Basic isn’t boring. Just like anything else, there are basics to styling an outfit: basic pieces everyone should have, basic pairings that make creating an ensemble effortless to put together, and basic color palettes that are timeless even against the never-ending trends. Utilizing the basic pieces in your closet and having ones of good quality will not only maximize the number of outfits you can create but also maximize the longevity of your closet…
Let’s discuss the importance of these closet staples and the impact they will have on your daily styling. A white tee, crew, or v-neck in both long and short-sleeve styles is as basic as it gets but essential to every closet.
The basic tops everyone should have are tanks, tees, and long-sleeve tees. These tops should preferably be bought in black, white, grey, and beige or brown to amplify their usage. These will be the building blocks of so many ensembles and if they are high quality, they should also last for years to come. These tops and tanks can have whatever neckline you prefer, but I would suggest that you purchase them in a variety of necklines to even further expand their usage in your closet. A few crew or scoop necklines, a couple V necklines, and maybe a squared or boat neckline for one or two tops. Buy these tops in fits and styles that flatter your natural body shape.
Of course, you don’t only wear tees and tanks, so make sure you have two quality sweaters, one to two blouses, and a graphic tee that you can pop on for a casual day or dress up with a skirt, heels, and blazer for a funky vibe. You should also have at least one button-down, preferably white, to wear alone, over a tank as a light jacket, or under a sweater for a preppy look. Basic tees are usually overlooked in closets when they can be the most useful items for creating the looks you wish to achieve.
A few essential pants everyone should own are two pairs of jeans, a pair of trousers, a mini skirt, a midi skirt, and two pairs of shorts, one denim and one of another material. This may sound like your options become more limited, but in reality, those are all the essential pants you need to create beautiful ensembles. Your jeans should be different in wash and style to add some variety; my suggestion is dark straight-leg pants that can be worn casually or dressed up for a night out. Your other pair should be a lighter wash, and I suggest a wide-leg pant, which is great for all seasons and comfortable.
Your mini-skirt should be neutral in color, unless you tend to dress in a lot of color, to be able to wear it through all seasons. I suggest a textured midi skirt that will add dimension and interest to any top you pair it with. Midi skirts can be worn with sweaters, blouses, tee shirts, blazers, and tanks. Your trousers should be some that can be worn to work, for the corporate girlies, but also able to be worn with a sweatshirt and sneakers, or a nice blouse and heels. I suggest a wide-leg, or tapered, black or grey, trouser to achieve this. Of course, you can have more pants than this, and adjust this template to fit your lifestyle and comfort level.
In terms of shoes, there are different essentials for each season, but this is all dependent on where you live. Living in middle Tennessee, the weather is everchanging with seasons and within seasons. For this reason, I like to suggest a waterproof bootie for those who live in the area. Every woman should own at least one pair of each style of shoe that follows: a solid sneaker, a tall boot, a bootie, a heel for occasions, a sandal, a loafer or mule, and a flat for more comfortable and casual days. When buying shoes, comfort should always be the top priority next to quality. Shoes should hold up for years if taken care of, and with the price of quality shoes, you will want to invest your time into caring for them.
Jackets and coats are essentials if the weather fluctuates in your area. A denim jacket, a leather jacket, a nice blazer, and a quality cardigan will be your year-round essentials. If you get cold weather, invest in a warm puffer and wool trench coat to ensure style and warmth in the winter. Buy jackets that add interest to your wardrobe. My all-time favorite coat is a bright golden-yellow wool trench from Free People. The long length and material keep me cozy, and the color always receives compliments. When buying coats, be mindful of how you wish to wear them. If it is a winter coat, consider sizing up to allow room for thicker sweaters underneath. Think of outerwear as an accessory to make styling easier; If you take off your jacket, your outfit should still be complete.
Dresses are a closet staple as well. We’ve all heard of the little black dress, which is essential because of the range it will offer for your closet. It can be worn on a date, to the office with a blazer, to a funeral if needed, or pop a sweater over it to make it a casual mini skirt. More essential dresses are a printed sundress for the warmer seasons, a light sweater dress for cooler months, at least one formal dress for occasions, and a long dress for easy dressing when you do not want to pair a whole outfit together. Having dresses that vary in color, length, and texture expands the use of your wardrobe because they can be worn alone, or used as a base layer for a mock skirt.
Now that we have covered most of the closest essentials, assess your own wardrobe to see if you are equipped with enough basics, or which ones you may require. Take your environment into account when determining what is a closest essential for your personal environment and lifestyle. Your basics will be unique to you and your style, this article just serves as a loose template to help determine what you may or may not need. Basics may be boring at first glance, but without them, some of the most intricate outfits would be impossible to replicate.
