
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Boots are great for summer and winter both. They obviously require different kinds. Brown leather boots I have here I actually can wear them in both seasons, so there are options that work both ways. And you can have it your way, two or one. I actually got a new pair last year that are taller for winter and I find them rather cute. It gives a little bit of extra coverage on the legs to keep you warmer and they add a bit of a style to your look. It's a win win situation. For summer I usually pair my boots with shorts.
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A formal shirt is something commonly needed if you're working, however it can also look really nice even if you aren't. The structured pieces really help contain your shape and is very subtle in flattering your body. It makes you look put together and sharp even in a casual outing. However, a white and a black one are the ones I will list here as our essentials. It's basic, it's simple and it looks good with everything and on everyone. This one I got from New York & Co. it's really well fitted all the way, but it has those princess seams in the middle to give it a more feminine shape.
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21) Tailored Pants
Just like your formal shirt and blazer, a tailored pair of pants/trousers is so important to have in your structured department. You can't really opt for a professional look in a skirt all the time, obviously. However, I want to show you how to do a tailored pant in a more fun and casual way, because we have all seen where to get the more professional trousers. This one here is something I would wear in the summer or fall. It's low waisted but the band around is quite thick in the its width. It is a low rise so you can tuck something in or not, it's up to you. The cut on the bottom is a little narrow and right above the ankles, so you can go for a stronger shoe, or even gladiator sandals or flip flips. They would all go with your look. If you're out shopping and a lunch with a more professional set of people, you can very easily pull this look off, if not, you can just wear like as an option instead of your leggings too of course.
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Hope you guys enjoyed this post and found it helpful!
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