When you head out shopping, wherever it is that you like to shop for clothes, do you typically have a purpose for the trip? Or are you just going to browse and see what catches your eye?
If your shopping trip is purposeful, it is easy, right? You have a goal and a mission. You are shopping for a specific event. However, I personally find that many times with purpose-driven trips, it’s easy to get distracted by the shiny, pretty things when you shop, amiright? Same as when you go shopping without a purpose: you want to see what draws our attention in.
This kind of shopping can be fun, if not a bit expensive, but you know how it goes…sometimes you shop and find nothing and other times you see ALL OF THE THINGS! 🤣🤣🤣 You look away as the cashier asks you to insert your credit card because you KNOW that is not a number you want to see! We have all been there!
When your Retail Therapy Session complete and you get home with your new pretties and try to find something to wear them with, it’s strangely elusive. As you stare into your closet, you realize you have so many shiny, flashy things, but have not spent time investing in the basics to pull it all together.
My friend, that is what I am here to talk about today: THE BASICS!
How often do you find yourself going out to shop thinking that you are going to shop for some high-quality basics and get excited about it? 😬 Yep, like I thought – never! And THIS is one of the reasons my Clients find themselves unhappy in their closets.
Basics aren’t flashy, they aren’t exciting. In fact, they can seem really dull. However, without them, our closets just don’t work. Here’s the thing, no one wants to spend decent money on high-quality basics. Many times we opt for the Target tee-shirt that does not wash and wear well or for very long. This is where I tell you, my friend:
Your Basics **MUST** be High-Quality
These are the pieces that you are going to wear again and again, so you need to make sure that they will stand the test of time (not to mention sustainability, which is a topic for a whole ‘nother post)!
What are my non-negotiables if you are going to invest in the basics? Well, I’m glad that you asked! Here are the pieces that I believe every woman needs to have at the ready in her closet. If you invest well, they will last a very long time and you will be able to take your closet so much further. Here we go!
Non-Negotiable Basics:
- Camis – these should be in an array of basic colors (black, white, navy, buff). These are the layering pieces that you will wear under your more sheer blouses. I suggest getting a longer length. You can easily tuck it into your bottoms if necessary. These should be lightweight so they don’t add bulk to your outfits.
- Tank Tops – once again, you will want these in basic neutral color tones, but you can also add them in colors you love, too. These will be a bit more substantial of a weight so you can layer them, but can also wear them on their own. These should be knit.
- T-shirts – classic white and classic black. Your tees should be 100% cotton and breathable. You can easily dress them up or dress them down.
- Dark Wash Jeans – the epitome of style and sophistication, a dark wash denim can take you so many places. I recommend a straight leg or a trouser cut because those styles will instantly dress your denim up. Select a style with no destruction.
- White Denim – these can be worn YEAR ROUND (don’t listen to the old rules) and will be on constant rotation. Make sure that you again select a trouser leg or straight cut. When you are looking at denim, make sure it offers great opacity – no one wants to see your unmentionables.
- Leather Jacket – the style you select will depend upon your personality and your body type, but a well cared for leather jacket, while an investment, will last a lifetime. Choosing a more classic style like a blazer cut or a Moto style will be your best bet.
- Classic Blazer – while I DO believe everyone should have a low-hip length classic BLACK blazer in their wardrobe, you can also just choose a neutral tone that speaks to you and that you feel amazing wearing. Think of this jacket as simple perfection. You will be able to wear her with your Dark Wash Denim and a basic tee or a statement tee with a pump and you will look amazing!
- Classic Pump – Yep, you have gotta have at least one. You can choose the heel height that best suits you, but make sure the toe is pointed or almond toe to create that look of a lengthened leg. If you go for only one, I suggest either nude (to match YOUR skin tone) or black.
- Little Black Dress – You knew this would be on here, right? As you shop for this dress, find one that is both sophisticated and comfortable. A dress that you can dress up for a cocktail hour by wearing bold jewelry and fancy heels and wear a bit more comfortably with a denim jacket and wedge heels.
- Denim Jacket – Do you prefer a lighter wash or a darker wash? That is completely up to you and your style personality. A denim jacket is just a great “throw and go” topper. I love wearing one when I travel on the airplane because it keeps me covered and just adds a fun easy-going style to my outfit.
- Trench Coat – Choose one that hits just above your knees. You can make a bit of a statement here. Make sure the fit is exceptional and that you can wear layers underneath it. Invest in the highest quality you can afford and plan to care for it and wear it forever!
- Belt – I really think that you need a minimum of two in your closet: a black and a neutral color. Always go with real leather because you will wear it so much that your cost per wear will be very low.
