Closet Essentials- 30 Base Pieces for your Wardrobe

These are the top 30 pieces that I believe every woman should own in order to build a nice basis for your wardrobe! With these pieces, it's very easy to mix and match, while adding your own style with color and accessories.

Many of these pieces are wearable for every season with a few minor adjustments.

Tops: Every woman should own a comfy chunky knit sweater either in a neutral or in a bright color. This staple will be worn all throughout winter and most of the fall. Easily paired with colored pants, comfy jeans, or trousers, a piece like this is something you will be wearing every year.

You wouldn't believe how much you can change the look of your outfit with a simple colored cardigan. It's so easy to go to a simple black cardigan when getting dressed, but resist the urge and purchase a fun colored option that'll go with just about every shirt and pair of pants. Streamline the look by adding another accessory with the same hue as the sweater for instant style.

A striped top is one those timeless pieces that will be your layering hero for years to come. Mix prints by pairing it with a sweater in a print (in the same color scheme), add a colored trench coat, wear with colored jeans, or add it underneath a dress for a quirky cool look. This piece is the perfect go-to top.

A bright tank is your go-to for summer and a crisp button down top is able to be dressed up or down, while being appropriate for practically any occassion.

Pants: Thank God for leggings! These comfy pants are perfect for weekend errands, lounging, or going out. Pair them with tall boots, a tunic, or wrap sweater for the ultimate weekend uniform.

White jeans are not just for summer anymore! These classics are wearable year-round and work well with neutrals, prints, or bright colored tops.

Every woman should own a good pair of khaki trousers. This staple works perfectly for wearing to work, nice dinners, or cuffed with flat sandals and a tank in the summertime.

Just like khakis, every woman should own a fitted pair of dress pants. From interviews, to the office, to unexpected events like funerals or work parties dress pants are definitely essential.

Boot cut jeans are almost every woman's go-to for weekend wear. However, finding the perfect pair can be challenging. One of the best tips I've heard is when you find a pair that fits you perfectly, buy two pairs- one to be hemmed to wear with flats, and one that falls at a normal length to wear with heels and boots.

Skirts: A long, feminine maxi skirt is perfect for all seasons. Find a cut that's flattering for your body in a tone that complements most tops in your wardrobe and make sure it's not dragging! This skirt can be worn with tights in the fall and winter, and with tanks and flat sandals in the summer. You wouldn't believe how comfy they are!

Leather skirts are surprisingly wearable (even to work!) if you find the right length. Opt for a fitted (but not overly tight) skirt that hits about 4 inches above the knee. Don't compromise on quality either- this is an investment piece that you will wear your entire life.

A pencil skirt is a definite essential for work and events that call for business casual attire. A neutral one is your best bet because it'll be wearable all year long with just about everything.

A fun and bright casual skirt is perfect for spring colorblocking and will also be your go-to to pull on in the summer. Dress it up with a button down shirt or wear with your favorite graphic tee for an edgier look.

Every woman should own at least one printed skirt as well. This is a nice basis to mix prints and is versatile enough to dress up or down as well. These look sharp with a fitted blazer or crisp button down and edgy with a floral tank or leather jacket.

Dresses: A little black dress is something we all know that each of us should have. With so many choices out there, it's easy to have trouble finding the perfect one for your body. Here's a quick guide:

Apple shaped: (large bust, broad shoulders, narrow hips, less defined middle)

• Try an assymmetrical neckline like the one shoulder look
• Look for dresses that raise, lower, or eliminate the waistline
• Drop-waist dresses are flattering
• Avoid halter, off the shoulder, and boatneck styles
• Try strapless and scoop necklines

Pear shaped: (wider hips and thighs, narrow shoulders, small bust, wider bottom)

• Opt f or a full skirt
• Try a fitted halter or strapless style to accentuate your trim upper body
• Try tops with embellishments to play up bustline
• Go with an A-line skirt

Hourglass shaped: (bust and hips are same size, well defined waist, full bust, shapely legs)

• Stay away from heavily embellished dresses
• Try bodice styles that are fitted
• Try strapless or off the shoulder necklines

Boy shaped: (small bust, undefined waist, narrow hips)

• Look for dresses with embellishments to enhance a small bust
• Cinched waistlines work well
• Maxi styles work best with this body type

A casual and feminine white dress is perfect for any occassion in the summer and spring. Add your own personal style with colorful accessories and fun shoes. A nude sheath is perfect for work as well as for layering. Add a blazer, cardigan, or colored belt and matching shoes to change the look of this dress everytime you wear it! Every woman should own two printed dresses (one casual, one formal). These can also be dressed up or down and work well with colored or patterned tights when transitioning them from season to season.

Outerwear: The perfect, fitted blazer can really update your look. This piece is one of the most versatile pieces you will ever own. Find a hue in a soft nude/pink, navy, or black so that you can get the most wear out of it. From cuttoff jean shorts to a business meeting, a blazer is a staple you will be glad you purchased for years to come.

A good vest (such as denim or military) can update a classic look or an edge to a casual look. A vest can serve as a nice transitioning piece when thrown over a spring dress or basic tee in the spring or fall.

Once you find the perfect trench coat, you'd be amazed at how often you wear it in the spring and fall. Classic khaki is always a favorite, but if you want to try something new and stand out, opt for a bold hue such as cobalt, red, or pink.

If you live in the north, you definitely need a reliable winter coat. Bold hues wake up drab winter days and are easy to pair with fun accessories like an animal printed scarf or bold cable knit beanie.

I believe a good leather jacket is something that will take you from season to season (depending on your winter). A real leather jacket in brown or black adds edge to a feminine floral dress or interest to a basic graphic tee and jeans. Do not buy fake leather. This is an investment piece that you you should expect to pay between $150-$300.

Shoes: I've recently discovered just how key a good pair of nude heels can be. Nude heels, being of skin tone, elongate the legs and make you seem taller. They also allow clothes to really stand out while complementing them with a classic and chic touch. These are staples that are wearable every season and really add a touch of sophistication to your look!

A solid colored pair of flats are definitely an essential as well. A bold hue can pop color in a neutral outfit, and look even better when paired with a neck or piece of jewelry in the same tone. Wearable to work as well as weekend errands, these shoes are timeless are are a good way to add color to any outfit.

Wedge sandals with a slight platform are wearable even for the most skeptical woman. The subtle platform add height to a petite frame and helps to define your legs. The wedge style eases pain in your feet, while the neutral tone matches anything.

A good pair of boots is an neccessary staple in any winter and fall wardrobe. A good pair of black closed toe boots work perfectly with skirts as well as pants/leggings. A wedge style with a hidden platform adds height, while continuing to remain comfortable.

Finally, a pair of flat sandals are a great go-to for your summer wardrobe. T-strap sandals, in particular, are perfect for a casual or more formal look. Embellished styles work wonderfully with a dress to wear with a dress to a summer wedding, while neon ones can pop color in an outfit worn with a pair of shorts and a basic tank.

Pin It Now!