Wardrobe Essentials for Women

Here are twelve essential wardrobe items that every woman should have. These are basic items that will take you from boardroom to a night out to Sunday brunch. This list seems incredibly boring, but the genius of it is that pieces can be mixed, matched, and accessorized for countless outfits.

These items are the base of your wardrobe. They will never go out of style, so spend a little more money on these to get high-quality pieces. It is better to spend less on colorful and trendy items since you probably will not use them as long. When you do add trendier items to your closet, you'll wear them with your trusty wardrobe essentials.

A little black dress (or LBD for short) is one of the most basic wardrobe items out there. However, it can also be one of the most versatile. A well-chosen LBD should be able to take you to work, a wedding or a night of clubbing. For more conservative events, add a cashmere cardigan and tights. Opt for flats or conservative pumps. One a night out you can glam it up with flashy jewelry and strappy heels. And remember, just because you're wearing a black dress doesn't mean you can't have an exciting or colorful outfit. Accessories can change your look drastically.

There's nothing more classic than a plain white t-shirt. Get a good one in a nice fabric that is flattering on your figure. This can be the backdrop for countless looks and is a must-have when building a wardrobe. Add jewelry, blazers, scarves, belts, or sweaters to mix things up.

Just as classic and versatile as your trusty white t-shirt, but a bit more elegant. Use this for business or make it a bit more fun with colorful accessories. Get one that has a feminine cut and a luxurious fabric. This is a closet basic that every woman should have!

A good blazer can pull together an outfit with very little effort. Throw one on over a dress, t-shirt, or blouse to look a little be more sophisticated. This is a piece you may want to take to the tailor. The fit can make the difference between elegant and frumpy. Choose a blazer in a neutral color like black, white, gray, or tan. I would start with a black one and expand your wardrobe into other colors later.

A classic trench coat will make you look stylish even in foul weather. Get one that's well-tailored to your body and that has a little extra room for layering when the weather gets cold. Choose one in a neutral color that will work with the majority of your wardrobe. Black, gray, or tan is best.

A good pair of jeans are a must-have for any basic wardrobe. Get a pair that is flattering on your body. Bootcuts tend to work on most women. Consider taking your new jeans to the tailor if they don't fit perfectly. Opting for dark-wash jeans is also a good idea. They look a bit dressier and the dark color helps hide extra curves.

Slacks make a good base to an outfit. They look put-together and sophisticated. Play them up with fun blouses, sweaters, and shoes. Keeping things simple on the bottom will make it easier to put together an outfit. Again, choose neutral colors, probably black to start.

A classic skirt is another simple, classic piece for the bottom. Choose a flattering cut. Pencil skirts and A-line skirts are a good choice. Keep them at knee-level or just above. Any shorter and you risk showing too much skin, while any longer can look frumpy. Go for neutrals that will work with your other pieces.

A good pair of black pumps can be used for nearly any outfit and any occasion. Wear them with jeans, slacks, or dresses. They can be work appropriate and night-on-the-town ready. Getting pumps in black is a good idea since they can worn with a wide variety of colors.

Another option is a nude pump. These are also very versatile and can be worn with a lot of other colors. These will be better for light-colored outfits, but won't be good for dark-colored suits, pants, and skirts. I would buy them in black first, and then add a pair in nude when your budget allows.

These are a wardrobe necessity for a long day on your feet. They still look dressy, even without a heel. Shop around for a comfortable pair with a little bit of cushioning. Black is probably your most versatile option.

When the weather turns cold, a good pair of boots will keep your feet dry and warm. Make sure they still look dressy. Last thing you need is a pair of work boots. A tall heel will look dressier and more feminine, but a lower heel will probably do better in the weather. Choose what fits your lifestyle best. Again, black will be your best option for dressy or professional affairs.. Brown is also a good option, but is a bit more casual. Go for something that will work with the rest of you basic wardrobe.

Splurge on a high-quality leather handbag in black. It will last for years and never go out of style. Choose one that is big enough to hold all your daily necessities. Black is versatile, and it can be dressed up or dressed down. This is one wardrobe essential that's worth splurging on.

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