Me too, until I actually challenged myself to boil down what we women generally need in our closets. If I had to pick just ten items to build my wardrobe's backbone, could I do it?
The answer? Yes, I think you can focus your energies and shopping dollars on just ten items that will take you from work to play to a night out. No, really - hear me out.
I'm not saying these are the *only* things you want - a quick glance at my jewelry drawer would tell you otherwise - but if pressed to focus my shopping firepower on a limited number of things, here's what I'd do:
Ten Classics Every Woman Needs in Her Closet by legallyblondemel featuring white pearl earrings
(click on picture or link above for details)
clockwise from left:
- Pearl studs: if you're just not a pearl girl, diamonds or good CZs are fine - keep them tasteful in size if you're wearing them to work and know some old biddies don't like 'em for daytime.
- Classic coat: yes, even here in DeathHellHeat Texas, where we wear coats twice year - when you need one, you *need* one.
- Blazer in the best neutral for you
- Sailor tee: yes, it's total Mom-o-Flage - but for good reason.
- Dress in the best neutral & cut for you: feel free to resist the LBD hegemony; some of us don't look our best in black, and they won't kick you out of the funeral or office for navy.
- All-around tote
- Dark-rinse jeans, tailored, in a non-extreme cut: denim trends change like the weather; that being said, your best bet is conservative wash + best cut for you + tailored to fit perfectly.
- Neutral heel
- Neutral flat
- Classic watch: leather, silver, or gold straps are fine; keep bedazzled faces for nighttime (if ever).
(Honorable Mentions: aviator sunglasses and a wildly impractical pair of just-because heels)
Some of the pictured items are spendier than I usually get here (or anywhere else), but I include them as Platonic ideal sorts of examples. Of course, I'm a fan of spending what makes sense for your budget; on the flip side, I also take a long-term view of these pieces, looking to slowly accumulate the best I can afford over time.
How did I do - would you add anything to this Top 10? What's in your must-have closet?
(click on picture or link above for details)
clockwise from left:
- Pearl studs: if you're just not a pearl girl, diamonds or good CZs are fine - keep them tasteful in size if you're wearing them to work and know some old biddies don't like 'em for daytime.
- Classic coat: yes, even here in DeathHellHeat Texas, where we wear coats twice year - when you need one, you *need* one.
- Blazer in the best neutral for you
- Sailor tee: yes, it's total Mom-o-Flage - but for good reason.
- Dress in the best neutral & cut for you: feel free to resist the LBD hegemony; some of us don't look our best in black, and they won't kick you out of the funeral or office for navy.
- All-around tote
- Dark-rinse jeans, tailored, in a non-extreme cut: denim trends change like the weather; that being said, your best bet is conservative wash + best cut for you + tailored to fit perfectly.
- Neutral heel
- Neutral flat
- Classic watch: leather, silver, or gold straps are fine; keep bedazzled faces for nighttime (if ever).
Some of the pictured items are spendier than I usually get here (or anywhere else), but I include them as Platonic ideal sorts of examples. Of course, I'm a fan of spending what makes sense for your budget; on the flip side, I also take a long-term view of these pieces, looking to slowly accumulate the best I can afford over time.
How did I do - would you add anything to this Top 10? What's in your must-have closet?
17 comments:
I'd say a pair of sandals, preferably some metallic jack rogers. I have a silver pair that I wear with literally everything from like May until October. They can go from casual day at the office, to a bbq, to a wedding, and be appropriate in all instances.
I love this! I'm so bad about getting classic pieces. I'm defintely going to start building it up more!
This is *so* good! The way you wrote it is fabulous, "Blazer in the best neutral for you" as opposed to mandating a color like so many style guides do. Really (*really*) well done. My only addition is a good pair of khaki or grey flannel (for me) dress pants that can transcend almost any situation/circumstance. But that's just my lifestyle. :)
I would definitely add a pearl necklace. I couldn't survive without all of mine (I have over 10). I also agree with PP- khacki pants are a necessity. Otherwise, the above list is spot on. I have a penchant for navy anything, so I love that the dress is navy and not the standard black (though i do own quite of few of those too!)
have a wonderful weekend!!
Agreed!
Me likey. I would add in a pair of good wool/wool-blend/something fancy dress pants in neutral of choice. And a pencil skirt. But I realize that those may not be top-ten items for ladies not in the corporate world. I just know that if I didn't have either of those 2 items, I would probably end up bottomless at work most days.
love the new design!!
this is a great list. love everything you've outlined!
xox P
phiphi's blog
my ten would be
1. rainbow flip flops
2. uggs
3. denim shorts (jorts)
4. muffin top mom-o-flage tops
5. oversized sunglasses
6. LV neverfull
7. LLL wunder unders
8. LLL in stride jacket
9. good pair of jeans
10. long sleeve shift dress
can you tell i am a fashion challenged california hippie girl? i should probably have thrown in the obligatory "save the whales tee"
I totally agree! I think I have all of these except for a classy neutral dress
PS- Love the new blog look!
I would only add a really good fitting pair of slacks. And, by good fitting, I also mean hemmed to a proper length for the shoes you wear with them. So often I see women in the office with pants that are too long and drag the ground.
Love your list. I am still looking for a great blazer. I agree about the jeans-have to go with what is most flattering, not trendy (sometimes it is both but not always). I would like to add more neutrals to my closet. I am looking for a pair of nude heels for the rare occasion I wear heels
Love the new look of the blog!
Great list! I would maybe add a white button-down shirt. Also, I agree with the LLL winder unders, tongue only slightly in cheek. :)
Must haves are black sweaters/cardigans, white tees, black dress.
I agree with what you have in your closet! love it. Always have to have a pair of slacks, a white button up and a tailored dress. Love it!
Do Dallas Cheap
I would add a white oxford shirt and a white blouse of the dressier variety.
I agree that black is not always the best neutral for all! The LBD looks terrible on some women because black is so harsh, especially on very fair blondes. I can wear black well, but find myself preferring navy dresses to black.
I love all of these! But I would probably die without a pencil skirt.
And I showed my hubby the medium LV Neverfull in that pattern - I think he had a mini-heart attack. I don't really NEED it, but it would really be a classic piece I could have for a lifetime!
Post a Comment