“Fashion passes, style remains.” – Coco Chanel
It doesn’t take a lot of money to look fabulous. It also doesn’t take a lot of time or effort… Well, at least it doesn’t HAVE to. What it takes is shopping smart and a little bit of planning, and you can have a stunning wardrobe that will last you for years. Yes, YEARS. With the right classic pieces, that can be mixed and matched together, you will have an endless number of outfits to choice from.
I’m going to list these key wardrobe staples that every woman needs in her closet.
First, here are a few rules:
1. Invest in QUALITY. I don’t mean that you have to go bankrupt to afford these pieces… But you don’t want to purchase something that will fall apart after a few washes or be out of style the next season. Remember: QUALITY NOT QUANITITY!!
2. Understand your body type. Seriously, you might not be able to wear every style out there. But you can find a variation that looks best on you. For example, do you have larger hips or belly that make the classic-style trench coat (sits below the hips and ties at the natural waist) look frumpy on you? Well, try one that hits AT your hips and you will instantly look slimmer
8 Wardrobe Staples to Invest in:
The Timeless “Little” Black Dress. I use the word “little” loosely, as this should NOT be the sexy, mini or backless dress. This is a dress that can take you from the office to evening effortlessly. Pictured below is a sleeveless shift dress. You could pair it with a blazer, cardigan or even put a white shirt under it for day. Wear it alone with a pearl necklace or a wrap for the evening. There are just so many options here, just try to find this in a seasonless fabric. For example: you wouldn’t be able to wear a heavy wool dress in the summer and in a shiny satin or taffeta it would become inappropriate for day.
A Black Pantsuit in a Seasonless Fabric- Once again, look for a fabric that you can wear all year long. A black pantsuit is vital to have for the interviews, important meetings or just any time you need to elevate your professionalism. You can wear the jacket alone over a dress, skirt, jeans, etc.. The pants can be paired with practically any top from sweaters to tanks. Also, with the right accessories, the black pantsuit can be worn dressed up for evenings.
A Crispy White Collard Shirt- Classic, timeless, versatile… Are you catching onto a pattern here yet? Yes, this piece is probably the most versatile of the group. Wear it under the black dress, with the black pantsuit, with just the pants from the pantsuit (and maybe throw a cardigan or vest over that), really with nearly any bottoms. Almost four years ago I bought a non-iron button down shirt from Banana Republic that is still getting worn a few times a week. It continues to look amazing and (BONUS!) has not yet needed to be ironed!
Lightweight Cashmere Cardigan- Oh Cashmere, I do love you! SO soft but sophisticated. How are you so luxurious? Ok, I’m a dork. But seriously, a cashmere cardigan is such a great investment. It can go with nearly any outfit and make it feel more special. It can be paired with each one of the pieces I have listed and you can wear it for years to come. Pick one in a color that makes you glow and I guarantee you will be showered in complements every time you put in on.
Dressy Tank/Shell- This is the underappreciated shinning star of my list. It is a true staple that can pull-together nearly any outfit. Looking for something to go under your cardigan or jacket? Here you go! Find the right style for your body and it will look sexy on it’s own. Here’s a picture of Chico’s Traveler’s modern tank. This is another one of my core pieces that I wear all year long that smoothly transitions from dressy to casual. I particularly love this tank b/c it’s designed to be travel-friendly and easy to care for.
Great Fitting Jeans- Yes, great FITTING jeans. You know what I mean… They are the jeans you feel fabulous in. They are comfortable and you look great in them. Whether you prefer faded or tailored, the most important part is that they fit. Avoid the “muffin top” at all costs. Also, make sure they do not have too low of a rise. When you bend over, you shouldn’t be showing a ‘plumber crack’ or have a few inches of a thong out for the world to see. NO ONE is cute enough to pull that off… Sorry, but it’s true! Another key is to be aware of the length: do you normally wear heels with your jeans? Well, make sure you buy a pair that’s a little longer.
Trench Coat- Timeless. A piece that feels modern and classic all at the same time. You can find a beautiful trench at almost any store so you not only have a wide variety of styles to choose from, but you can also find one at a price you feel comfortable with.
Black Leather High-Heel Shoes- Well, not too high. For these to be considered a versatile piece do not go above 4 inches. 4 inches is considered the max for appropriate office attire. Do you hate heels or just can’t walk in them? Try a classy kitten heel!
The eight pieces I listed are what I consider investment pieces: if you buy high quality garments, these will not only never go out of style, but they will hold up for years to come. Now you can use this as a foundation to build from. Outside of these pieces, I consider the “staples” of your wardrobe to be of personal taste. For me, must have items include a pearl necklace, an amazing pair of sunglasses, ballet flats and a pencil skirt. But those might not be your style. I try to spend less money on trendy pieces and mix-in bright, vibrant garments and accessories wherever possible. The key is to personalize it and create a look that is your own.
Overall, the colors are great, the pictures in the tutorial make it easy BUT this set is worth every penny just for the brush! It’s of very high quality and the 3 options of tips are great for achieving multiple looks. So whether you are an eye lining novice and want this set for the lesson or a make-up pro who is looking for a a great lining brush, you won’t regret purchasing this kit!
