Woman Wardrobe Essential: The Clothes

It is 6:00am in the morning, and you are getting ready to head to work, but you find yourself standing at the edge of your wardrobe and biting down on your lower lips. If you are muttering “I have nothing to wear,” while staring at a huge collection of clothing items, chances are you have a dysfunctional wardrobe. Your wardrobe is probably missing key items that give you the versatility to transition from one outfit to the next while having the flexibility to mix and match with classic and quality foundational pieces. These items are usually not the most trendy or glamorous pieces in your wardrobe, but they work with everything from dressy to casual. It is time to get a functional closet. 

A Few Tips: - The key is to buy less, better, and buy clothes that will work together. - Pay attention to fabrics, tailoring and cut. - Keep in mind that because it looks good on your best friend does not mean it looks good on you. - Focus on quality over quantity on the path to redeem a dysfunctional wardrobe. Quality does not have to break the bank, peruse the sales and clearance racks to find quality basic items that are not over the top expensive. - Stick with black for most of your basic clothing items, and build different shades of neutral and colors around your basic. - If a color gives you a glow, and makes you smile with approval, incorporate it into your wardrobe mix.

Before the Basic
Nothing ruins an outfit more than the wrong foundation.
- Great fitting bra just for you: Find the correct size and choose bras that are comfortable.
- Great fitting sexy bra for that special someone: Lace? Satin? Neon? You choose.
- Panty line free underwear: Seamless panties please? No one needs to know.
- Panty hose: A woman never goes wrong with these.

The Basic Black Tailored pantsuit/skirt suit: Everyone should own a suit, because you never know when the opportunity to wear it would arise. You can also wear the pieces separately. Make sure the suit you invest in is made from lightweight season-less material like rayon. 

Black Tailored pants: These are perfect for days you need to look nice or professional, but can’t stand the thought of a skirt or a dress. You can get them wide, tapered or in other cuts depending on your body type. Be sure the waist fits and it is flattering on you. 

Black tailored skirt: Do you have an interview coming up or a work dinner party? A tailored skirt is ideal for looking both dressed up, sophisticated and classy. Are you thinking laid back? Pair it with a cute tee or camisole and slip into your strappy flats. It is a perfect staple. 

Black tailored blazer: Your wardrobe should have a tailored feminine jacket that can be worn over jeans and tee to hang with friends, over a skirt for work or even over a cocktail dress. Focus on purchasing one made out of a lightweight, season-less material that breaths and is summer friendly. 

A classic crisp white shirt: This is an important wardrobe staple and can be both trendy, worn under a tee and over skinny jeans, or classy, worn with a business suit or tailored pants. 

Little Black Dress: It is impossible to go wrong with the LBD. Purchase a versatile LBD for hanging with friends, going on a date and heading to work. Accessories can definitely help define the aura your LBD stirs up. Add statement jewelry and strappy heels, and you are good to go for that dinner banquet organized by your church. 

The perfect un-skinny jean: Everyone has a pair of jeans, but does everyone have a pair of jeans that make them look great? These are one of the most purchased items, but few people focus on quality. You cannot have too many jeans, but make sure that you posses one or two that are exceptional. Spend time to find the right cut and color for you, and spend money on a nice heavy one that will last you a while. A dark wash is ideal for different occasions. 

Skinny Jean: This is as basic as they come. Every woman should find a pair of skinny jeans that fits you like a glove, but allows you to move. 

Khaki Pants: A weekend staple, chino-style pants add diversity to your outfits. The perfect tees and camisoles: Enough said 
Khaki Pants: A weekend staple, chino-style pants add diversity to your outfits. 

The perfect tees and camisoles: Enough said