Based on Tim Gunn´s Guide to Style as well as Marie Claire´s Wardrobe Essentials, these are wardrobe staples that every woman, no matter her age, personal style or body type, should have in her closet. They are flattering on everyone and are the basis for a timeless and put-together wardrobe.
Little Black Dress
This is the ultimate classic, and comes in so many styles to accentuate any body type. The trick is to highlight your best features and tone down your not-so-great ones. If you´ve got amazing legs you can opt for a shorter cut with more coverage on top. Hate your arms? Cap sleeves are a cute way to hide flab and still be fashionable and elegant.
Basic Heels
Heels are certainly a must for any fashionable woman, and it´s so easy to find a style to fit your preference. Whether they´re stilettos or almost flats, heels look great on everyone. They elogate the leg and instantly dress up any outfit. The key is get basic pumps in a color that matches your personality.
White Dress Shirt
Most women skip the white collared shirt because they think it´s too plain or too masculine. It can be, but worn in the right way, this ¨boring¨ shirt because the most basic and necessary piece in any closet. It can can be dressed up with the A-line skirt (see below) or down with a simple jean and cute flat.
Nice Jeans
Jeans are easily the most versatile item you may ever buy. They can be worn to virtually any occasion. You should always opt for a darker wash with straight or boot cuts, as these styles are flattering on everyone. As with everything else, this piece becomes what you make it; pairing it with other items for fun, interesting combinations are what make jeans such a great staple.
A-line Skirt
Everyone should own a nice skirt, and the A-line style is flattering for all body types. Be creative with this one. While many of the other items listed are simple and basic, a skirt is one you can really have fun with. Try a funky pattern or bold print to spice up your wardrobe.
Classic Handbag
Instead of buying a different handbag for each outfit or each season, why not save up for one, classic bag? Louis Vuitton or Coach bags, for example, never go out of style and while they maybe more pricey than you´re used to, they´re worth it in the long run.
Cashmere Sweater
A bit of a splurge item, a cashmere sweater is nevertheless a great investment. They are comfortable and always in style and, like everything else on the list, can be paired with anything to be dressed up or down for any occasion.
Diamond Stud Earrings
Most woman underestimate the power ot the diamond stud earring. They don´t have to be the real thing; cubic zirconium looks just as nice, if not better and will save you hundreds. These simple yet beautiful earrings can be worn with literally every outfit for instant class and sophistication.
Blazer
After the dark jean, a blazer is the most versitaile item in a woman´s wordrobe. Make sure the fit is good. It should be tailored at the waist to give you a nice hourglass figure. Also, pay attention to the shoulders. This is a small detail that can be overlooked, the result being some women end up looking like line backers by mistake. As with the jean, a blazer can be easily dressed up or down depending on the outfit.
