After a reader’s question about wardrobe staples, we’ve decided to do a special Sisters Share It All for the next three weeks. This week we’re talking about ten clothing staples that we think every woman should have in their wardrobe — or if you were to start your closet from scratch, these are ten things you should start with. Items that are essential, as well as remixable. Oh, and this list is clothing only; we’re not including accessories like jewelry, scarves, belts, etc. That’s a post for another day.
So below is the list of ten staples that we came up with, along with links to the pieces I would buy if I was going to go out and buy these staples for my wardrobe right now.
1.
Nice fitting pair of jeans. these are my current favorite jeans; they’re called “jeggings,” but they’re real denim, just with a bit of stretch. Also, they go on sale all the time.
2.
Second pair of pants. (trousers, khaki’s, or colored jeans) I like these olive green ones because they’re colored, but not too bright, and super versatile.
3.
Solid or striped tee for layering. As far as layering goes, I’d go for stripes over solid every time. And there are a million striped tees out there, but this one is inexpensive and cute.
4.
Blouse. I love this one from UO because it’s lightweight enough for layering, has a small pattern to add a little bit of interest, and neutral so it will go with everything.
5.
Pencil Skirt. A nice black pencil skirt is a timeless staple every woman should own. Invest in a nice one [that fits you well] and it will last forever.
6.
Dress. I like this one because you can easily dress it up or dress it down, add a wide or skinny belt, or pair it with scarves and jewelry [since it has no collar or embellishing at the neck]. Plus, it has pockets and a small sleeve so you can easily wear it with a cardigan or by itself.
7.
Cardigan. I just recently bought this cardigan and love it. It’s lightweight, but warm enough, and the longer length makes it perfectly casual and cozy. Also, any color would be great and versatile.
8.
Blazer or lightweight jacket. I know blazers are so popular, but I just have a hard time with them — I feel so stuffy when I wear them [although I think other people look great in them]. So I went with a fun faux leather jacket. A full black faux leather jacket seems a little biker chick to me, so I’d go with brown.
9.
Flats. I got these flats as a gift last year for Christmas and have worn them to death this year. They are sparkly, but not so sparkly that you can’t wear them very casually. They’re neutral and go with everything, plus they have a nice shape that I think is hard to find in a lot of flats.
10.
Heels or Wedges. Ok, I would never personally buy 5″ heels, but the point is that if you’re going to buy one pair of heels, go with something classic [aka. black], but something a little more fun that just your basic black pump. The metallic heels on these make them edgy and funky, but are still a good pair of black heels that will go with
everything.
My sisters,
Janssen and
Landen, also have ten links on their blogs today, showing the pieces they would buy if they were rebuilding their wardrobes right now. Go check them out!
Oh, and we’re not doing a linkup this time, but we’d love to hear your thoughts on our ten staples, and any additions or changes you might make if you were making a top ten list!
Oo I think this is my favorite sister post yet! I love each of your pieces!
Great picks! Especially the blouse and lightweight jacket or blazer. Those two are my favorite together.
Can't wait for the other essentials posts 🙂
I love that UO blouse! I will have to bookmark it and wait for the next sale/coupon code 🙂
Great picks, they're all such great wardrobe staples! 🙂
This is so perfect! I love all the staple picks 🙂 Love that dress! I need one.
Maddie http://sistersintherain.blogspot.com/
I love that your pieces are all a reasonable price. I have seen posts like this that insist you much pay $110.00 for a plain t-shirt! Great picks! I am going to have to do a bit of shopping.:)
Two thoughts enter my mind:
1 – Is it possible to not look good in a pencil skirt? I've never owned one because I felt my legs were not the right shape. Perhaps I would think differently now as an adult, but I've never considered it before.
2 – I have short legs. I've never felt I could get away with flats. It makes my legs feel stubby and my body feel disproportionate so I've always gone with something that has a small heel or simple sneakers. Any thoughts on this?
Read my comment below!! This pencil skirt at Costco is loose enough that leg shape shouldn't even be noticeable! Be careful though… it could be a gateway drug…
Hey Rachael, so fun to hear from you!
I don't think it's possible to not look good in a pencil skirt, as long as you find the right fit for your body. There are high waisted, low waisted and mid waisted ones, and then ones that hit at the knee, that hit below, or that hit above, and ones that are stretchy or not, and ones with waistbands and ones without…the possibilities are pretty much endless. I wouldn't rule them out until you've tried on a few different ones. I personally think that the ones that hit mid-waist, and hit right at the knee are the most universally flattering.
Also, I think flats with skirts tend to make petite people look shorter. It's something about the exposed leg without a heel that does it. So if you're wearing a skirt or dress, I wouldn't go with flats. But flats with jeans, or capris, are usually really cute, and are going to be the same idea as sneakers (like you said you wear), but will give you a lot more options.
Hope that helps! And hope you guys are doing well!
These are great staples!! And just a little heads up – Costco (of all places!) is currently carrying a basic stretchy pencil skirt in black, gray and khaki for $12.99!! It is the perfect fit for several different body types (I shared this skirt with my mother in law on our cruise last week) and the perfect length, hitting just at the knee. And COMFORTABLE as all get out. I would seriously wear this exact skirt every day if nobody would notice. LOOVE!!
Thanks for such a nice blog post….i was searching for something like that.
My stuff: http://www.shopcade.com/merchant/wwwinstylejacketscom