Ten Essential Clothing Items Every Woman Should Have for their Classic Wardrobe

1. 3 piece black or grey neutral suit (skirt, pants, and jacket)

There is nothing more versatile for work than a three piece black or gray suit, because it goes with everything as well as being two suits in one. Dressing professionally for a living requires at least three such suits, but most of us in the business casual arena can get by with one or two three piece suits. They are ideal for meetings, luncheons or anytime you want to impress someone with your professional poise. These suits should never be trendy, or you'll have to buy a new one every six months: aim for getting classically cut, perfectly simple suits that can be added onto your wardrobe where they will serve you beautifully for years.

2. Pair of close-toe black heels or pumps

Your close-toed black heels will not only make your three piece suit extra professional, but can also meet up with most of your dressy wardrobe items in a fashionable expression of understated style. They are ideal for work; it's not appropriate in many workplaces to wear open-toed shoes, which are considered sexier than close-toed ones. They are also the perfect shoes for the evenings when you want to go out and look nice, but don't want to refurbish a worn pedicure. Hide those toes in a good looking pair of heels!

3. The Classic Little Black Dress

The Little Black Dress (LBD) is such a fashion must, that many French women base their wardrobes around that one garment. That makes sense: it's the one dress that fits perfectly every time and can go anywhere with the right accessories. The fashion-fabulous French know that it makes sense to buy an expensively perfect dress that you'll wear for fifteen years instead of fifteen cheap dresses. Get the dress, and then build around it, choosing heels, handbags and jewelry to support it in its many incarnations. Then wear it, and wear it again.

4. Crisp white button down shirt

A crisp, white button down shirt will never go wrong: it can be worn with jeans on an impromptu outing or with a elegant skirt for a simple evening look. It goes beautifully with your suit skirt, either under the jacket or with a sweater. It must be made of cotton or linen, and its crispness comes not only from flawless ironing but from tight, perfect seams and clean cut lines.

5. Colorful scarf that can be used to accessorize a plain outfit

Choose a colorful scarf to dress up your jeans, brighten up your workday or cover up on the days when you feel a pale shadow of your true self. Color affects the mood, so choose blue or green if you tend towards anxiety and need to be calmed; pick pink, red or yellow if you sometimes lack energy. Get a scarf that complements your complexion: you may be wearing it around your neck or over your hair. You can even use a colorful scarf as a belt.

6. Bathing suit you feel great in (nothing too sexy)

There are many things more wonderful than a bathing suit you feel great in. Your bathing suit has the power to infuse you with confidence or make you slink around under a towel. Like shoes, whatever it costs is worth it: if you spend any time at all in or near the water, you must have a bathing suit you feel great in. Look for suits in the miraculous new fabrics with more holding power than Lycra, but also don't neglect styling: surplice wrapped tops, shirring at the waist and excellent cut can slim you as soon as you put on the suit.

7. Dark wash, straight leg jeans

Dark wash jeans are ideal for the wardrobe because they can dress up or down much more easily than faded denims can. Wear your crisp, white button down shirt with dark wash jeans, and put on your party earrings. Wear them to poetry readings, concerts, the movies and out to lunch. Look for full figured jeans in the nearly-original indigo blue that was once the only choice in blue jeans. Choose tailored straight leg or slightly book cut styling, medium to heavyweight denim, and no ornamentation beyond the occasional, traditional rivet.

8. Everyday classic purse that goes with everything

An everyday classic purse is one of the more misunderstood wardrobe items. Let's face it; it's the one that goes with you everywhere, and is seen by everyone. A cute purse earns compliments; a classic purse inspires. The everyday classic purse is often leather, but animal-free purses are available in denim, velvet, tapestry and a dozen other fabrics.
If you don't carry a lot of stuff around, look for a purse big enough to hold what you need, but not so large that you might be suspected of carrying your terrier inside it.

9. Classic cardigan sweater set

The classic sweater set is also called the twin set, and the classic fabric is cashmere. If you can get a cashmere twin sweater set, your wardrobe will always benefit from it, because this item can dress up skirts, jeans or even work pants without even trying. It consists of a sleeveless shell covered by a matching cardigan, and women once chose their twin sets from their "signature colors". That's the color most flattering to you, usually not black or white. Follow with a simple, single strand of pearls.

10. Wide legged dressy black pants

Straight legged dressy black pants are the wardrobe item that you may get the most wear from, because they look great with nearly everything. Instead of a boot cut or flared leg, these pants fall straight from the hip to the instep in a flowing, sensuous line of fabric. They can be worn with a moderate heel, a nice sweater or a designer T-shirt for a more casual look. For something more formal, look for a silk shirt in a neutral color. Straight legged dressy black pants wear well in wool gabardine. Don’t be afraid to spend a little money on these since they will be a long time wardrobe staple that will get lots of wear.

Continue learning about clothing care and tips for cleaning out and organizing your closet.

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