Wardrobe Essentials Everyone Should Own

When it comes to building a wardrobe, I like to start with a streamlined selection of basics that I can break out for any occassion or any season for that matter. Once I have that covered, I'll start to fill in the gaps with a few trend pieces.

The selection of basics I have are versatile and can be transitioned and used for the different seasons. That is what I call cost per wear. I do not discount the fact that some of these pieces are a bit pricey but that is the investment that I am willing to pay. These are pieces that I will be using so much years down the road.

I've learned that there are truly only 10 basics you need for a basic wardrobe. My closet is filled with all these 10 basics and it's made my day to day dressing significantly easier. I usually mix and match several of these pieces when i get dressed or get ready for a look that's casual, elegant and effortlessly chic. No matter what your style preference is, creating a capsule wardrobe will save your time and money in the long run.

Below, I'm sharing the 10 basics that will revamp your closet and will give you a great starting point for getting dressed.

1. The Double Breasted Blazer

The blazer is not only a tried and tested piece, it is also a perfect layering piece and a true wardrobe staple that's key to looking polished and put together.

2. The Little Black Dress (LBD)

I love the little black dress that's versatile enough to be worn during the day and at night.

3. Little White Dress

While the little black dress is a must-have, the little white dress is as equally a must-have piece in your closet. I cannot express enough my love for white dresses and how many of them I actually own. They are just so imaculate and you can either dress them up or down depending on your mood.

4. The White Button Down Shirt

A classic white button down shirt is one of the most versatile pieces that you can own. Tuck it into a pair of high waisted jeans for a tailored appeal and layer it with a blazer or a leather jacket and instantly look chic.

5. The Plain White Tee Shirt

The perfect white t-shirt can elevate any outfit if you know how to play with it. Layer it under a double breasted blazer to look classic and elegant or again, a leather jacket and look edgy and trendy.

6. The Real Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are a must in a staple basics wardrobe. This leather jacket I got from Barneys Original is real leather and is soft and fits me to perfection! You will get a ton of mileage out of this gorgeous piece!

7. The Classic Black Pumps

This are one of my favorite heels in my closet because they make any outfit instantly stand out. They continue to hold up no matter how much I wear them and these are investment pieces that will last you a long time.

8. The Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans will always be a basic in my wardrobe. I don't have the perfect long legs but the best fitted jeans paired with the perfect ankle booties or heels will make you look a lot leaner and taller and make your silhouette a lot more flattering.

9. The Trench Coat

I love throwing a trench coat over an outfit to elevate it and make it look more sophisticated and classic. This one from Banana Republic is the perfect trench coat for my height and built

10. The Turtleneck

In the fall and winter months, a turtleneck piece is a must-have. It can be worn alone or layered under a dress or camisole and even a jacket or blazer.

11. The Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are the sartorial version of a bowl of plain pasta-a blank canvass that you can pair with basically everything!

12. The Fedora Hats

I love hats as accessories! I have a collection of some fedora hats that use most especially when the colder weather comes. They just a add a bit of umph! to your outfit and makes you look put together as well as cute and fashionable!

Truthfully, the list could go on and on but I wanted to make a concise list of essentials that I personally swear by and I constantly grab in my closet no matter what the season. Honestly, you don't need to follow trends aimlessly, remember that fashion is an industry and thrives on you spending your hard-earned money on these clothes and items Invest smartly on classic items that you can repeat wearing and that will withstand the test of time.

Remember, fashion and style is a personal journey. Find your own and you follow what your personality and personal choices are and wear these pieces comfortably and confidently!

XOXO,

Karen