We’re received several reader inquiries lately asking us about our wardrobe essentials. This is not an easy question to answer, but after giving it some thought, I have compiled a list of essentials to share with you. Over the next couple of weeks, A. and E. will share their lists as well.
The items below do not make up an entire wardrobe of basics, but rather show the items I consider essential to my wardrobe; they are the items most often reached for and also the items that most successfully tie together the other items in my closet. I see them as the metaphorical glue holding my wardrobe together.
Check out the list after the jump…
2. A fitted jacket. As an academic (or professional of any kind) you need a good fitted jacket. I have several, but over the past year, this navy short sleeved one has become my favorite. It comes with a tie that provides that waist-cinching effect, and its unique cut and style make it a more memorable piece at conferences and seminars.
3. A white button-down. Oh yes, I said it. I completely stand by this ‘fashion rule’ for myself – I love a white button-down for its crispness and versatility. I wear it under sweaters and with jeans, with skirts for a more professional ensemble, or for casual looks that still attain a certain level of put-togetherness as a result of this item.
4. A bright colored cardigan. While a neutral cardi is useful for its ability to go with any color or pattern (and is valuable precisely for its non remarkable nature), this red-orange cardi does anything but fade into the background. I love this color and I’ve worn this cardi so much and in so many ways: I use it to add a punch of color to an all neutral outfit; to play off similarly colored items in my wardrobe; to add a bright to other solid brights; or to spice up an otherwise subdued professional look.
5. The perfect black dress. As with the white button-down, I’m perpetuating another wardrobe essentials cliche: the little black dress. But I firmly stand by this one as well, since this simple knee-length black jersey dress has seen more of the outside world than many of the items in my closet. It’s perfect on its own or with just a cardi or some bright accessories; layered under other dresses to add length and texture; or layered under a top to function as a skirt.
6. The perfect patterned dress. This black and white number is a perfect example of a versatile patterned dress that can be dressed down or up, depending on the shoes and accessories. It’s a bit more memorable than the black dress, a bit more dressy than the jersey dress, and a bit more exciting than a skirt+top combo for an evening look.
7. A neutral skirt. I love this black pencil skirt! Like the black dress, it can be dressed up or down depending on what it’s paired with (and because of its ‘neutrality’ it can be paired with pretty much everything in my closet), but the ‘pencil’ cut makes it the perfect item for a professional ensemble. Other examples of the many ways I have ‘remixed’ this item are here, here, here, and here.
8. A fun patterned skirt. I’m a pattern girl, but when it comes to essentials, patterns only go so far. A patterned item may be fun and memorable, but is usually somewhat limited in its versatility and matchability to the other items in your wardrobe. This skirt is a great compromise between a pattern and a neutral (since the pattern is predominantly brown) and so it has been a constant go-to this past winter and last summer. And it features one of my favorite color combos; red and purple, allowing me to constantly build off that.
9. A good jean. Need I say more? I prefer a dark wash, and when I find that perfect pair, it really becomes a wardrobe staple.
10. A good trouser. Like the blazer and the professional skirt, the trouser is a must-have for my academic wardrobe. This trouser is a blend of black and blue lines making it appear grey. It’s the perfect mid-rise pant for my body shape and I paid the extra $10 at Banana Republic to have it custom tailored for my height. Because it fits perfectly, I feel comfortable and confident in this pant and it’s my go-to for many a professional occasion; see here, here, and here.
11. Scarves (and Belts!). When it comes to accessories, scarves and belts are my best friends. More so than jewelry, I use scarves and belts to alter the shape, proportion, color scheme, or “dressiness” of an outfit.
What a great post!!! I should do that with my closet just to see which pieces I wear all the time!! :)
An interesting list! What I like best about your post is that you kept it personal for YOUR style. That’s what it’s all about. In my opinion, generic lists of wardrobe essentials do not work. And here’s why:
http://www.youlookfab.com/2009/03/30/identify-your-personal-wardrobe-basics/
Thanks, Danielle!
Angie – I agree! I read your list too and I’m with you, these exercises are only useful if they’re personalized! I never found those generic lists of things you should have that helpful because so much of your essentials have to do with style and daily life. That’s why E and A are also coming up with their own lists.
Such a great post. Can’t wait to see what E and A come up with.
[...] week, S. made a list of her wardrobe essentials, the glue that holds her wardrobe together. I’ve been thinking a lot about wardrobe [...]
[...] post today inspired me to pull out one of my favorite articles of clothing: the white button down shirt. While Sal mentions her struggle to embrace this wardrobe basic, I was [...]