This Wardrobe Essentials Edit is a curated selection of essential pieces designed to elevate your style with timeless sophistication and versatility. In today’s fast-paced world, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, it’s essential to build a wardrobe foundation rooted in classic staples that withstand the test of time. If you’re ready to refine your personal style, this is the best place to start!
Welcome to the WARDROBE ESSENTIALS EDIT. Keep scrolling! Everything is linked below.
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WHy are wardrobe essentials important?
Here’s a little background on my style. When I was in middle school and high school, I was all about shopping at Old Navy and GAP. I kept things pretty simple, but basically followed their lead for style and trends. Then in college I worked at Abercrombie and it was a whole different vibe. Think low-waisted, ripped bleach-splattered jeans paired with a tight short sleeved polo shirt and flip flops. This was the early 2000’s Abercrombie. Not the sophisticated Abercrombie of today.
Entering the professional world was a little odd. I was never sure where to shop or what to wear to look professional and also dress my age. 20 years later, it seems SO much easier with Pinterest and social media to give inspiration. We have an abundance of options in front of us at all times. But, this can sometimes be a bad thing. If you haven’t refined your personal style, you might be shopping without a focus on what you truly need in your wardrobe.
Thinking about this, I put together this Wardrobe Essentials Edit. This is a curated selection of essential pieces that I think anyone could have in their closet as a foundation to build upon. Think basic, classic styles in neutral tones that remain timeless.
They can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe to create various outfits for different occasions. This versatility allows you to get more value out of each piece. Having a foundation of essential pieces makes getting dressed easier and more efficient. You’ll have a selection of go-to items you know work well together. They can easily be styled for any situation whether it’s casual or dressy.
From the iconic white t-shirt to the tailored black blazer, each item has been chosen to seamlessly integrate into your daily wardrobe rotation, effortlessly transitioning from day to night, season to season. These items in the Wardrobe Essentials Edit serve as the building blocks of your personal style. They form the basis upon which you can layer trendier or statement pieces to express your individuality while still maintaining a cohesive look.
Let’s break down these Wardrobe Essentials into three phases: Start With the Basics, Elevate Your Basics, and Add the Finishing Touches.
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WARDROBE ESSENTIALS EDIT
start with the basics
The first step in your Wardrobe Essentials Edit is the basics: great fitting jeans, a white t-shirt, black t-shirt, cream blazer, black blazer, and a little black dress. Keep in mind that while these are timeless, classic items to have in your wardrobe, trends do still apply.
For jeans, the most important thing is to have a few pairs that fit you well and that you feel good in. Jeans can be dressed up or kept casual. Most workplaces find jean acceptable today, and you will definitely wear them to run errands, meet up with friends, or go for a date night. It’s smart to invest in a few great pairs because you’ll get lots of value out of them.
The trends in jeans right now are high-waisted, wide leg, cropped flare, flare, and straight leg. I suggest finding 2-3 great fitting classic blue jeans you love. Stay away from rips and holes to keep them more versatile for any occasion. After you have a few great pairs of blue jeans, then it’s good to add jeans in black and ecru colors as well. These colors of denim will instantly elevate your look.
Next, make sure you have a nice quality basic crew neck t-shirt in both white and black. This is a classic, timeless look that lots of people simply overlook. Worn just with jeans as part of your main outfit, a nice quality tee will look simple, chic, and sophisticated. I found these great tees at Target. Check out this white t-shirt and black t-shirt, both for just $10.
Then add in a cream blazer and black blazer to your wardrobe. Blazers are a timeless, classic look that can be dressed up or dressed down. Stay away from very fitted blazers because the current trend is to wear them a little loose.
Lastly, you’ll need a little black dress. You just can’t go wrong with an LBD and everyone should have one (or more) in their closet. I love wearing dresses because they can be the whole outfit. They also look great paired with a blazer. Whether it’s a professional event, job interview, or date night, having a little black dress in your closet will ensure you always have something to wear.
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WARDROBE ESSENTIALS EDIT
ELEVATE YOUR BASICS
As you continue to refine your Wardrobe Essentials Edit, the next step involves elevating your basics with a few more key pieces that add depth and versatility to your closet. Incorporating button-down shirts in classic white, light blue, and denim expands your styling options, offering a sophisticated touch for both casual and professional outfits. A button down shirt is classic and timeless. You can wear them as your top, buttoned up. Or you can wear them open over your basic t-shirt for a layered look.
Black pants and shorts provide timeless silhouettes that effortlessly transition from day to night. I love these black pants from J Crew Factory and these Everlane shorts. A sleek black midi skirt adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. You can wear them in any season because they look great paired with a sweater in the fall or winter, and they look great with a sleeveless top or t-shirt in spring and summer. I love this A Line Midi Slip Skirt from Target. These three items elevate your outfit above your basic jeans, so that’s why they are essential.
Another elevated essential to have in your wardrobe is a striped sweater. Striped sweaters are very on trend right now and and they inject a dose of sophistication. This classic look effortlessly pairs with your existing basics for a chic and cozy look. You can wear the sweater as your top or simply drape it over your shoulders.
By adding these elevated essential pieces to your wardrobe edit, you’ll further enhance your styling possibilities and ensure that your closet remains both timeless and chic.
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WARDROBE ESSENTIALS EDIT
THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Completing your Wardrobe Essentials Edit involves adding the finishing touches that elevate your look from simple to sophisticated. A pair of black sunglasses not only adds a touch of glamour but also offers essential protection from the sun’s rays, effortlessly complementing any outfit with a timeless appeal. I love this pair of black sunglasses from Diff, and I get compliments on them all the time. They are definitely a go-to accessory for me.
A sleek black tote handbag provides both style and functionality, serving as the perfect carryall for your daily essentials. I’ve had this black leather tote from Kate Spade for years, but here is a similar version I love too.
Meanwhile, a cognac crossbody bag offers a chic and practical option for on-the-go days, adding a pop of color to your ensemble. I love this Cognac Crossbody Bag from Quince because it has spots to hold your ID or credit cards, so you don’t need your whole wallet. It’s the perfect size for your phone and lip gloss.
When it comes to footwear, versatile black and cognac slingbacks and sandals offer endless styling possibilities, effortlessly transitioning from day to night with ease. Once of my favorite footwear brands is Marc Fisher, and I love these black slingbacks and black sandals.
Finally, a short trench coat and a long trench coat complete your wardrobe essentials edit, adding a layer of sophistication and refinement to any outfit while providing practical protection against the elements. With these finishing touches, your wardrobe is not only complete but also impeccably curated, ensuring that you’re ready to take on any occasion with style and confidence.
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Refining your style is not merely about assembling a collection of clothing; it’s about crafting a signature style that reflects your individuality and sophistication. Curating your Wardrobe Essentials Edit by meticulously selecting timeless pieces like the classic white and black t-shirts, versatile jeans, and tailored blazers, you’re laying the groundwork for a wardrobe that transcends fleeting trends and stands the test of time.
But the essence of true style lies in the details. As you add button-down shirts, midi skirts, and striped sweaters to your wardrobe, each piece becomes a building block in the creation of effortlessly chic ensembles for any occasion.
And let’s not forget the finishing touches – the black sunglasses that exude glamour, the handbags that seamlessly marry form and function, and the trench coats that epitomize timeless elegance. With every addition, your wardrobe evolves into a carefully curated collection that not only speaks volumes about your impeccable taste but also empowers you to navigate the world with confidence and poise.
So, embrace your wardrobe curation process, and let your Wardrobe Essentials Edit be a reflection of who you are and who you want to be. By doing this work to refine your personal style, you’ll look good and feel good. And when you feel good, you do good.
I hope this post helps you to take productive steps toward editing your wardrobe and refining your personal style. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
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