Everyone online has a wardrobe essential list with classics like white button-downs and blazers.

For example, here?s one from Vogue: white button-down shirt, white T-shirt, stripe shirt, camel trench coat, black loafers, jeans, little black dress, little white dress, black blazer, white sneakers, wide leg pants, ballet flats, and gold hoops.

Here?s what I dislike about specific wardrobe lists like this:

? They assume we all have the same classic style.

? They assume we are all the same body shape and size.

? They assume we have the same coloring.

? They do not allow for our individuality.

These lists of specific clothing pieces just do not work for everyone!

If I look in my closet, jeans are the only thing on their list that I own.  The other clothing is either a color or style that doesn?t flatter me or suit me. For example, bright white, black, and camel are colors that do not flatter me and button-down shirts and blazers are too structured for my personal style.

As you focus on your wardrobe, you need a variety of basic pieces as the foundation of your wardrobe.  

Since you will be wearing these wardrobe basics a lot, you want quality clothing that will last for years, that?s comfortable, fits great, and is flattering on you.

I?ve created a wardrobe essential list that is more flexible so you can choose your wardrobe basics wisely.

My Better Wardrobe Essential List

You should adjust the clothing to: 

? colors that flatter you, 

? shapes that suit your body, and 

? pieces that express your personal style.

1. Light Top for Layering

Everyone needs a light top to wear under jackets and cardigans. Look for a scoop neck or V-neck which are flattering and the easiest to layer. Choose a fabric and style that you love.  

2. Layering Pieces

Adding a third piece to your outfit elevates your look. Whether it?s a blazer, jean jacket, or cardigan, you need some toppers. I suggest at least two. Choose the fabrics and cut that fits your lifestyle, whether it?s casual or professional.

3. Jeans 

Everyone needs at least one pair of jeans. Choose a style that flatters you in a wash that you can dress up or down. The lighter the color the more casual it looks.  

4. Light Neutral Pants

Light color neutral pants are perfect for the warm weather season. Choose a color from your color palette.

5. Medium Neutral Pants

Medium color neutral pants can be worn year-round. Select a color from your color palette.

6. Dark Neutral Pants

Dark color neutral pants are great for the cold weather months, traveling, and for dressed-up looks.

You need a range of shades of neutral bottoms in your wardrobe. Having a range of light, medium, and dark colors allows you to create more outfits with different contrasts.  Remember to use your color palette to select your best neutral shades. Choose the fabric, cut, and style that works for your current lifestyle, whether it?s casual or professional. 

7. Neutral Dress Trousers

You will need at least one pair of neutral trousers in a refined fabric. Choose the darkness and color that works best for your professional and formal events.  

8. Basic Dress or Skirt

It?s good to have a dress in a flattering color or a neutral skirt for funerals, weddings, important meetings, and events that you need to dress up for. But if you prefer wearing pants, then skip this one. 

9. Nude Shoes

Nude shoes are versatile and essential to your wardrobe. You can wear them with dresses or skirts and when you don?t have a color that works with your favorite pants. Choose the style and heel height that works for you. Here is an article on how to choose your best nude shoes.

10. Cute Flats

Everyone needs flat shoes that work with most of their wardrobe. Look for good arch support that is comfortable and good for walking. Almond toe shoes look the best on most. Your choice of color depends on the color of the bottoms in your wardrobe.  

11. Heels

Everyone needs at least one pair of shoes with a heel to elevate their outfits. Just throwing on a heel, even a kitten heel, with your jeans can transform your outfit. Look for a style that you like. A shoe with a low vamp and slender toe will be the most flattering. 

12. Quality Coat

Having a quality coat can elevate your outfits. Look for wool or leather. Consider a neutral color, so it works with your entire wardrobe or be bold and choose an accent color. Avoid a double-breasted style which adds bulk to your body. Choose the length based on your height, needs, and lifestyle. A longer coat is usually more formal. 

13. Leather Handbag

A good quality leather handbag is a classic wardrobe basic and upscales your look. There are lots of styles and sizes available from purses to totes.  A neutral color will be more versatile. Choose the size of your bag based on your body size.  

14. Classic Metallic Earrings

Even if you don?t wear jewelry much, putting on a pair of metallic earrings will add some sparkle to your face. You can?t go wrong with a pair of classic hoops. Choose your metal tone based on your color palette.  

As you shop, remember to focus on color, fit, and style to create a wardrobe that you will love. 

I could go on, but I think I have the basics covered to get your wardrobe foundations on track.

Are you going to use this checklist for your wardrobe?

I?ve mentioned color throughout this article because color can transform how you look. If you don?t have a personal color palette to use for shopping and planning your wardrobe, download my free Seasonal Color Analysis Guide to learn the colors that are flattering on you.

When you?re ready to shop for a color palette, use the coupon code SPECIAL to save 10% as my gift to you. 

I look forward to you sharing your wardrobe basics in my Facebook group.

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