We all wish that we could simply throw on something from our closet and leave the house looking like a French model. Without the right foundational pieces, however, this is often impossible. Having the right essentials is the key to building any woman’s wardrobe. After all, famed designer Coco Chanel once said, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”
With that in mind, the following are six essentials any woman can use to freshen up their style and enliven their otherwise unadventurous wardrobe.
6 Wardrobe Essentials for Every Woman
Soft Sweaters
Do you have a sweater you dread putting away each spring? Knits don’t solely have to be the purview of frigid winter weather wear. In most offices, layering a sweater can be an excellent way to keep warm when the A/C is pumping during the otherwise stifling summer months.
When looking for sweaters, you want to rely on as a cornerstone for your wardrobe, be sure to prioritize ease of care, as you will want to be able to wash and dry a sweater you are wearing often quickly. Also, avoid cluttered prints or patterns, and remember that you can’t go wrong with a solid black or white sweater.
Neutral Footwear
When considering what to add to your wardrobe, it often pays to ask oneself, “What would Anna Wintour do?” While it can be hard to parse the famously inscrutable fashion editor for fashion tips, she has a clear mandate: neutral is always best when it comes to footwear.
Wintour herself can often be spotted wearing custom nude slingbacks, a unified look that you can feel free to cop yourself for almost any occasion. However, don’t feel like you need designer shoes to capture the same essence. Even a pair of basic white tennis shoes can do the trick. Remember that you want everyone looking at the rest of your outfit, not your kicks.
A Variety of Skirts
Thanks to its versatility, the skirt is an essential piece that every woman needs in their closet. And thanks to the recent explosion of casual athletic clothing, you can wear your skirt to the gym or on the subway and not look out of place.
And there are many more options of skirts besides the athleisure wear variety. A more modest skirt might be the answer for those who would rather be caught dead than sweating on a tennis court. Prairie-style skirts are all the rage and can be fun to incorporate a more modest look into your summer wardrobe.
See Also: How to Wear a Blazer With Jeans for Cool & Professional Look
Versatile Jackets
A good jacket can be a lifesaver, especially during those in-between seasons, when it is too warm for your winter parka but still cool enough to want an additional layer. There are several options when it comes to jackets, so you are sure to be able to find one that fits your style.
Jean jackets can be a fun way to add personality via patches or pins and can be easily customized with different washes. Are you looking for something edgier? Try a leather jacket. The classically masculine style has been synonymous with “cool” ever since James Dean smoldered on-screen in Rebel Without a Cause.
Timeless Jeans
We will not be getting into the intergenerational war over the fit of jeans that have become all the rage in recent years. Skinny jeans, boot-cut, flared, baggy, it doesn’t matter what style of jeans you prefer to wear, as long as it is something that makes you feel comfortable.
A good pair of jeans will change with use, adapting to the body’s shape and regular wear. After a while, this helps make each pair of jeans unique. Jeans are incorporated easily into any outfit. They look as good paired with a sweater as they do a graphic t-shirt. One look that only the brave should attempt is a denim-on-denim combination. In short, despite Ryan Reynold’s ability to do so, unless you know you’ll look good, it’s often best to avoid a Canadian tuxedo.
Simple Accessories
Lastly, feel free to incorporate sentimental pieces into your everyday look. Something as simple as a favorite pair of earrings or a charm bracelet that brings back fond memories. Think of small, versatile pieces of jewelry that fit almost any occasion, rather than statement pieces like brooches. These items can help provide the vital part of comfort and individuality that creates your unique “you” style.
Mix and Match for Endless Possibilities
The fun has just begun once you’ve identified the clothing you want to incorporate. Mixing and matching essentials are as much of an art as it is a science. One simple tip to help is limiting graphic or patterned clothing to one piece per outfit. Wear complimentary colors whenever possible and avoid mixing too many different textures. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to compose a cute fit with just your essentials alone.
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