Sorry this is so long, but I have been thinking about this for a bit.
Since I am switching careers, I don't have to worry about my wardrobe during the week so much (which kind of makes me kind of sad, actually). I either wear a flight suit when working or something that I don't mind getting helicopter grime on when training.
But anyway, I want to start building a base wardrobe of pieces that I can pretty much pull out and wear year after year, without worrying about it looking dated, especially since they won't be getting as much wear as my wardrobe used to get. I still plan on buying pieces every season that I like, but I want to be able to have a solid foundation for them, if that makes sense.
So I'm trying to compile a list of things I should get. I have a 10% discount at Saks (they upgraded my Saks card, so the first time I purchase with it at Saks, I get 10% off of whatever I purchase), so I can get a lot of good pieces from there initially.
I don't mind spending a bit, but I'm not looking to break the bank either. :) Just good, solid pieces that maybe cost a bit more (or not), but will last, including shoes and accessories.
So far, this is what I have in my wardrobe for fall and winter that I think fits the bill, after culling through everything. I'm not going to post pictures, but I will list the brands because I think you guys will know what they look like from the brands. It's all pretty conservative stuff.
Burberry Black Cashmere Coat Kenneth Cole Camel Cashmere Coat Burberry Khaki Trench Betsy Johnson Black Capelet
CL red peep toe heels CL black Mary Janes D&G black heels CL black peep toe Mary Janes D&G black slingbacks Etro dark brown heels with small purple accent Jimmy Choo silver evening sandals Jimmy Choo knee high boots Ariat brown riding boots Ariat black riding boots (well, these both were originally for elephant polo, but they look good off the field too!)
Dark Red Leather Handmaid Bag (satchel) Black Leather Maxx Bag (satchel) Dark Leather Brown Tano Bag (bucket) Blue Leather Tano Bag (hobo) Dark Orange Leather Maxx Bag (satchel) Black Coach Messenger Bag
Dresses: I have a million LBDs, so that isn't an issue LOL several evening gowns in various colors and fabrics black and aubergine H&M sweater dresses, both turtlenecks
Suits: A Theory pantsuit in black A Tahari skirt suit in black
Jeans: A pair of COH in Pacfic A pair of black skinny jeans (Nordstrom store brand)
Trousers: Several of the Express Editors, in black, grey, and pinstripe
Shirts: White and black button-ups from Express (just plain and fitted) Juicy Black & Grey Cashmere Turtlenecks C3 black cashmere crewneck
Okay, so what am I missing? What would you add that you think is a must-have basic?
And can I add that my closet looks really sad and empty now? (and sorry for the random capitalization of the words)
What about some cashmere twin sets, so the pieces can be used seperately. The shells can layer over and under things and be used alone. Plus I am always a fan of well fitting cardi. Let me think more but you have a nice start...
I second a few fitted cashmere cardigans - I like JCrew the best
Ballet flats - maybe Cole Haan which are comfy and stylish
I would also add more tops that you can wear with both your dress pants and jeans - tees by Splendid and Vince fit well and usually have cute details. They would look good under blazers as well.
Trouser jeans
A colored or patterned blazer to mix in with your solid suit pieces
-flats -pencil skirts -- maybe a dark denim and then a grey wool -a beautiful scarf -a wrap dress -- how about in a classy print or brown -a colored blazer
Perhaps I am more casual than you are, but I'd go for another pair of jeans, perhaps a pair of courduroy trousers, and many great layering t-shirts and knits.
I second trouser jeans and corduroy pants. Wool pants are nice too. I also think a lot of tanks and basic tees in short sleeve and long sleeve are a staple for layering. I'm not sure how casual you dress, but I think a good pair of shoes to walk around in are a must (like athletic). Also a hoodie!
Thanks for the great suggestions, guys! Please keep them coming. :)
I have a selection of Pumas that I wear when not wearing flight boots, so I use those when I need something to slip on. I also have a lot of hoodies (I personal train, too, so they're a staple for me), but I am always buying more. I got a few of the short sleeve ones a couple of weeks ago. FashionPrincess wrote:
I agree about adding some nice knit/tee shirts. Also, how about some colored cashmere sweaters, I feel like everything is very black and gray.
LOL, yeah, FP, I have a pretty monochromatic closet. I TRY to get color in there, but somehow, I always end up with something black or gray. The aubergine is a start!
I've studied your list at length. Some things that may or may not fit your style:
- Skinny black capris, even in a matte satin or equivalent so you can wear them for dressier (holiday?) occasions with a shiny blouse or sweater and perhaps your silver evening sandals
- Khakis, if you swing that way, or something similar in olive green, neutral chocolate or taupe, the point is to grab some casual washable slacks that aren't denim and probably aren't black, since you can dress down your current black trousers if need be.
- Comfy white jeans for the spring/summer - wonderful for those times when you yearn to wear jeans but blue jeans, no matter how "trousery," won't cut the mustard. Also great on vacations and getaways. Some white lineny slacks could fit this purpose too.
- A bias-cut print skirt (silk?) combining black/red, gray/coral, or whatever colors you can work with - you don't sound like a skirt person, and neither am I, but I find that one is good to have for those occasions when you're feeling a vibe that ladies don't wear pants but a dress would be overdoing it.
- White button-front shirt/blouse with some ruffles or pintucks, possibly oversized
- Dressy blouse in red or teal satin or some color that works for you, perhaps even an animal print - go classic foo-foo like a plunging neckline, tie-around-the-waist or whatever.
- At least one crewneck cardigan. I know cardigans are like khakis for some people; the very word sends them into a tizzy. I'm thinking something that hits between the waist and the hip, and it need not be a luxury fabric. In fact I think cotton, if it's fine-gauge, can be thrown over even an LBD. Bonus points if you find something with subtle beading or bracelet-3/4 sleeves. I'm a cardigan addict and I'll wear them buttoned up in place of pullovers. Then get one in a color that works with that print skirt mentioned above.
- Ditto on some knit tops, close-fitting, like some wrap-style tops or even a slight empire or tunic style, in colors and sleeve lengths that flatter you (your selection of tops is grim)
- I'd also throw in some beater tanks or the equivalent in good basic colors and probably v-neck long-length tees in black, white, pink, chocolate, olive, heather gray - the kind of thing you pick up at Target for nothing without guilt because you'll want to replace them often.
- Casual jackets/blazers. Maybe a dark blue or black denim, gray corduroy, reddish or purplish poplin, tweedy brown.
- A low-to-mid-heeled comfy sandal in black that you can wear with jeans or casual skirts
- Kitten-heeled pointy mules with some buckle or hardware on them
- Definitely flats, at least one in black and perhaps a fun color like red or silver