Closet Essentials are those key items that every woman needs to have in her closet to help make getting dressed for the day easy. I hope that you found my Closet Cleansing post helpful to get you to this point now where you can focus on what your needs and desires are. These items are versatile and simple so that you can combine them with other items to create several outfits for all seasons. They can be dressed up or dressed down, depending upon the occasion. There are various websites that talk about the number of items. I believe that the following 12 items are the perfect foundation on which to build your wardrobe regardless of your lifestyle.
1. Black Pants
The classic black pants are a must. If you are like me maybe you feel they are old and boring – maybe that is true but they are also classic. You can always use a pair of simple black pants whether for work or casual wear. The fortunate thing is there are lots of styles and fabrics to choose from. So if you choose the one that suits your lifestyle you will get lots of wear out of them and be glad you have a pair. I find they are in my closet all year round and I can wear them for any occasion. Dress them up with a funky blouse that has color or texture or a cool pattern for an evening outing. Pair them with a tailored jacket and blouse and you are ready for work.
2. White T-Shirt
I always love a simple cotton white t-shirt. When I just want to feel comfortable I throw on my t-shirt with whatever I am wearing. The challenge with purchasing a white t-shirt I find is trying to find one that is not “see-through”. I don’t want the hassle of trying to figure out which bra to wear with it. I would like to be able to throw it on no matter what I am wearing. There are lots of different styles and a huge price range so you have your pick. One thing to think about when you buy one is “not all whites are the same”. Go shopping with the knowledge of what shade of “white” looks good on you. Make sure you try it on or hold it up to your face. It should make your face shine and look bright. If not then don’t buy it. I know a pure white does nothing for me and so I go looking for more of a winter white, a warmer color.
3. Ankle Boots
Ankle boots offer that versatile look. They are that “go to” pair of shoes that will go with any of your outfits regardless of season. The spring is a perfect time to continue to wear your boots with those skinny-leg crop jeans or a soft flowing dress or skirt. My favorites are usually leather material with a small heel and good arch support. Sam Edelman, Frye and Stewart Weitzman make fabulous boots that have all of these features and they are durable which means they will last longer than your desire to keep them.
4. Blazer
This is that one item I am always pleased that I have in my closet. There is always an occasion when you will go looking for your blazer. It will add a professional look when you need it. It is a piece that will provide you with warmth and style to your evening endeavours or just give you a classy look to your daytime outfit. Most fashion influencers promote a black blazer. I tend to disagree with this thinking because quite frankly we don’t all look good in black. If you are aware of what colors are suitable for you then pick a neutral color that is right for you. If you do it will be sure to go with all your other clothing choices. I love my grey linen blazer that I purchased at least 8 years ago and it still looks good and makes me feel great, not to mention it pairs nicely with so many other items in my closet.
5. Trench Coat
Yes another outerwear item that is essential – the trench coat. This is obviously perfect for spring on rainy days but it is also a go-to during any other day in any season. Even when the sun is shinning you might need something to block the wind or create a barrier and to match with any outfit you are wearing. Not to mention it gives you a professional classy look. Once again I do not go for black. A few years ago I went with a shade of beige and I love the look it gives me. It always brings a ray of sunshine to the days I wear it even on the rainy days!
6. Sneakers
These are the comfort shoes that you will need to wear when you know that you will be on your feet most of the day or will be doing a lot of walking. Don’t suffer when you don’t have to. The sneaker companies are all competing with each other and this gives us lots of choice whether it is style, color or cost. I went with a pair of blush Vans! Yes, Vans, and do you want to know why? They are so comfortable, I love the sleek style, and the cost was reasonable. They are also durable and they are cute whether I wear them with my jeans or a cute flared skirt.
7. Flats
Okay I have to admit I love flats. Even though they do not give me much arch support, I love to wear them almost daily. They are so functional and easy to pair with any outfit I am wearing. There are some companies that do put thought into support and comfort like Geox, Ecco and Clarks and you really can’t go wrong for comfort and style with these companies.
8. Jeans
Jeans became a fashionable item for women after the 1960’s. They were a symbol of women’s liberation. They come in all sorts of styles and fabric choices. If you want comfort and fit then you’ll want to choose jeans with a mixture of cotton/polyester with a small amount of elastine. This is the stretchy synthetic fiber also called spandex or lycra which obviously provides the stretch. I prefer the original denim with a small amount of stretch, 2% elastine and I prefer the boyfriend style jeans.
9. White Blouse
The white blouse speaks “freshness” and “cleanness”. I always feel light and free when I wear my white blouse. Like a few of the other items you can wear it for casual wear or dress it up for more of a formal look. There are so many styles, fabric choices and shades of white. Take your time on the purchase of this item. You can be wearing this item for a long time and you will want to make sure it meets all your needs. I went with the classic tailored look, meaning tapered at my waist, regular sized collar and long sleeves. I like this style because I can wear it comfortably under a sweater on cooler days or roll up the sleeves for warmer days. It can be worn untucked for a casual look and pairs nicely tucked into my dressy black pants.
10. Casual Pants
Okay I have to admit I go looking for these almost daily! My lifestyle really is what dictates this choice. More and more of us that are working from home want to dress classy as if we are going to work but comfort is the most important if you are sitting at your computer. I opted for a classy pair of knit grey pants from “In Wear” for my comfy casual look that I can dress up if I need to when I have to run out the door and be seen by other people. I believe that this item will become more popular as more of us work from home.
11. Black Dress
I have to admit, yes I do have a black dress. Although black is not my best color there is something to be said for a simple black dress. It makes a statement for sure and no other color can say the same thing. I think it is fair to say that we all feel sexy in our little black dress. Pairing it with the right accessories can also add a feeling of elegance or fun to your look. It all depends what message you are looking to send.
12. Pumps
To be honest my feet do not like heels! I have pumps because as the experts say, they are versatile and classy. And since my husband is over 6 ft tall, I have no choice but to wear heels when we go out because I am only 5 ft 3 inches. I always bring with me a pair of low heeled shoes for the evening just in case my feet start screaming. If you are not like me, you will enjoy your pumps because no other heel provides the same amount of comfort and support. Or you can cheat like me and go for a wedge. These give me the height that I need but not put my foot in such an uncomfortable position. I believe that I lose the elegance and sexiness with the wedge, however my feet are happy. That’s important, especially for a night of dancing.
Check out my post on fashion for Spring/Summer 2020 coming soon!
