68. How To Build Your Core Wardrobe

When referring to your core wardrobe staples I’m not talking about what’s left over after you’ve worn all the good stuff, but rather the pieces that create the foundation for a whole host of outfits, season in and season out. These are the “bones” of your wardrobe and what’s going to hold it all together. They are the constant in your closet while your trendy, or accent pieces float in and out.

Creating a core wardrobe can be a time-consuming process. These items are not “quick-fix” items but are more like long-term partners. These items should last you for several years (or more) and will become your “go-to” pieces day in and day out.

A great example of a core wardrobe item is a pair of jeans. If you invest in a well-fitting, well-made pair of jeans in a medium to dark wash that can take you through several seasons they will become the foundation for many outfits. A great pair of jeans can be dressed up, dressed down and given multiple looks so that no one will recognize them as you wear them several times in a week.

Pair them with a blouse, a blazer and heels for the workday; for a weekend look wear a casual top, an oversized cardigan and white sneakers; for a dressy look top them off with a silky blouse, a pair of strappy sandals and an elegant jacket. Do you see how versatile this one item is and how many outfits you can create starting with just a pair of jeans? The possibilities are limitless as you wear these jeans for years to come. Because they’re neutral and so versatile they can go from traditional to trendy in the blink of an eye.

But not just any old jeans will do.

Your core items should:

• Be of the highest quality you can afford. Look for quality of craftsmanship as well as quality of fabric. You want them to last for years.
• Be timeless in their style. You want them to last you for years without looking dated.
• Have an impeccable fit. If not off the rack, then from your trusted tailor.
• Be in your best neutral colors such as deep chocolate, warm caramel, rich cream, mushroom, charcoal, light gray, navy, khaki, mocha, rust, black etc. Choose the neutrals that enhance your personal coloring and flatter you best.
• Be items that enhance your personal style and make you look your best. Buy items with your best necklines, lapels, cut and colors.
• Be items that you will go to day in and day out. Items that become staples and that you’ll wear over and over will differ for each woman so ensure you buy only what works for you and your lifestyle. You may feel that you need a little black dress, but if black doesn’t flatter you and you’re not much of a dress person, then it’s hardly worth the money you spent.

Other examples of core items are simple tops and tees, blazers, chic trousers, an overcoat, a cardigan, a dress, everyday shoes, belt, handbag, etc.

Core items are the foundation of your wardrobe. Choose accordingly. But the most important box to check is do you LOVE it on you? Don’t buy what you feel you should buy, buy what’s right for you.

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