THE one question I get asked regularly is “what are my top 10 wardrobe essentials?”
If I had $1 for every time I was asked that … well you know how it goes!
But before I answer, I always ask a few questions. Do you mean top 10 pieces for winter? For summer? Do I get to include shoes? And what about accessories? Are the pieces for work? For rest? Or for play?
That’s because there is no definitive answer. Well, there is. But depending on the variables of which I mentioned above, it is possible to compile several lists of essential pieces.
Those lists will differ depending on colour, climate and dress code – my base colour, the time of year and where I am going. (I’ll save them all for other posts!)
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I also need to clarify that this list is not about restricting oneself to wearing or owning ONLY 10 pieces of Women’s Clothing. It is a list of pieces that are essential for EVERY wardrobe all year round. The pieces that you cannot live without. The pieces that can form part of an outfit for every day of the year (that’s if you choose to).
Hypothetically, could I live with just 10 pieces in my wardrobe? No I couldn’t. But come to think of it, there are only about 10 pieces I continue to fall back on. Those core essentials that are the backbone or underpinning of my wardrobe and thus form my signature style. They are my trusted loyal friends, my sartorial sisters, who never let me down even when I’m having a fashion crisis.
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So do those 10 pieces make my wardrobe essentials list? Yes, I concur, they do. And a little word of advice: ALWAYS choose quality over quantity.
But please note: The graphic below is purely an indication of styles rather than the actual product. This is about the wardrobe essentials such as the classic striped Breton-style T-shirt, the classic white shirt, the classic sheath dress, the classic black suit, your favourite slim-leg jeans, print wrap-style dress (or failing that, a print top and matching skirt (in a colour palette that works back with your wardrobe and your colouring), a coordinating cardigan or knit and another coordinating skirt, and a trench coat.
And your wardrobe essentials don’t have to be black; try a navy palette instead. Or grey. It all depends on your base colour.
It is also worth spending more money on these pieces because they will become your wardrobe workhorses therefore will need to stand up to plenty of wear and tear.
MY TOP 10 WARDROBE ESSENTIALS
1: A classic white button-down shirt
2: A little black dress
3: Fitted tailored jacket or a jacket
4: Tailored pants (preferably that match the fitted jacket)
5: Slim-leg or regular jeans
6: Perfect white, grey marle or striped Breton-style T-shirt
7: An A-line or pencil skirt
8: Cashmere knit sweater and/or cardigan
9: Printed wrap dress
10: Trench coat
What are your 10 essential pieces? Can you manage with just 10 or do you need more? I’m keen to create some new lists as I’m always looking for news ideas, so let me know what item you can’t live without. Ever stylishly yours …
*Main picture: Carolyn Murphy from Pinterest
This would be my all time favorite wardrobe capsule….
Hey Lisa, Thanks for your comment and glad you approve! Yes these pieces are timeless and classic and will serve you for many occasions. And they are the building blocks for many looks! Enjoy
I own my versions of all of the mentioned except the trench coat and agree esp. with your comment about quality over quantity. Also if you combine one of your more expensive pieces with an inexpensive piece, your outfit will look nice. The more expensive piece will upvalue your entire outfit.
Hi Jule,
Thank you for reading my post.
Yes, you are so right! That's the secret – combining a more expensive pieces with an inexpensive piece. And, yes, the more expensive piece will immediately upvalue your entire outfit.
Cheers, Anne-Maree
I agree with quality but the dress pictured above is over $700 to me that's just crazy!
Hi Kristina,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, quality should always win out over quantity. But that is also subject to everyone's budget.
I'm not suggesting that you must buy that particular dress, I'm merely highlighting the importance of essential pieces in every woman's wardrobe. And the wrap dress, I believe, is an absolute must for every woman.
Many designers today include a version of the wrap dress in their collections, so I'm sure you could find one that suits your wardrobe needs AND your budget.
Ever stylishly yours,
Regards,
Anne-Maree
Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists.
bespoke fitted wardrobes
i so agree – with your choices i love these boards – this model makes it so easy for that last minute travel event -i love basic pieces
Thanks for dropping by Saundra and for you feedback!
Cheers, Anne-Maree
Thank you for sharing nice article because I was confused about wardrobe essentials. In the article, you mention great essentials that really my favorites stuff for fashion and stylish. Glad to see these stunning ideas for wardrobe essentials. I was really unknown before reading your article.
Hey Avira,
Thank you for dropping by and glad that my article was able to offer you some advice.
Regards,
Anne-Maree