Every strong wardrobe should contain a variety of staples pieces that can be combined to create countless outfits throughout the year. These foundational basics present the opportunity to embellish with the newest trends and statement accessories. And trust us, without these style essentials to build on, your wardrobe will be incomplete.
1. Black, nude, and white camis (or tank tops) in different lengths
[Photo Source: Forever 21]
Camis are a closet necessity for any style! Tank tops in light fabrics are a consistent addition to any outfit, whether paired with a statement skirt or worn underneath a sheer top. Camis can save you from wardrobe mishaps, and can also be paired underneath statement skirts and jackets to ensure that your outfit doesn’t clash. Having camis in a variety of different colors and lengths will ensure you always have a cohesive look.
Here are some varying cami lengths to get you started:
The Crop Top: The Tammi Spaghetti Racerback “Sports Bra” by BCBG is the perfect layering piece for crop top looks. ($48)
The Waist Length: Forever 21 makes a large assortment of basic camis in all different lengths, and is a great place to get a usually hard to find waist-length camisole. If you have a short torso, this is the perfect length for layering! ($5.90)
The Hip Length: A tank top that falls at the hip is a classic style that can be purchased from many different brands. This cami, by Anthropologie, is high quality and will last through many washes. ($24)
The Dress Length: A cami dress (also known as a t-shirt dress) is the perfect layering piece underneath sheer tops, dresses and long cardigans. A cami dress is essentially a slip but looks like a more structured article of clothing, and so can be worn on its own. BCBG makes a classic cami dress. ($48)
2. A pair of jeggings or workwear yoga pants
Jeggings are one of the most genius inventions of our time. Tight fitting jeans can be restricting and bad for blood flow, which can lead to nerve damage. For comfort and style, try a pair of jeggings for casual wear. For the office, workwear yoga pants provide the perfect cheat for a polished look.
You can buy good quality jeggings at a bargain from H&M. ($30) A pair of Betabrand workwear yoga pants are also worth a try. ($88)
3. A good pair of jeans
Jeans are an anytime wardrobe staple. Although they are not always appropriate for work, they can easily be transitioned from a day to evening look. Every woman must have one pair of well-fitting, quality jeans in her closet. While splurging for the perfect pair isn’t always necessary, you should browse both high-end and discount brands to find the best combination of the right fit for you and good quality denim.
Some of the fashion world’s raved about brands are 3X1, Paige, Stella McCartney, Levis, 7 For All Mankind, Rag and Bone, J Brand, and AYR, just to name a few. Try some of these as you seek out your own favorite pair.
4. A leotard
[Photo Source: American Apparel]
Leotards offer a contemporary alternative to layering camis. Whether curvy or slim, they offer a form-fitting option for any shape. Leotards are a great alternative if you find yourself constantly re-tucking in your top. You can also pair leotards with skirts, tailored shorts or jeans for a sleek and simple look.
American Apparel is well-known for their leotards and bodysuits. Check out some favorites here:
Cotton Spandex Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt Leotard ($28)
Fine Tricot Bodysuit ($40)
Cotton Spandex Jersey Cross-V Bodysuit ($36)
5. A basic black dress that hugs your silhouette
[Photo Source: H&M]
Everyone needs a little black dress, but I’m not talking about a little black dress for every occasion. I’m talking about a basic black bodycon dress that can be worn in many different ways for various occasions. You can add layers to this piece, accessorize it, or wear it just as it is. H&M is great for this style of basic black dress. Check out these styles below:
Ribbed Dress (sleeveless) ($35)
Jersey Wrap Dress ($25)
Ribbed Dress (three-quarter length sleeve) ($25)
6. A little black dress that can be worn as both semi-formal and business formal wear
[Photo Source: Macy’s]
In addition to the casual one mentioned above, everyone does need a little black dress. This flattering basic is the one you can wear to a work party but can also throw a blazer over to pull off at a weekday meeting. This dress can even triple as a conservative semi-formal dress for a night out.
Michael Kors makes a great A-line faux wrap dress with a V-neck. ($89) It is sexy and sophisticated but keeps your look refined with a hem that comes down below the knee. If you aren’t crazy about the v-neck, try this boatneck sheath dress by Alfred Sung. ($180) It has a pleated straight skirt and a discrete low back for a chic and sexy look. Wear a jacket or a blazer over this dress to make it work-appropriate. ($180)
7. A fitted and flattering suiting dress
[Photo Source: BCBG]
Everyone needs a suiting dress that is appropriate for office meetings, but is also sexy enough for a night out. BCBG Max Azria makes great suiting dresses for this kind of versatility.
Julienne Deep V Peplum Dress ($198)
Francis Layered Ruffle Dress ($338)
8. A black blazer
[Photo Source: Express]
A black blazer is a staple that can make any outfit polished. You can wear it over jeans and a t-shirt for a styled look, with a cocktail dress to create a more conservative look, over a gown for an edgy look, or over a suiting dress for a business professional look. The black blazer is a must-do for every woman’s closet.
Some great black blazers to choose from include:
22-Inch Studio Stretch Peak Lapel Jacket by Express ($108)
Structured Blazer by Zara ($129)
Cropped Sateen Blazer by Banana Republic ($165)
9. A versatile shawl
[Photo Source: 6pm]
Shawls are great statement pieces, but can also be worn as basic pieces. Wear it over the shoulders for cool summer evenings or brisk fall afternoons, or in the winter as a scarf under your coat. Solid color shawls can work with any outfit, but if you like an eclectic or bohemian look, try a shawl with printed patterns. The Pendleton Woven Shawl ($65) is an example of one such great shawl.
