The Classics

I'm a true believer in organizing style from the basics. This is why this week I am focusing on five Classics that women should have in their closet. The whole idea of classics is that they don't change as often as other clothing you buy. Therefore, it can be 10, 15, 20 years from now and they will still be a necessity to your wardrobe. You can also mix and match these classics with trendy pieces (items that are in style for a short period of time) and still have amazing style!

The first classic item in any woman's wardrobe is a suit. This can be a skirt suit or a pant suit but it should be a suit that you can wear with other items in your closet. Therefore, a suit that has a lot of embellishments or might be very colorful may not be an appropriate choice. I recommend a suit that has a neutral color such as a black, gray, or navy blue. By choosing a suit with a neutral color it increases the wearability (the amount of times you can wear the item).

I'm always a fan of having tops that fit. That's why my second classic is a white t-shirt or a white button-down dress shirt. You may choose to have one or both of these items depending on your need. For example, if you dress more business casual a simple button-down shirt may be best. However, if you have a little more flexibility with your attire you may want to invest in a t-shirt. Now to make your t-shirt more sophisticated you may get a better quality style such as a short sleeve white blouse from New York & Co. or Ann Taylor Loft but still make sure the item can be dressed up or down.

My third classic item for women is a nice pair of jeans. This can be a jean jacket, skirt, or pants. You may even choose to have all three, which is even better! These items will be used to dress down your other classic items such as the suit blazer, skirt, or pants. They may also be used for a weekend event or something a little more casual. Plus, it's totally up to you to determine the style. Just make sure it fits appropriately for your body type (which I will disucss at a later time).

I truly believe that women should have a little black dress. That's why it's my fourth classic item for women's wardrobe. In my opinion, a little black dress can make you look classy and sophisticated. You may choose a sheath dress, lace dress, a-line dress....whatever is your style and fits appropriately for you. However, I do recommend that when you put it on, it makes you feel like a woman and nothing less!

My final classic for women's wardrobe is a pair of black pumps. These can be patent leather, basic leather,  or suede. They can be a 21/2" pump or higher (21/2" pumps may be a little more comfortable if you'll be walking in them all day. Anything over 31/2" may be worn occasionally). Just like your jeans, black pumps will be used to dress up your wardrobe (instead of down). So, you can pair your jean pants or skirt with this item and get a totally different look.

Those are my five classics! Make sure that when you're buying your classic items you invest a little more money in them since you will wear them much longer. Therefore, don't be afraid to spend over $100 to buy your classic items because you'll wear them for years and not just for a season. Also, make sure that the "quality" piece is actually of quality. Check for irregularities, appropriate fit, as well as pricing. Remember-just because something is priced high (or low) does not mean it's absent from irregularity (which I will also discuss in a later blog).

If you have these 5 classics, excellent. If not, at least now you know where to start. Until next time....style beautiful!