Wardrobe Basics Everyone Should Own
You know that feeling when you’re well packed for a trip, or that time your outfit was spot-on for an event? The shopping was perfect, every ensemble is solid, and you’re prepared for all the variables? Now, what if that were your closet (times 10, maybe)?! This is the gift we would like to bestow upon you today. All the ingredients to get it right for just about every mood and scenario of everyday living, with some magnificent interchangeability.
What’s more, these pieces are in today’s silhouette. Neutral bottoms, versatile tops, classic and fresh everything. So, let’s give those skinny jeans/pants a rest, and freshen that look for 2020. We’re talking about a cropped length, with a kick-flared or wide leg. And, if you haven’t already please consider high-waisted, and stop being so damn stubborn! ;) Not only is the high-waist comfortable, but it elongates the leg and defines the waist. Think classic, Christie Brinkley or Katherine Hepburn and you’ll come around.
These days it’s pretty stinking easy to do returns, with most places doing resealable bags, enclosed pre-paid postage labels etc. So, instead of crossing your fingers and picking one item like a damn clairvoyant, throw a few versions in your cart, have a private dressing room moment, and simply send back everything that isn’t perfect. Just be sure to stay focused and actually return the rejects! :)
Be brave and get to it! You’ll be so impressed with how well prepared you’ll be for whatever life throws on your calendar. xoxo
A STRIPED TEE OR TANK: The classic French Breton stripe is always chic, but most stripes out there these days are pretty good. Still, the best is navy and white, or a navy-red-white combo. This is a must for layering or wearing alone.
COLLARED BUTTON DOWN SHIRT: In a lightweight cotton or linen, this one is not meant to be pressed (see our post here). In white, navy, French blue, white-blue stripe, (you’re getting the color idea), this is a hard worker. Perfect as a layering piece over a stripe (yay!) or any tee or tank we recommend, or solo with a neutral pant and loafer or sandals, you can’t go wrong. Again, so easy to mix-and-match across the board of items.
A SILK BLOUSE IN WHITE OR IVORY: For work, more formal events, and layering, this beauty must be be drapey, and not too baggy (so it fits under a blazer, if needed. It could be sleeveless, if that’s easier for you). You’re going to tuck this into any bottom: trouser, skirt, jeans; and layer on top a cardigan or blazer. It’s absolutely essential, and your wardrobe will not be complete without it. Don’t buy satin, it needs to be light and airy.
A NEUTRAL PANT: By "neutral" we mean khaki, military green, rust, or navy. Honestly, these colors match every color and type of top right now. An olive pant paired with pink - so cute! Yellow, yup! Floral, for sure! Etc. Ditto for navy (coupled with black is so chic!), rust, and khaki. It's very much the style of the pant (see above) that needs to be right; after you found your pant(s), you're good to go! These are best in canvas, linen, a sturdy cotton. (Keep scrolling for the rest of the list!).
BLACK PANT: Ok, here you can have whatever style and fit you like, although we would recommend a high-waisted, cropped, kick-flare in a stretchy material that holds all your lovin’ in (a stretch crepe is amazing). A wide leg in a washed silk is very chic. You can play it safe, or opt for a new style, but you definitely need a black pant!
SUMMER DRESS: It’s all about tiered maxis, floral prints and bias cut slip dresses, and that’s fine with us because they are so easy! Throw on with a sandal or sneakers, a lightweight jacket for evening, some simple gold jewelry, and you are seriously go to go!
SIMPLE GOLD JEWELRY: Hoops. A gold chain, could be with a pendant. Maybe 2 more necklaces for a layered effect. A gold bracelet. A gold ring, more for a layering. You get the idea. Recently, earrings have gotten a bit bigger, but delicate is still chic. It’s so easy and you can wear the same simple pieces over and over, but you should have something. A good start is a gold hoop and necklace.
LEATHER SANDALS: We chose brown more often than not, but if you love black, go for black. The big idea is you can walk a long time in them! These are the shoes you take on vacation, wear with summer dresses, go out to dinner in, run errands in. They should be incredibly versatile, and if we’re telling you to wear them a lot, they should be comfortable. The trend now is barely there, but a more simple style works just as well, too. On the flip side, Tevas and Birkenstocks are chic now, can you be any happier?! So comfy!
SNEAKERS: The new trendy comfort shoe. See our selects here!
And here is some outfit inspiration using one or more of the above ideas!
