What are some really good quality basics I should add to my wardrobe? I feel like right now everything I have is "unique" and I'm sort of lacking on the staples.
Can anyone help recommend sweaters, shirts, jackets, etc. that are sort of neutral in color and can be worn w/ lots of the "unique" pieces I have?
I just watched an Oprah rerun last week with Stacy London that had lots of good basics that I want to try. Stacy recommended theory pants in black and beige/khaki. She also did a good segment on the best black pants in a wide price range. I think all the products are listed on Oprah's web site too.
Here's my list:
solid color wrap dress, pref. DVF
white blouse, simple without too many details (so people can't tell when you repeat wearing it)
dark wash jeans
black pencil skirt
tan pencil skirt
fitted cashmere cardigans, at least one neutral like grey and one bright
great fitting tshirts in white and grey (I like adampluseve)
traditional black suit
red pumps
leopard pumps (they don't sound like a neutral, but they go with everything!)
I would add a denim skirt that would dress up easily. I have this one and I wear it with tights/boots in winter or with sandals in warmer weather. It has a really cool shape to it:
On Tim Gunn's Guide to Style he has a list of 10 essential items that everyone woman needs. I thought it would be a good start but I like the other girls list bc they are more specific. =)
*Basic black dress *Trench coat *Classic dress pants *Classic white shirt *Skirt *Blazer *Day dress *Cashmere sweater *Jeans *A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit
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"Despite all your best intentions, sometimes, fate wins anyway."
I find these lists so interesting! Everyone has a different definition of basics/classics. I think for me, what works best is having a wardrobe of silhouettes, colors, and textures that all mix and match, are good quality, and work with my lifestyle. I work in fashion, and can wear whatever I want to work. That said, it would be silly for me to be overly dressy, and I wouldn't be inspired if I dressed dowdy. Basics: 5 or 6 skirts- maybe a wool mini, a tight black stretchy mini skirt (to wear with tights and boots when I'm feeling Parisian..), a pencil skirt, a couple of casual summer skirts (American Apparel, H & M etc.), a denim mini, a silk tiered skirt I don't like printed skirts for the most part- most of mine are basics from J. Crew, etc. Jeans/pants- a few pairs of skinny jeans for boots, a straight leg pair, a black pair, a pair of trousers, a pair of wide leg jeans, maybe a pair of cords or jodphurs or something. I like Deener, Earnest Sewn, J Brand, Cheap Monday, Seven. I have a pair of basic black trousers from Anthropologie randomly, and they fit really well. Shorts- denim cutoffs for summer, white tweed ones, navy cord ones, black silk. I wear shorts w/tights or knee socks in winter/fall. Sweaters- slouchy grandpa cardigans, dressier cardigans, black turtleneck, a printed sweater (I have one with books on it from J Crew that I love) a couple of slouchy pullovers. Lots of navy. I like expensive sweaters, so I'm splurgier here. Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Inhabit, J Crew, Nicholas K Wovens- A couple of button downs- white and blue pinstriped (J. Crew), a couple of silk blouses/tanks for night, a short sleeve brocade tee that I can dress up or down Knits- lots of black and white tshirts, thermals in lots of colors for under sweaters (Gap, Splendid, Zooey), long sleeve striped tee, boat neck striped tee, tank tops for layering, a couple of special knits (i have a tank with beads sewn all over it, a cute sweater tank with leather straps.) Socks/tights- lots of tights/thigh highs/knee socks in navy, chocolate, charcoal, and black Shoes- black riding boots, heeled brown mid calf boots, brown leather oxfords, lace up vintage ferragamo ankle boots, a few pairs of flip flops and flat sandals, black pumps, mint green wedges, boat shoes or mocs, ballet flats, and a pair of special summer and winter heels. I like shoes from Frye, J. Crew, vintage, etc Dresses- Lots of black- I have a silk black shirt dress, a strapless wool dress, and a cocktail dress with cutouts around the neck. Also a few summer dresses and some solid shift dresses or t shirt dresses. Bags- meh. I wear the same brown mini city tote every day. I also have a tote bag, leather lap top bag, and some evening bags. I like vintage bags. Jackets- Love jackets. Navy blazer, black riding coat, slouchy navy swing jacket, windbreaker, tan leather Vince jacket, Black Mackage winter coat, another long black wool winter coat, burgundy lightweight Diesel jacket that's pretty casual
Specific "magazine" classics that I'd wear: Hermes Kelly bag (ha!) Burberry or just nice trench- khaki or black Louboutin pumps for events/dates any nice riding boot nice coats and sweaters Balenciaga pants Gold basic jewelry "trends" described as menswear, sailor, equestrian
things I don't wear: DVF wrap dresses, wrap ANYTHING. I like cleaner lines. pointy toe pumps (for the most part.) Work trousers strands of pearls most knee length skirts Pink or anything too girly Most prints Fur or fur look too many ruffles
Ok, thanks ladies!! So I did a huge closet inventory last night and I realized the BIGGEST issue is with tops (blouses, blazers, shirts,etc). I have tons of skirts, pants, dresses, outerwear, etc. but I just don't have the necessary stuff to wear on top of all my bottoms.
I hate my upper body -- I'm really large on top (not chest size, just large rib cage, broad back, big-boned). I find it super difficult to find tops that fit well.
Good for you! If I could add one suggestion, since it seems basic tops are what you need: buy in bulk! If you find a really good button-front shirt or tunic sweater that fits, get a bunch of colors. Men do this all the time and it's genius. If you can't bring yourself to buy five of something, at least get a good neutral (black, ivory, whatever) plus a color (royal, pink, whatever).