I've had a few requests for my list of basics. What pieces I would consider absolutely necessary, were I forced to drastically reduce my closet (knock on wood).
I don't really like to do anything unless I'm going to do it well (who doesn't?) So I took my time thinking about this one. Multiple lists, color coordinated and written in glitter gel pen, were produced. And here is what I realized:
1. I can live on FAR less than what I thought I could
2. Not everyone's basic list is going to be the same.
So while I'm more than happy to show you my list, I doubt any one's list will be EXACTLY like mine, and that's ok! The point of making a Basic's list is to see what works best for YOU and concentrate on those items. I encourage you to curate your own basics list! You'll probably be able to get rid of quite a lot of junk you are holding on to. After this, I definitely am planning on reworking my closet! (Shop My Closet Sale anyone?)
(keep in mind, I did focus on the seasons that are at hand, Fall and Winter, although I don't think much would change if I included the entire year. I'd probably have at least one more dress and a sandal or two.)
1. A Jean Jacket. I really can't stress enough how versatile this piece can be. It's the perfect transitional jacket.
2. Trench Coat. Just make sure you get the right length for you. Tall women can carry a longer coat; shorter women should go for hip or upper thigh length; go for a sleek line if you're pear shaped or a flared bottom if you want to emphasize your waist.
3. Leather Jacket: This piece will never go out of style, and if you invest in one that is well made, you could be looking at a coat that will last you years.
4. Cardigan/Bulky Sweater: I'm always cold, so a cardigan is a great item to throw into my car or a purse. It's also an easy layering piece.
1. Laid back Tee: I went with a gray tee, rather than white, because I think it's more versatile..
2. Plaid: I tend to gravitate towards button downs, just because they're so easy to dress up or down. Plaid is fun to mix with other patterns and is a great layering piece.
3. Basic Oxford: There's a never ending list of possibilities with a basic oxford.
4. Striped Long Sleeves: Stripes can be very sophisticated. You'd never know you woke up 5 minutes before you had to leave if you're wearing stripes.
5. Chambray: My love for chambray has no foreseeable end. It can be casual or dressy. I'd even say if you had to choose, buy a chambray shirt over a jean jacket. It's THAT versatile.
1. Boyfriend Jeans: I LOVE my bf jeans. And I'm not really a jeans kind of girl. So that should tell you something.
2. Corduroy: Working in a business casual office, corduroys are a perfect "cheat the system" piece. Although mine aren't your usual basic cords, being high waisted and wide legged, I still manage to wear them CONSTANTLY.
3. Black skinnies: Another item in constant rotation in my closet. They seem a bit dressier than your regular jeans, but are still super comfy. Easy to dress up or down.
4. Wide Leg jeans: Another office item for me. They also make your legs look fab.
5. Pencil Skirt: You'd be surprised at how versatile a pencil skirt can be. Mine is gray so it can be worn in all seasons.
1. Basic Pump: You could get rid of a TON of shoes with just one purchase of a basic black heel. Invest in a pair that is comfortable for YOU to wear on a regular basis. I put Dr. Scholl's inserts in mine.
2. Dressy flat: A pair of flats that can look dressy with your LBD, or look just fine with your BF jeans.
3. Boots: For some, this might mean a heeled boot. Mine are flat riding boots that are so worn in they feel like socks. I LOVE them.
4. A casual flat: These are flats that can be worn on any casual day. These take the place of tennis shoes in my book.
1. Hat: This can be a fedora, a panama, a beanie..whatever best fits your style. For me, a fedora really stretches across my entire style.
2.Sunnies: Really, this is kind of an irrelevant item, but I feel more put together when I walk out of the house, sunnies in place. That's just me.
3. Watch: For me, watches have become more of a piece of jewelry than a necessary time piece. I love my (knockoff) Michael Kors one.
4. Scarf: I wear scarves year around. They're the simplest accessory to make an outfit seem more put together.
5. Skinny Belt: Skinny belts are simply more versatile than wide belts, and I think they're generally more flattering.
Extras are items that don't fit so easily into the 5 previously mentioned categories, but are still nice to have.
1. The LBD: A basic dress, even it's not black, can be a great piece to own.
2. Clutch: many purses have a specific personality and can look awkward when worn with everything. A clutch can easily cross any style boundaries.
3. Ankle Booties: I LOVE my ankle booties. Although I wouldn't call them a necessity, I definitely get my money's worth out of them.
4. Leggings: leggings are a great transitional piece, and can be dressed up or down. And I have ZERO problems with the leggings as pants debate.
Basic Lists are a great way to weed out the items in your closet that you don't really need. If you have 10 sweaters, think back through your outfits and keep the ones you TRULY wear more then once or twice a season.
Keep in mind your career choice, future goals, and lifestyle. If you work in an office, but plan on leaving soon to start your own businesses, than an LBD might not be as important to you as it is to me. If you live in Hawaii, than you probably don't need 4 outer options.
If you make your own Basic List, link it below in the comments! I'd love to see!
Happy list making!
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