Building a fabulous wardrobe is best done with a simple 70/30 rule – 70% classic pieces and 30% trendy items.
Ummm… which items are classics then?
The list came from a book called The Style Checklist: The Ultimate Wardrobe Essentials for You
TOPS
- A white shirt
- Menswear shirt
- A twinset
- Black turtleneck
- Short sleeve polo
- Linen shirt
- Sequined tank
- Scarf blouse
- Camisole
- Halter top
- Shawl wrap sweater
- Nautical boatneck
- Boyfriend sweatshirt
- Tank
- Ruffled top
- Tunic / caftan
- Evening wrap
SKIRTS
- Ball gown skirt
DRESSES
- Party dress
- Jaw dropping dress
- Tunic dress
- Wrap dress
- Evening gown
- Little black dress
PANTS
- Easy fit jeans
- Khakis
- White jeans
- Traffic stopping jeans
- Trouser jean
- Capri pants
- Yoga pants
- Bermuda short
- Linen pant
- Menswear pant
- Cream dress pants
JACKETS & COATS
- Navy blue blazer
- Denim jacket
- Leather jacket
- Safari jacket
- Bold trenchcoat
- Weatherproof coat
- Quilted jacket or vest
- Chanel jacket
- Camel coat
- Black velvet blazer
- Evening coat
SUITS
- Pin striped suit
- Grey flannet suit
- Black pant suit
- Black suit
- A tracksuit
SHOES
- Black pumps
- Leather sandal
- Sensible heels
- Nude heels
- Festive flat
- Driving moccasin
- Wedge heel
- Knee boot
- Sexy slingback
- Retro sneaker
- Artful sneaker
- Cross trainer
- Dressy flat sandal
- Metallic evening shoe
- Stand alone evening shoe
- Espradille
- Must have mule
BAGS
- A business handbag
- A weekend bag
- Beach tote
- Work tote
- Evening bag
JEWELLRY
- Metallic cuff
- Timeless watch
- A cocktail ring
- Modern pearls
- Epic Chandelier Earring
- Trio wooden braclets
- Hoop earrings
- Diamond studs
OTHER ACCESSORIES
- Wide belt
- Long, lighweight scarf
- Beach coverup
- Skinny belt
- Fishnet stockings
- Opaque tights
- Perfect swimsuit
- Grown up PJ’s
- Red lipstick
- Fabulous sunglasses
- Perfect umbrella
It’s a fairly comprehensive list. I would certainly add a couple of things that I consider to be classic pieces as well:
- Sheath dress
- Pencil skirt
The idea here is not that you own everything on the list – heaven forbid! Depending on your lifestyle, personal style and body shape you pick and choose those items that work for you.
And of course keep in mind the five elements of style when you’re choosing.
