Why You Need Wardrobe Basics & What To Choose
If you struggle to create outfits with what you have in your wardrobe, the chances are you don't have a good mix of wardrobe basics. It might seem boring to shop for a simple cream blouse or neutral blazer instead of a beautiful print skirt, but without the former, you may not have anything to wear with that skirt. Plus, if you shop wisely, those wardrobe basics will create outfits on the days when you don't want to have to think about what to wear.
You will probably have seen lists of the top 10 items you need in your wardrobe, usually including a trench coat, white shirt, black trousers etc. but I don't subscribe to those lists. Why? Because they are too restrictive and 5 of the items on the list might not work for your lifestyle, body or colouring. A crisp white shirt for example, won't work on a full bust. Black trousers with a white shirt is too much contrast for most women's colouring.
So what should be on your wardrobe basics list? The simple answer is that's up to you. As I've said it needs to work for your lifestyle - do you need a blazer for work and weekends, or would a cargo jacket be more useful? What about your colouring? If you have a cool skin tone a navy jacket would work with your colour palette, but if you are warm skin toned a camel one might be better.
Below I have put together 10 pieces as a suggestion of what to think about for your own wardrobe basics. Change pieces and colours to suit you and your requirements.
Wardrobe basics example
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Denim jacket // Blazer// Silk blouse // Knit top // Chinos // T-shirt top // Tan shoes // Tan bag // Slingback shoes // Tote bag //
Casual jacket - a denim or cargo jacket is a great option to wear with all your casual pieces but also to dress down skirts and dresses. The classic denim jacket isn't right for me, but this one that's a bit longer would be better for my body shape.
Smarter jacket - a blazer is an obvious choice, but again if it isn't something you would get a lot of wear from choose an alternative that you would. A softer linen is more casual and also works better on curves than a stiff tailored style.
Silk blouse or shirt - a neutral is a good option and it dresses up the more casual pieces in your wardrobe as well as being useful for work and evening outfits.
Tops - choose items that will work for you and get worn regularly. Rather than a plain T-shirt, choose something that has a detail or style to elevate it from the ordinary. I've chosen a longer length top that has waist detailing to give some shape and a sleeveless linen knit that can be worn alone or over a t-shirt or blouse.
Casual trousers - for Spring through to Autumn a great option is a cotton chino. They can dressed up with your blazer or jacket and silk blouse or down with more casual tops and knits.
Shoes - a flat and a heel (even if it's a small kitten or block heel) in neutral colours should do most occasions. You can of course add seasonal colours and styles, but these will work with everything and if you choose timeless styles for many years to come.
Bags - like your shoes neutrals are best for your wardrobe basics. A cross body or small bag and a larger tote style will be the most useful.
Outfits using your wardrobe basics
When you add a piece in to your wardrobe that is a print or a colour, you will have something to wear with it because you have that cleverly designed wardrobe basics capsule.
A new skirt worn with the wardrobe basics
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A new dress worn with the wardrobe basics
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If you liked this post, you will love the Capsule Wardrobe Club. Each season a new Basics Capsule is included and then every Wednesday new seasonal items are added to create a mini capsule wardrobe each month. It makes dressing so simple, as you can use my suggestions or use them for inspiration for creating outfits from your own wardrobe. Find out more and join here.
