Closet Staples

Have you ever opened your drawers or rummaged through your closet only to come to the conclusion that you have absolutely nothing to wear? Pretty sure everyone has, including me. Maybe the problem is that you’re not working with the best wardrobe foundation? If money is limited and time to get dressed in the morning is of the essence, it’s important to always have those staple clothes to fall back on. Trend after trend, season after season, these are the pieces that just don’t go out of style. With a little help from some stylish celebs, I’m going to list out your closet staples, things every girl should have prepped and ready in their closet.

Jeans

Whether you prefer a skinny or straight leg jean, wear whatever flatters your body type. Rachel Bilson is wearing the cuffed boyfriend style jean which is fun, but it can be a little difficult to pull off without it looking like you’ve got something extra going on in the crotch area. I do, however, love her fitted blazer, which brings us to the next category.

A Well Fit Jacket/Blazer

I know it’s tough in Canada because at least 4 months out of the year we’re stuck in a  parka, it’s still important to have at least one blazer or well fitting jacket in your closet. Look for something that gives you some shape and that’s not too boxy. The trick to this is to lay the jacket flat on the floor at look at the shape. Check to see if it’s cut like an hourglass or if it’s straight up and down. The hourglass cut will give you more shape. Olivia Palermo is wearing a tuxedo style blazer but there are many kinds available so find one that fits you, your style and your personality.

Basic Tees and Tanks

These are great for layering especially if they have a little embellishment around the neckline like lace or a little sparkle. I prefer a V-neck to a crew – I find them a little more feminine and they elongate your neck and de-emphasize a larger bust. Also, try to stay away from hoarding graphic tees. A few are ok but they can occasionally be harder to match with and can sometimes make you look like you’re borrowing your little sisters top. Amanda Seyfried is wearing a basic tank but pairing it with more structured pieces really makes this top sophisticated and polished.

A Button Up Shirt

I’m loving the boyfriend style right now, either in a denim or cotton white. Adding a waist-cinching belt, black leggings and some boots makes a fashionable but comfy outfit. Or, you can do a lightly colored button up with a few pops of color like Lauren to give it more visual and unexpected interest.

A Duel Purpose Dress

This is one that can be dressed down for the day with a cardigan and flats or dressed up at night with some fancy jewelry and a heal. A great example of this is the classic little black dress. From the days of Audrey Hepburn to modern day, this dress will never go out of style.

Shoes

Now this subject could be a whole blog post in itself so I may come back to this topic alone and elaborate later.

A Cardigan

Whether it’s colored or neutral,  waist length or a little longer, they’re great for layering over a dress or a plain tee. If they’re a little on the bulky side and you feel like you’ve lost sight of your waist line, try adding a belt. It may bring back that feminine hourglass shape to your body.

A Skirt

Nothing too short or hoochy! Mid-thigh is my limit – anything shorter and you might pull a Britney or Lindsay while getting out of the car. Also, if you’re uncomfortable with the classic pencil skirt because you feel like you’re in a straight jacket, try an A-line, like Kim’s. I find they’re great to cover your thighs if you’re a little self conscious about that area. They also visually make your waist looks smaller, hence the A line shape it creates.

A Belt

Most people probably wouldn’t think of a belt as a staple, but I couldn’t tell you how many times a week I grab my brown leather belt to emphasize my waist (and I’m talking about your natural waist line, not around your belt loops). If you have a solid colored dress and you want to break up the color, or your shirt or sweater is too wide and a little baggy, try adding a belt around your waist to give you some shape back. Hourglass figures are sexy! And no one else pulls off this image like the curvy Kim Kardashian.

So, in a nutshell, these are some key pieces that I believe are the foundation to any wardrobe. Each topic, however, I just brushed the surface of. This post would have been way too long if I went into details! Which is why at a later date I’ll expand on each of these topics more in depth and talk about fit, shapes, prints, etc. The bottom line is that for any wardrobe, you have start with the basics and the rest will come easier. It’s like trying to furnish a room in a house when the walls aren’t even built yet. One step at a time! And remember, you don’t have to break the bank to build your staple wardrobe. Stores like Winners, American Eagle, and even thrifted ones like Value Village can stock you up on the essentials.

Alright fashion lovers, until the next post!

Whit