While the concept of wardrobe essentials may seem repetitive, it holds immense value. Understanding and implementing these principles can significantly simplify your life and enhance your style.
From experience, I made many mistakes with my wardrobe before becoming an image consultant. I paid for them in many ways. For example, buying much-patterned clothing made it impossible to mix and match, and I had to purchase many pieces to match all those patterns; I had to work on a closet that needed to be more significant and harmonious with my lifestyle and body type.
I know many of you have felt the same way. You have so many pieces that don’t mix with anything and need something to wear on the go. Or when shopping, you don’t know what to buy except that one floral dress that can only be worn once. Or how about the feeling of buying something you love, but at the end of the day, you realize that the fit doesn’t complement you or is not a good color and makes you feel old and tired?
We will talk a lot about color theory in this blog, but today, we will see the essentials in a wardrobe and why you need to implement this in your life.
Let’s start by ensuring that as I break down wardrobe essentials, you understand that every item must be based on your body type and style.
- White bottom-up shirt
This shirt is essential because it can be worn down or up. Because it is white, it complements all your other colors. It is also easy to stylize for many body types.
- Dark washed jeans
This one is always a subject of controversy since most people have a taste for a particular type of jeans. But we recommend having one pair of these jeans because they are timeless. So, even if you store them away for a while, you can always take them out, and they can be worn to semi-casual events or more formal casual, saving you money as they are not a trend. This is also an excellent tip for losing a few kilos without stopping to eat the food we love.
- Tailored Blazer
As a Costa Rican image consultant, I like advising a general audience and people living in the tropics, and you can also take these tips for your next Costa Rican or beach vacation.
A tailored blazer is also essential as you can wear it up or down and protect yourself from the weather. It adds sophistication and structure to your outfit. It can do wonders in your silhouette, giving you a slim waist and hourglass body type. However, wearing a blazer is out of the question in the tropics. Still, the same theory applies: you can wear a lightweight fabric linen blazer that will allow your skin to breathe or a beautiful silk carding that looks amazing over any outfit.
- Little Black Dress (LBD)
This is a must-have; if you need to transition into dresses, you can wear a basic-color jumper. You can wear it down with tennis shoes or up with high heels and a shawl.
- Neutral-Colored T-shirts
Various colors like gray, Baish, white, black, and dark blue are great to have as a base for layering, for work of a day at the park, for hot weather if made in breathable fabric, or under layers for a colder winter day.
- Tailored Trousers
These are great, timeless pieces that you can wear for different climates and occasions. They are great for people who like to be comfortable and love style. Mix them with classic Oxford shoes, and you will have a 50s look that everyone will envy. This type of trouser was revolutionary for women as it was only used by men in the 30s and 40s, so it is also a statement piece with meaning; it is also a great piece to counter a thicker body type and focus on the waist and upper body.
- Classic White Sneakers
When comfort meets classic style, you will never go wrong. This elegant-casual basic will give you peace of mind when thinking about what to wear on the go, as you can wear it with jeans, shorts, dresses, tailored trousers, jumpers, and much more.
Choose a comfortable one, as you will most likely use it often during the week for errands, casual gatherings, movies, you name it!
- Leather Belt
When stylizing an outfit, a simple but classic leather belt will help elevate any look and is easy to combine with most styles and colors. This is a must-have in your closet if you are a classic soul.
- Black Pumps or flats
A classical pump works wonders when you wish to elevate a basic look, and flats can give a more casual yet polished look that will be ideal for any occasion. They are also perfect when you need to go to a meeting and want comfort at the same time.
We recommend buying a pointed tow shoe as it elongates your legs and screams sophistication.
- Trench Coat
This piece is timeless and weatherproof, a must-have for rainy seasons or cold winters in every country. It can not be missed and is timeless for a more sustainable shopping practice.
- Quality Handbag
I don’t like recommending quality brands because many brands offer more names than the quality of the product. However, I will stress the importance of a bag of good leather that will last you a lifetime and that it will be a statement piece that reflects your lifestyle and taste. If you don’t like using leather for animal rights, many brands offer quality and animal-friendly leather replacements.
- Timeless accessories
In harmony with all the pieces on this list, accessories are not to be excluded from this rule regarding an essential closet list. These pieces should be minimal, petite, elegant, and classic overall.
To wrap it up, you do not have to follow people’s style when it comes to classic and timeless outfits, but at least have primary neutral colors in your closet. This will allow you to mix and match your clothing to save money and help you have a cohesive closet.