Buying a fun pair of statement shoes is arguably way more fun than buying basics! But having a wardrobe full of “fun” clothes without any staples is more than likely going to end up you leaving you bored, because you’ll be stuck without the versatility having some great basics affords you.

In my post 11 Wardrobe Basics You Won’t Want to Live Without, I listed off the pieces fairly generically. In today’s post, I’m giving tips to help you choose these basics that’ll feel absolutely perfect for your personal style.

These clothes and accessories will stretch your wardrobe like crazy, and if you choose wisely, these are the basics you’re apt to love for years to come!

First things first! In my previous post, I notated “black” for many of the pieces, but you absolutely don’t have to buy your basics in black!

Your basics don’t have to be black!

Especially, if black isn’t great for your coloring, feel free to choose another dark neutral, such as chocolate brown, camel, taupe navy or charcoal.

Or for spring/summer, you might want the pieces in light colored neutrals. Think tan or white.

Can’t stand neutrals at all? Go crazy…pick eggplant, burgundy, olive or teal!

Here’s my list again with lots of ways to buy the basics you’ll never be bored with:

Little Black Dress: (Psst…remember it doesn’t have to be black!)

Choose a relatively dressy fabric, such as a crepe or a rayon or silk blend. The more simple the style, the more easily it can be changed easily with layers and accessories. It can easily take you from the office to cocktails to a black tie affair!

Basic (insert neutral color here) pants: I’m not sure I’ve ever been in a client’s closet that didn’t have a pair of black pants. In fact, most women have more than one! If you need to update your black pants, I urge you to seek perfection…both in fit and fabric. I don’t need to convince you just how versatile they are!

A lot of clients think these pants need to be trouser style, but that’s definitely not the truth! As long as it’s a current style that fits and flatters you…that’s all that matters!

Jeans: Choose a style that fits perfectly and is most flattering for your body. A dark wash is essential if you’re wearing jeans for business. (No, these probably aren’t your Saturday jeans.)  If you wear jeans a lot, I encourage you to update your styles regularly.

(Black) Pumps: Personally, I prefer patent leather, but kid leather or suede will do nicely as well.

Find classic pumps boring? Try a d’Orsay, sling backs, ankle strap or mary jane pumps.

If you’re opposed to a heel of any kind, sub in ballet  or pointy toe flats that have a bit of structure and a rigid heel. And if you want to really go crazy, add pumps and ballet flats to your wardrobe!

Silver or gold hoops (medium size) or diamond (or cubic zirconium) studs: These earrings serve as “neutral” grounding for your accessories,  and won’t compete with any necklace you might be wearing.

If you’re petite or have short hair, you may want small hoops. If you’re like me and have a lot of hair, you’ll probably want a mid-sized pair. Large hoops are fun, but they make more of a statement.

Tailored blazer: Ideally, you want this in the same color as your pants/skirt, creating a suit for those times you just don’t know what to wear. (Check out how to update a “suit” for 2019.) This solid colored jacket will also go over everything in your wardrobe from jeans to a dress.

Like the LBD, a dressier fabric versus a cotton twill or ponte knit, will take you farther. Lined jackets will look dressier and more polished than casual, unstructured ones.

White Blouse: It  doesn’t have to be the ubiquitous, white button-down.  Pull-overs count, too. It can be cotton, polyester, rayon or silk; sleeves or no sleeves. There are few absolutes…Just make it white or ivory!

Above all, your perfect white blouse should be comfortable and make you feel fabulous! 

Perfect t-shirt: White always works, but another color that flatters your skin tone makes a great basic, too!  Truly to feel amazing and get a great fit in a T, you need to spend just a little more money.  A few brands of T’s I absolutely love are Splendid, Majestic,Velvet and 3 Dots. Choose your best neckline for this workhorse basic!

 

Cardigan Sweater: Cardigans are simply sweaters that open in the front. They layer over blouses, camisoles or t’s, and can even be worn alone on date night. A lightweight material can dress up or down while bulky sweaters read more casual…not so versatile.

And while a neutral color seems like a natural choice, I kind of prefer a pop of color for this basic.

A knee length/midi length dressy coat: I know that with all of our snow and outdoorsy lifestyles, to think of any type of a coat but a ski jacket can be hard to imagine. While down is efficient in the cold, it just doesn’t do anything for your business  or formal looks!

A dressy longer length not only gives you more coverage, protections from the elements and warmth, it also dresses up casual looks. Again, a neutral colors is a natural, but a fun color or pattern can make a great statement.

Swim suit: There are far too many variables  for swimsuit choices (to go over in this post, anyway.) I think the most important points to look for are a good fit, the right style for your body type and quality.

I urge you to follow these tips when you’re building your wardrobe of basics. Take your time finding pieces you love, and I guarantee you’ll never be bored with your staples, but you will have a versatile foundation for your wardrobe, and you’ll always have something to wear.