The Secret to Consistently Great Style is Your Wardrobe Essentials
AKA the building blocks of your wardrobe that make getting dressed easy.
Do you ever wonder how some people manage to look incredibly chic and stylish every single day? It may feel as if they don’t even try, but somehow always look effortlessly put-together. In contrast, you may feel that getting dressed every day is a labor-intensive event that leaves you exhausted and self-conscious before you’ve even left the house. You may be wondering to yourself, “Is there something they know that I don’t know?” Yes, there is, but don’t worry, I’m going to share the secret with you.
The secret is… a great collection of clothing basics that fit you well, are good quality, and work for your lifestyle. These pieces are the building blocks of your everyday outfits, and you should be able to wear them together to create a cohesive and simple everyday look. These are also the pieces to pair with your more fun and exciting clothes to help ground them.
As we are all unique human beings leading different lives, working different jobs, loving different styles, each of us is going to have a different list of “essentials”. But as your fashion bestie, I would be remiss not to share my absolute favorites.
My list is far from complete, as I’m still trying to find my 'favorites’ in many categories. I focus on finding high-quality pieces that fit me perfectly and feel great on. This often comes with a higher price tag (not always, though!); however, these are the clothes that you want to be investing in because you are wearing them every single week (perhaps multiple times a week!).
Here are my wardrobe essentials:
Uniqlo Mini T-Shirt
This is a great example of a clothing essential that doesn’t cost a lot of money (under $20!). The length is just right for girls with a shorter torso, the fabric feels high-quality, and it’s perfectly opaque. This tee comes in multiple colors, but I usually stick to white and black because they pair well with everything in my closet.
Reformation Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Jeans are a true modern-day American clothing staple, and these are my perfect jeans. I struggled for a long time because I never knew the style of jeans I liked best. Through trial and error, I learned I love a wide-leg baggy jean. Though I spent more on these than I’d like to admit, having this specific pair of jeans in my wardrobe has made getting dressed so much easier. They look chic, all while being incredibly comfortable.
Aritzia Effortless Pant
I tried to convince myself for a long time that less expensive trousers were just as good as the Aritzia ones, but unfortunately, the Aritzia Effortless Pant is just too good. They fit perfectly in all the right places, are made of high-quality fabric, and look sharp and clean. I love that I can dress them up for a night out, dress them down for a comfortable but still put-together look, or pair them with a button-down and a blazer for a professional outfit.
Reformation Clara Cardigan
A good cardigan can be hard to come by. Some don’t fit quite right, are too long, or the fabric feels cheap. As with everything else mentioned, this cardigan is perfect for me. It’s made of cashmere, which keeps you warm during the cold months, and is breathable during the warmer months. The fit is relaxed, but still manages to flatter the body, and it’s an amazing layering piece. With anything made of cashmere, the cardigan requires some upkeep, but it’s worth it.
Skims Long Sleeve Crew Neck Bodysuit
I haven’t met a Skims product that I haven’t liked. Every item I’ve tried, I find the quality, fit, and style to always be top of the line. The long sleeve bodysuit is such a staple clothing piece for me because it’s great on its own as a top, and it’s an ideal layering piece. Because it’s a bodysuit, it’s seamless (no trying to tuck bulky tops into pants), and the fabric really flatters the body.
Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flats
The only shoe on my list so far. I’ve been a Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flat stan for about 10 years because they are that good. I got my first pair in high school and wore them all the way through college, and then I repurchased post-college, and still wear them often. They are a classic ballet flat style that clearly has stood the test of time in my wardrobe. They add a dash of classic girliness to any outfit that I put on.
Aritzia Tna Best-Ever Ankle Sock
My latest and most random addition to this list. I never thought I would have a preference for socks, but I genuinely don’t think I can buy any other socks going forward. These socks are made of high-quality, thick fabric and feel lovely on. They come in a variety of heights, so you can pick whichever you prefer.
