style: the essentials
After reading our post on Revamping Your Closet one of our readers, Cheryl, realized that she is missing some essentials. We thought we’d help her recreate her look and give you a breakdown of the core essentials needed to have a full wardrobe.
Lowe establishing Cheryl's needs
I think everyone one should have at least one of the items from the list below. Keep in mind that the images are only a reference and many brands sell amazing variations. When considering essentials, I believe that they should be the pieces that you maybe spend a little more money on (excluding the t-shirt/ tank top category) because they are pieces that can be worn over and over again to create a variety of different looks.
Coco’s Essentials:
Although super trendy right now, blazers are always in style and can act as the perfect compliment to any outfit. I throw my blazers over anything from jeans and a tank, to a cocktail dress. Blazers tighten up any outfit and are a simple way to cover up when you don’t want to wear a full jacket.
The little black dress or; L.B.D is a classic, timeless, must! I love L.B.D.’s because I can dress them up with a killer pair of heels or make it a casual crisp look with a pair of flat boots and tights or sandals. Throw on a belt, you have a new look! Put on a coloured pair of tights, totally new look! When buying a L.B.D. I suggest a simple timeless cut, this way it acts as a blank canvas making whatever you accessorize it with the statement. No one will realize that you are recycling that one dress over and over again!
A pencil skirt is one of those transitional items that are appropriate on so many occasions. You can wear a pencil skirt with a dress shirt to work, with a tank top or silk cami to a party or dinner or with a dressy light patterned top to a shower or a brunch. I have yet to see a person who looks bad in a well made pencil skirt and if your worried about lumps and bumps showing in this particular style throw on a pair of Spanx and you’re golden!
Because this is an item that is on the tighter side, I encourage you to pay attention to the fabric. Cheap fabric lacks the structure necessary to pull off this look so if you’re looking to save money, this is not the area I would advise to be frugal in. If you don’t have a budget for a well made pencil skirt and really want one as part of your wardrobe I beg you to throw it out as soon as it starts to:
a. loose its shape
b. tear at the slit (only back slits please, side slits do not look good on anyone, and make my eyes bleed)
c. the hem starts to fall
d. you begin to see the little elastic threads peak through the fabric from over stretching.
Black pants, pretty straight forward… Skinny, wide leg, whatever you fancy, you need them. Much like the other essentials, black pants can be worn virtually anywhere, with anything. I swear by Theory black pants. They use THE best fabric and come in a bunch of styles, natural waisted, low waisted, pockets, no pockets, skinny legged, wide legged.
I included a pair of leggings in the black pant category because they are a necessity but should not be used as an alternative to real black dress pants, rather in addition.
My favorite item on our list of essentials is the cardigan or cardi, as I lovingly refer to it. As the blazer dresses up or pulls together an outfit, a cardi can dress down or make an outfit a little softer, more casual. I love to throw a big cardi over a tight dress to tame down an overtly sexy look. Invest in one amazing cashmere cardi and one sweater. They will last a lifetime (if you follow the care instructions) and the soft luxurious feel will make you feel comfortable, warm and classic. Cashmere is now a more accessible fabric being sold at J.Crew, Banana Republic and Club Monaco. All of the stores mentioned are known to have massive sales, so if you’re on a budget keep an eye out for your cashmere sweater at one of those retailers. Another great option for affordable cashmere is Uniqlo a Japanese retailer that has stores in New York, London, France and Asia. You can get a great cashmere sweater/cardi for around $100 in a ridiculous variety of colours.
I think you might be starting to see a common thread in the essentials that I picked; versatility. A white shirt (I hate the word blouse) can be worn on a million different occasions and like all of the other articles included in Coco & Lowe’s essentials can be dressed up or dressed down. My favorite dress shirt right now comes again from Theory. Their shirts are made from a magical blend of cotton, nylon and spandex providing the right amount of structure with the perfect amount of give.
Everyone owns at least one pair of jeans, they are such an obvious essential. There is only one thing I can suggest (since we are discussing essentials and not trend) is to buy one really good pair of classic denim that fit like a glove and can be worn from the plane to the party and look fantastic every time. I have a pair of Earnest Sewn’s that are my go to jeans whenever I’m stuck on what to wear when I’m not sure where I’ll end up. These essential jeans in your closet should not be super low or high waisted, they shouldn’t be adorned with crystals, big labels or rips, those additions can be saved for your trendy jeans. But your staples or essential denim should be chosen for their purpose, to stand the test of time and see you through many different occasions. I suggest one darker blue pair, one black and one white. You don’t have to have all three, but if you have the blue pair already, white and black are good additions.
I love trench coats (whatever the colour) because they can be worn year long and are almost never inappropriate. You can throw a trench over a pair of leggings or a beautiful dress and still look smart. They are also so figure flattering (if you get the right style for your body) are light and easy to pack. I suggest a neutral shade (white, black, brown or if you’re adventurous a metallic) at first because of its natural versatility.
T shirts and tank tops (especially tanks) are my second favorite things to wear in life -probably because they compliment my first fave thing, the cardi… There is actually one particular American Apparel black tank top that needs to be hidden from me because of my insistence on wearing it over and over again. This is one essential that I don’t suggest spending heaps of money on. My favorite white tanks are men’s Fruit of the Loom available at your local Walmart for almost free!
As far as accessories go, I think there are four essential items that every girl should have.
1. A day bag
2. A night bag
3. A great pair of sunnies
4. A scarf (or a million)
Unless you are able to buy quite a few bags a year, I would suggest staying away from the ‘it bag’. Usually they fall out of style just as quickly as they came in, so unloading a massive amount of money on something that you will despise in 6 months is not advised. I feel uncomfortable for people who lug a huge bag out at night, so a neutral clutch is a great investment and goes with everything. Sunglasses are a given and scarves are a great addition to ANY outfit!! They not only keep you warm, but can add colour and depth to an otherwise drab look.
Essentials are like the building blocks of your wardrobe from which all else stems. They aren’t trend pieces so they can (in some cases) last a lifetime. Essentials usually shouldn’t be impulse buys (unless you find a great deal) but pieces that you think about, try on and fit you perfectly. Spring is an amazing time to go through your closet get rid of all the stuff that is just taking up space and give it to your local Goodwill or consignment shop like Fashionably Yours!
xoxo,
Coco
p.s. I didn’t include shoes in this essential breakdown because as far as shoes are concerned I think I could go on for days and days. I will do an entire post on shoes soon!
May 4th, 2009 at 6:10 am
Wow that’s a great post it’s got a lot of great information but it’s not overwhelming. Kudos on the blazer love – I love them too
Reminds me to pop out shopping soon and re-vamp my closet
Thanks coco and lowe [well done tis an excellent post]
May 4th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Great article. You’ve picked so many pieces that I love to see on a woman. I’ll be sure to pass this post along to all of my female friends.
May 4th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
such a good breakdown! very much on point! def need a follow up post on shoes
May 4th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
lovvved this. pleaseee do your shoe post soon
May 5th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Thanks guys!!! So glad you liked it! I will get on that shoe post ASAP!
xoxo
May 5th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
It’s amazing how things work out! I was recently struggling trying to decide what to wear even though I have a closet full of clothes. I soon realized I need to take a look at my collection and get some essentials that will stand the test of time. LOVE love LOVE this article…It comes at a timely ‘fashion’ – if u will
I agree to follow with shoes…and bags!
October 15th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Thanks…Felt like reading the essentials of my dressing…
Looking forward for the shoes review.
Definitly copy/paste your blog in my (gurl)friends messenger to check!
All the best for the best from the best!
May 12th, 2010 at 7:02 am
[...] style brings you back to needing ESSENTIALS – some great accessories, a good suit, denim, tights to change up an outfit and a good [...]
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:32 am
I know I’ve commented before but I really love this post! Can’t wait for the shoe installment
xxo