Getting dressed doesn’t have to be complicated, but how many times have you gone into your closet and said I have nothing to wear? Personally I like clothes and I like having a closet full of clothes but I recognize that there is such a thing of too much of a good thing and too much can make it overwhelming.
I find myself telling myself I “need” more than I actually need (pretty dresses are my weakness) but when I’m really serious about it I find that there are a few key pieces that I really do need in my closet at all times in order to make all the other outfits work. I’ve worked in formal corporate environments and super casual just don’t come here in a tank top and flip flops environment and these pieces transcend not only various work environments but are perfect for the weekends too.
1. Black Pants
A pair of black pants can take you anywhere – work, school, running errands, out to dinner. Personally I’m a fan of a slim fit ankle pant because it think it’s not too formal for all my non work occasions but nice enough to wear to the office.
2. A shift style dress
To me this is another wear it anywhere article of clothing if you get it in a nice but casual fabric. I think there’s a little flexibility here depending on your lifestyle – if you’re a busy professional would would wear this dress to work frequently I would recommend a more formal fabric for your dress vs stay at home moms or women who work in a casual environment.
3. Solid color tee
Although typically considered a casual item I think tees provide a lot of versatility and are always in style. You can wear with any bottom for a super simple look or style them with a fun scarf, jackets and statement jewelry.
4. A lightweight jacket
Speaking of jackets, I love jackets! I think a denim jacket is great with a dress or black pants to look non businessy. A blazer though is the most versatile type of jacket because it can make a dress look formal and add a touch of style to a pair of jeans while still having an overall casual look.
5. A great pair of jeans
Jeans are the workhorse of your closet. Expect for formal events you can pretty much wear jeans anywhere. I wear mine to work and I find that most people I know can at least wear them on Fridays if not more often.
With these five items in your closet with a good fit and in good condition you’ll always have something to wear.