An Essential Guide: Building a Women’s Basics Wardrobe
There is nothing worse than opening your closet doors only to feel like you have NOTHING to wear. And yet, how many of us feel that way multiple days a week? So many times when shopping however, we fixate on finding “THE” piece, but “THE” piece doesn’t always work in “YOUR” lifestyle. Or, at least not in a way that works throughout the week or season. Building a basic clothing wardrobe for women doesn’t have to be hard however. That's why I’ve created this essential guide to help you curate a collection of wardrobe staples that will make getting dressed a breeze.
Get ready to learn more about:
the must-have pieces every woman needs in her closet.
tips on how to mix and match these pieces to create stylish and effortless looks for a variety of events and occasions.
Why You Need a basic wardrobe
Having a variety of mix-and-match pieces not only provides you with your personal style building blocks, but it makes getting dressed so much easier! Imagine opening the doors to your closet and NOT having to worry about what you’re going to put on. That’s exactly what a well-curated collection of basic pieces will provide. And, did you know, this can actually be a huge money saver?
To build this type of wardrobe, think about:
Your personal style - whether it’s edgy or sporty (or something completely different), basics can work for you.
What colors do you gravitate toward? Do you like patterns? What about the shapes and silhouettes that both fit and look nice on you?
Are you constantly moving throughout the day? Or are you sitting fairly still at a desk?
Understanding your personal style and lifestyle
Before spending any money on new pieces, let’s make sure it will be money well-spent (especially if you’re on a budget).
1st, consider the colors and patterns you enjoy wearing. The keywords here are, “YOU enjoy wearing.” Sometimes we see something that looks great on a friend or colleague, and we try to emulate to a tee that style, but guess what…it doesn’t work. Either we aren’t comfortable or it doesn’t pair well with other items in our closet, so it just sits there, with the tags on, until it ends up in the donate pile. Sound familiar? If you don’t feel comfortable in animal print, don’t but an entire cheetah-print dress, just because it looks great on someone else. Instead, start off smaller, look for it as an accent - on a pocket or cuff for example.
Next, think about the silhouettes and styles that you feel confident wearing. I could insert a lot of what I said above in this paragraph too:) For example, I HATE super tailored blazers (on me). I’m uncomfortable wearing them, which is fine. You might feel completely the opposite. Also, completely fine. But, for me to go purchase a tailored blazer, doesn’t make sense. Embrace what makes you feel good in!
Finally, what’s your typical day look like? Are you working in a professional environment and also need items for after-work events or activities? Maybe you work from home and your day-to-day looks are more casual and laid back. Regardless, making sure you’re purchasing pieces that work for your lifestyle ensures a variety of clothing options you’ll actually enjoy wearing.
I also want to recommend that sometimes we need to be open to trying new pieces and silhouettes that are a bit outside of our comfort zone. Our styles evolve. Our bodies change. While we need to take all of the above into account, that doesn’t mean we turn a blind-eye to anything that doesn’t fit perfectly into our norm.
Finding essential pieces for a basic wardrobe
We’re on a roll! We’ve thought about our personal style and lifestyle, reviewed the colors, patterns and silhouettes we enjoy wearing - all that’s left is to know what to buy. We want to make sure each of these pieces are versatile and can be mixed-and-match with one another to help us create a wide range of cute outfits we feel confident wearing.
versatile tops: the Foundation of Wardrobe Basics
Many people will tell you there are MUST-HAVE pieces to keep in your closet. I’m not one of them.
For example, nearly every article I read says I should definitely have a classic, white button-down. Why? As I mentioned above, I’m 100% uncomfortable in tailored pieces, including button downs. Although it pairs well with everything from jeans to skirts, it just doesn’t fit me or my lifestyle. However, for many of you, a basic button down is an essential. Again, analyze where you’re at, and if it works add this to your list:)
Something that will work for many women, black or white t-shirts. I love these paired with jeans, leggings, wide-leg pants and pleated skirts. They work well under blazers, jackets and cardigans. Patterned tees are great layering options as well.
Need something more feminine, or maybe with a bit of an edge? Look for blouses or pullover style tops with touches of lace, contrasting piping or even a well-placed cut-out. Pair with jeans or skirts for a polished and put-together look.
Finding jeans and pants That Work For You
No basic wardrobe is complete without a well-fitting pair of jeans, however, I don’t know how many times I hear, “I hate the jeans.” Sometimes (this is how I’m feeling right now), it might be because of some excess weight we aren’t used to. But sometimes, it’s because we try to force ourselves into styles that aren’t really “us.” When shopping for these items, it’s important to find styles that both flatter our body shape and can be dressed up or down. Jeans are actually fun right now, because there are SO many great styles! Try them on - see what works for you!
In addition to jeans, don’t forget other pant styles, such as trousers or ones with a bit more flow. Black or navy work well for either work or evening events and will coordinate with nearly every color of top in your current closet. A more tailored fit that flatters your figure will give you confidence throughout the day or night.
Of course, for those of us not in an office everyday, we may want to try wide leg knits or cargo/utility options as well.
How to Style Skirts and Dresses
My favorite category! These essentials can be dressed up or down or worn for either casual or more formal occasions. Once again, we’ll want to look for options that flatter our particular shapes and fit with our personal style.
I do recommend the classic “little black dress,” because, well, there’s not excuse not to have one! Available in literally all silhouettes and sizes, these can be pulled out and worn for a more formal occasion, but many can be donned with a cute denim jacket and sneakers as well.
Don’t forget a fun midi-skirt. Midi-skirts tend to look great on most of us, as long as we’re finding ones that work for our particular shape. Pair with a cute tee, sweater or tank and cardi combo.
How to Complete the Look with Outerwear or Other Layers
This often gets overlooked, but our outerwear (or finishing layer) help complete stylish outfits. For some of you, that might mean a blazer or more formal looking jacket, especially if you’re in an office setting.
That said, I’ve yet to find anyone who doesn’t need need a classic trench coat. While we want options that flatter our shape, since most have belts, make sure to use them to accentuate (or give the appearance of) our waistlines. I love lighter-weight styles that can work (most) of the year. And although we tend to think of donning them with our business looks - they look great with SO many options, including jeans and sneakers!
Other outerwear pieces to keep nearby: a denim jacket, utility jacket and a wool option for really cold days.
Finding the right accessories
The finishing touch to any outfit, accessories can make everything pop! While I recommend a few versatile statement pieces such as a bold necklace or fun earrings, I realize those don’t always work for each of our personalities.
If you feel comfortable in more delicate pieces, embrace them, but try something different, such as layering a necklace or two (a thin gold chain with a pearl necklace for example).
I love bold bags, however, I admit, I’m maybe the worst at changing out my bags based on my outfit. If that’s you too, invest in a high-quality, more neutral piece, that can be carried with a variety of looks. Just make sure there’s alllll the room to fit your most important things.
Don't think I forgot about shoes! Shoes can truly make any basic outfit feel and look more elevated. Even if your clothing personality is more neutral, your shoes can be loud and fit right in. Of course, black pumps work with nearly everything. But cute booties and fun sneakers will help you feel right on trend throughout each of the seasons.
Keeping your Basic Wardrobed Maintained and Organized
You’ve got all the pieces. Now what? Girlfriend! Please start by getting rid of anything that doesn’t fit (either your body, or your personal style). Why do we hold on to so many items we never wear? This also makes getting dressed so much easier, because you’re not blinded by clutter.
Make sure to organize your closet in a way that makes sense to you. Mine is by sleeve length (three sections: sleeveless, short-sleeved and long-sleeved). And then by color.
Of course, make sure you’re reading washing instructions so you don’t ruin anything you love after that first wash.
On a Budget? 6 Tips for building your wardrobe
Good news friends! Building a basics wardrobe doesn’t have to put you in debt!
1. Use sales and discounts to your advantage! End of season sales and clearance specials are such a great time to build your basics wardrobe. Why? Because a black tee is a black tee no matter if it’s in the summer or winter. Stock up on essentials when they’re on sale.
2. Shop secondhand or thrift: Keep an eye out at your local thrift shops, or even online, for pieces you might want to find on a bargain.
3. DON’T always “invest” in basics! I know that few people are telling you that. However, I’m not going to tell you to buy a $50 white t-shirt because it’s made well, when you know you’re going to end up with marinara sauce all over the front of it….even if you haven’t eaten marinara! I will tell you to invest in the pieces that make sense to invest in. A nice leather shoulder bag that you can continue to carry for years to come makes sense. But some pieces, no matter you well you treat them, aren’t going to last. Thems the facts.
4. Purchase versatile pieces: we all have those “special” pieces that we aren’t going to wear frequently, but for our daily attire, especially if you’re on a budget, make sure your purchases can be worn with a variety of staples.
5. Sign up for your favorite store’s emails or download their apps. Take advantage of their special deals and savings through those avenues!
6. Sell unused items: If you have clothing that you no longer wear, especially if it’s been well maintained, you may be able to make a few bucks to put toward new purchases.
Stop Overthinking Simple, Everyday Outfits!
Building a basic wardrobe will prove to be such a time-saver for each of us. With options that can be worn in a variety of ways, regardless of where you’re going, or what you feel like putting on, you’ll have countless options!
I know it’s so easy to just head to a store and start buying, BUT, by taking a realistic look at your personal style and lifestyle, you can better choose pieces that work for you and your day-to-day activities. Effortless outfits are key! Keep that in mind as a “goal” when shopping and your basics wardrobe will be complete in no time!
