I hate spending a lot of money on clothes that fall quickly out of style.
But I also have an aversion to buying “disposable” clothing whose poor quality can’t stand the test of time. I like to invest money in great pieces of clothing that are meant to last. Style Bakery just featured an article about 10 pieces that are timeless items for your wardrobe.
Click here to read the original article!
I’ve added my comments in pink text. 
“At StyleBakery, we often talk about how important it is to own a core set of wardrobe basics to form the foundation of your wardrobe. Considered investment pieces, they are timeless classics that easily mix with trendier items for a fresh update each season.” While I can’t resist buying new things, it would be great to have a wardrobe filled with quality items that I’ll always want to wear.
“We’ve updated last year’s list to reflect our top 10 basics that every well-dressed woman should own. Missing something? With the multitude of sales this time of year, it’s the ideal time to round out your closet. Check back over the next two weeks as we offer some well-priced suggestions to get you started.” I love looking for fashion deals and steals. Shopping is a challenging sport!
1. Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are not only a classic, they also manage to be a “trend” virtually every year. This sexy, yet sophisticated, style can easily transition from work to play, depending on what you pair with it. Scour the racks for a style that fits your waist properly and gives enough room around your hips without bunching across your thighs. Own a black one but don’t wear it very often. It looks great while standing, but I don’t like it when I’m sitting all day at work.
2. Blazer
Nothing pulls a look together faster than a blazer. Whether you prefer yours to be short and tailored or long and slouchy, a chic blazer is a wardrobe mainstay. Wear yours with everything from a mini to a feminine dress or a pair of jeans. Blazers with suits are businesslike and boring, though essential for some jobs. But I love wearing jeans and a blazer! I have several blazers in different colors and textures to dress up or dress down an outfit.
3. Trench Coat
Every year, the trench manages to make its way onto everyone’s list of top 10 trends, making it the rare combination of a classic and a trend piece. A worthy investment, look for good quality trenches that are tough enough for a sprinkle, yet stylish enough to wear with a dress for a dinner date or suit for an interview. Ooo, I’ve never owned a trench coat before. A sleek and stylish spring rain jacket would be a nice addition to my wardrobe!
4. Cardigan
The ultimate layering piece, a cardigan can replace a jacket when worn with a dress or provide an added layer to beat the chill. Unbelievably versatile, the cardigan is always in fashion, whether your style is sophisticated and refined or urban and edgy. To get the most from your cardigan, look for cotton or lightweight wool or cashmere in a length that hits somewhere mid-hip. I agree that cardigans that hit at mid-hip are universally flattering and oh so comfy and cozy.
5. Feminine Blouse
When you consider the many possibilities of a pretty feminine blouse, it’s the perfect choice for this list. Whether printed or plain, a pretty top is ideal for layering under a suit or cardigan, pairing with jeans or a skirt, or even layering over a thin turtleneck. Have at least one in your wardrobe to add an instant feminine touch to any look. I don’t know where I stand on blouses. But I do like adding girlie details to plain outfits. A bow here, a ruffle or a bit of sparkle there. Tiny feminine touches to pull a look together.
6. Little Black Dress
No wardrobe is complete without the perfect, figure flattering, little black dress. Classic, chic and timeless, the LBD is the answer for “what to wear” to almost any occasion. Dress it up with statement jewelry and heels, or dress it down with a jacket and boots. Thank you Audrey Hepburn, for being my LBD icon!
7. Dark Jeans
Whether you prefer skinny, straight, or boot cut styles, every girl should own a pair of super flattering un-distressed dark jeans. Dark denim is far more sophisticated and timeless than lighter or specialty washes and can be worn during the day with a t-shirt or dressed up for evening with a dressy top and heels. I die a little inside every time I see someone wearing really light denim out at night. So if you’re investing in your overall wardrobe, dark jeans are perfect 24 hours a day.
8. Classic Pumps
At once ladylike and sexy, classic pumps in black or another neutral are a must-own. Not only are they the perfect accompaniment for a dress or work trousers, but they also look great with skinny jeans. With variations ranging from platform to peep toe, there’s a style for every personality and budget. If I could afford a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps, I would totter around in sky-high heels everywhere I went.
9. Statement Necklace
For several seasons now, the statement necklace has been at the forefront of fashion. As most trends do, its popularity is destined to fade at some point. If there is one lesson learned, however, it’s the transformative power that a stylish piece of jewelry can have on your whole look. A bold necklace can take even the most basic t-shirt or simple LBD to a whole new level of style. If you’re looking for something timeless, skip the big trends (like a bib necklace) and opt for a necklace you’ll want to wear forever, whether statement necklaces happen to be “in” or not. You aren’t limited to wearing a statement necklace for your jewelry to be able to have to have a something to say.
10. 24 Hour Handbag
It’s hard to limit the number of shoes you own, but it is possible to have just one primary handbag. The 24 hour handbag must be chic (of course), timeless and versatile. Invest in the right one and it will be part of your wardrobe for years. Neutrals are the obvious choice, but don’t discount a great red, purple or even mustard yellow bag. Select a size that holds all your necessities in a style that you can carry to the office, out to dinner and shopping on weekends. Handbags are my biggest weakness. Whenever I invest in a new bag, I make sure that it’s something I could carry anywhere and everywhere so I can really put it to good use.
Some more basics to round out your core wardrobe: flattering t-shirts, tank tops to layer with everything, white button down shirts, comfortable ballet flats, tall black boots, a good suit, black pants, a sheath dress, a scarf and an evening clutch…
*What are your wardrobe basics?*
COMMENTS
14 Comments
1. wishful nals
February 9th, 2010 03:00 PM
love this! i’m so into blazers, cardigans + lbd! i think my wardrobe staples {esp. in the cold of winter} involve leather boots + my adored poncho. it’s not really cute anymore… haha, but i still love it! have a great trip, xo!
2. Chrysta
February 9th, 2010 03:19 PM
hey girl!! awesome post. Omg handbags are my weakness too. I feel you can never have too many! I just think they are the best accessory! Love the classics! i tend to shop the same way. I buy majority of my stuff that is just a go to classic and then throw in a few trendy pieces here and there. That way I can wear most of my clothes all the time! Im not really a big trendy person anyways! Ha! Thanks for the great info!
3. Lauren @ Eater not a runner
February 9th, 2010 03:32 PM
Totally with you on the pencil skirts!
I think dark jeans, boots and cardigans pretty much sum it up for me
4. Karissa @ CardioFoodie
February 9th, 2010 03:34 PM
Unfortunately in the line of work I am entering my choices range from black suit to gray suit. But I think a really good handbag makes any outfit!
5. Shannon
February 9th, 2010 05:13 PM
It’s so sad, but right now, my wardrobe staples are my black yoga pants and a sweatshirt! Being a student again has not been good for my style…not that I had much in terms of style before!
6. Kelly
February 9th, 2010 05:50 PM
What a great post!! I have a severe obession with jeans! Seriously it can get outta control! haha!
7. Michal
February 9th, 2010 07:07 PM
Love this post! I am a fashion junkie (handbags are my weakness too!). My basics are skinny jeans, flat boots, cardigans and scarves.
8. Katharine
February 9th, 2010 07:18 PM
I definitely wear a lot of wrap dresses in the spring and summer, while boots seem to be a winter staple of mine. Great post!
9. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine
February 9th, 2010 08:20 PM
Love these tips! My staples are definitely a great pair of jeans and amazing shoes. I’m not much of a handbag girl, but I have a definite Carrie Bradshaw shoe fetish!
10. Kelly
February 9th, 2010 08:43 PM
Yeah so maybe instead of the gym you need to take me shopping. Here is the thing, I don’t mind shopping, and I do tend to buy a few nice outfits. Plus my mom loves to shop and will often find me great deals. But then somehow there is just never enough cute outfits and I end up wearing the same crap every day to work. It’s annoying really. I’m a much better dresser in the summer, something about winter I just feel like everything looks frumpy.
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12. Betsy
February 10th, 2010 08:46 AM
I love handbags as well.
This past fall I invested in a trench coat and I am obsessed with it, worth every penny!
13. Ash @ Good Taste. Healthy Me
February 10th, 2010 11:15 AM
Great post! I’m in dire need of some shopping. I just can’t seem to justify spending the money on myself right now!
14. Heather
February 13th, 2010 09:13 AM
What a great post – yet makes me sad because I am missing so many wardrobe basics…perhaps you should be my personal shopper! That may require a lottery win though…
I agree with buying a few, higher priced items that will last years is worth it. I just need to start buying them. Maybe one a season?!?