Top Ten Wardrobe Must-Haves

#WardrobeWednesday

Top Ten Wardrobe Must-Haves

I am a big believer that what you wear on the outside says a whole lot about who you are on the inside.  The colors you lean towards.  The styles you select.  Each choice gives us a little window into your world.  The greatest aspect of fashion is the opportunity to be creative and unique.  Whether you are a fashion maven or completely adverse to the notion, there are a few items that should be found in every lady’s closet.  The items I have listed below are appropriate all year long so you don’t have to even consider seasonal changes.  As an added perk: they are fit and style friendly.  Meaning, no matter what your personal style is, you can rock any and all of these pieces.

(1) Well-Fitting Bra – The most often overlooked and undervalued item in a woman’s closet is a well-fitting bra.  Let’s get real, unless it’s a piece of lingerie, it’s really just an invisible garment, right?  Wrong.  Ladies’ breasts tend to change periodically.  These changes can affect the fit of your undergarments.  Much like laying the foundation of a home, if what you have going on underneath is not working, there’s no point in building the rest of the home…or in our case, the outfit.  Ill-fitting undergarments can cause unnecessary bulging of skin, uncomfortable compression or even worse, over-exposure!  It’s a good idea to see a fit specialist whenever you feel you may be due for a “bra tune-up.”

(2) LBD – Little. Black. Dress.  We hear this all the time but it is so true.  The instances in which a little black dress come in handy are countless.  Weddings, funerals, work functions, church, date night, cocktail hour, dance recitals, I could go on and on.  The beauty of the quintessential LBD is the availability to accessorize.  Literally everything goes with black.  E.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.  Invest in a nice style that flatters your figure and let your accessorizing creativity shine!

(3) A Structured Blazer – This piece is so useful because (a) it can serve as an outfit “wow” moment, (b) be used as a layering piece OR (c) serve as outerwear in colder temps.  Blazers scream confidence and power which are two qualities very becoming of a lady on the rise!  Blazers also offer an effortless “put-together” vibe that other pieces do not provide.  If you have never given a blazer a try, there’s a first time for everything…

(4) Well-Fitting Dark-Wash Jeans – Probably one of my most favorite fashion items.  I LOVE a dark wash jean.  They can be dressed up or down and worn to almost any venue.  You could throw them on and pair with a simple white tee for lunch.  Later you could pair them with a dressy top and heels for a night out.  Plus, they are slimming!  What’s not to love?

(5) Well-Fitting Black pants and / or Skirt – Neutral and ready to be accessorized, black pants / skirts are invitations to play with your personal style!  As blank canvasses they are ready to be accessorized and taken out on the town.  Invest in nice pieces that will last you a while.

 (6) Classic White Tee / Button-up – A classic well-fitted white tee or button up goes with everything.  Add a fun skirt and you have date night.  Add a pair of boyfriend jeans and you have a day at the park.  Add a statement necklace and you have a dressy-casual fun vibe.  Add a pair of sweatpants and you have pajamas.   Let your personal style be your guide…go forth and conquer the world with the best staple piece around.

(7) Nude or Neutral Colored Heels / Flats – Shoes tend to get ladies in trouble.  There are a billion different shapes, patterns and colors.  Walking into a shoe store can be akin to walking into a candy store for a small child.  For a budget-conscious plan, do yourself a favor and invest in a nice pair of nude / neutral shoes.  They are all the rage currently so you should have no problem locating them.  These shoes will take you from day to night effortlessly.  Side note: I strongly believe leopard is a neutral.  At least that’s what I argued while defending the purchase of a pair of leopard heels recently…”But they go with everything!”

(8) Statement Necklace and / or Pearls: One of the simplest ways to create a true “fashion moment” is through the use of accessories.  This is your opportunity to showcase who you are just by what you are wearing.  Thankfully, retail has been kind to us and provided an option for almost any style.  You can find really inexpensive yet incredible options on Forever21, Francesca’s and even department stores.  For a simply classic look: pearls are your best friend.

(9) Go-To Neutral Handbag – Even those of us who have admitted our unhealthy obsessions with handbags will attest that at the end of the day, a quality, neutral colored satchel is all a girl really needs.  It serves the purpose of toting all of our junk while happily matching any ensemble you can imagine.  Again, leopard is an option, ladies.  In my opinion, that is… ; )

* NOTE: You may have picked up on the “Well-Fitting” theme throughout the list so far.  Fit is everything.  Even the most expensive items can look blah if the fit is not on point.  Either take the time to find the right fit or take heart in knowing that your friendly local tailor can help you achieve it!  Be confident in the body God gave you and know you are BE(YOU)tiful!

(10) YOUR SMILE – I saved the best and most important one for last.  You already possess the MOST important element of your wardrobe: YOUR SMILE.  You can never underestimate the value of sharing your smile with the world.  Never leave the house without your most vital accessory from now on!

What are your wardrobe must-haves?