10 Essentials to build your Wardrobe

discover your style

So now that you’ve identified your own style personality, it’s time to start building a wardrobe foundation. These ten items are the pieces you will go to time and again, (and again), so you should invest a bit more money in them. The more you spend on a single item, the longer it should last you. You will end up with a wardrobe of fewer pieces, but they will be better pieces. So what if you have to wear the same pants twice in a week; the French do it all the time, and we all know what fabulous dressers they are.

The Everyday BAG 

Choose a  neutral color that will go with a majority of your wardrobe and remember it has to suit your Style Personality! 

2. Fitted Jacket

what to wear

The number one reason to buy a fitted jacket: it camouflages everything! The key is to have the seaming fit to the smallest part of your waist. You’ll want to wear this item quite a bit, so go for a classic style. If you want to play around with pattern or texture, make sure the color palette is somewhat neutral so you don’t limit yourself to just a few outfits.

3. Cocktail Dress

style workshops

Every woman should have one go-to evening dress. I like to call it the cocktail dress. Opt for a shorter dress that matches your style personality. When it comes to color choice, the bolder the color, the more likely people will remember it at the next party. To get the most use out of your dress, try soft colors or neutrals in light fabrics.

4. Wide Legged Trousers

Regardless of your career, every woman should have a pair of great fitting, wide-legged trousers. These should go with your everyday bag and fitted jacket, so, once again, think neutrals.  Regardless of the width of the leg, a great pair of trousers will go a long, long way. Shopping hint: Unless you are super tall, most of these will be too long and will need to be hemmed. 

5. Everyday Shoe

I have purchased my share of cheap, stylish shoes for everyday wear before. Given that my job involves a ton of standing and walking, my feet were in pain. Splurging on shoes will actually make you feel better, and I’m not talking about your soul. Your everyday shoe is completely personal. I work with someone who swears that five inch heels are totally comfortable. Personally, I need ballet flats. A few things to remember, get a colored shoe if you know it will work with most of your wardrobe. The same goes for embellishments. I have owned the same pair of designer ballet flats for three years, and though they are a little worn, with a regular polish, they are going to last me a great deal longer.

A Black Dress

Since we’re building a wardrobe, start with a dress that will work for multiple events. Dress it up for an evening out, dress it down for a day at work. Until you build up your wardrobe a bit, everything should be versatile.

7. Knee Boots

Go for neutral leather or suede, but have fun with the style. This is another chance to think about your style personality. Classic girls may want a simple riding boot in chocolate brown or black, while romantics might go for a pearly gray pair with a bit of a slouchy look. Have fun, make them special, and the extra money will be well worth it.

8. The Coat

neutral neutral, neutral, but we’re building your wardrobe base, so these pieces should be interchangeable. Don’t worry, we’ll get into color later, but for now, neutrals are key!

9. Dark Denim Trouser

Go for darker jeans these will take you everywhere. Once again, I’ll make allowances for personal style, and say a skinny fit will also work, if that’s what works for you. Just make sure the wash is dark!

10. Your Signature Piece

 This is all you and your own personality. Everyone should have their own signature item, an item that reminds people of you. Ankle boots, purses for every outfit, feminine tops, embellished tunics, printed dresses, detailed cardigans, a piece of jewelry you always wear, the list goes on. Maybe it’s a color; it’s completely up to you.