Wardrobe Staples ..what should be in EVERY 1?

[Innocent_Kiss]

A few ladies here told me how they shop for clothes that aren't dated -- meaning you can where them two years from now and it's still stylish. I would like to also try doing this because everytime I go shopping I buy a lot of trendy stuff (usually because there the only thing available in stores I shop at) and I end up having to rebuy everything especially tops and shoes. What are some non-dated essentials you think every wardrobe should have? Help me out!

Edited to day: And please add faithful stores you get your basics from!

[laketta]

The Lil Black Dress.

Tweed Suit

Black pumps.

Couple pairs of great jeans.

Make sure that you don't buy too many patterns. Stick to solid colors.


White button up long sleeve collar shirt. This is easy to mix and match.

[Innocent_Kiss]

Thanks!
Ay, don't slap me for this but what in the world is TWEED?! lol I've been hearing abou that, alot. And do you think Denim jackets can be a staple?

[Leslie_C]

good topic! my essentials that never go out of style are

black boot cut pants

white fitted button up shirt

black fitted button up shirt

Khakis

black skirt

khaki skirt

dark nice fitting jeans that can be dressed up or down

I also have this black one piece outfit, think cat suit...it zips up and has a collar but its not trashy, its classy looking. I love it, Ive worn so many things with it. Its not tight and its wide legged. this is one of my favorite pieces bc I can do so much with it.

black, brown, and tan boots

a lot of solid colors because they can be mixed and matched easily, and layers. camisoles under button up shirts,etc.

I buy few trendy things, most of my wardrobe stays in style--for updated looks I choose to accessorize with cute shoes, jewelry and purses.

[laketta]

Here is an example of a tweed suit. :)

http://us.shop.com/amos/cc/main/catalog/pcd/9557182/adtg/08170423


you may have to copy and paste the link. Url's arent working in this forum. :/

[JuJuBoo]

I'm all about dressing in layers. I have a camisol in just about every solid color you can think of. Then you can wear fitted long sleeve colared shirts over them. I love this style because it's SO versatile and it's CHEAP! (you can find those camisols in nice bright colors for less than 7-8 bucks. The collared shirts are a little more pricy but easy to find bargains on them. I love the ones at NewYork&Comp. They have nice rich colors.) You can easily dress it up this style for work, church, whatever, but throw on some jeans and instantly it becomes a very cute day outfit.

[JuJuBoo]

I LOVE tweed suits. They're timeless, classy, and sexy. I especially like the neck line on the suit that was posted.

[Leslie_C]

yeah that suit was cute! and in my favorite color too!

[MissB]

I tend to be more conservative. I will not buy an outfit if I can't wear it to work, church, wedding, funeral,etc.

*black pumps
*navy pumps
*black purse
*navy purse
*white silk blouse
*black or blue suit
*all weather coat w/lining
*basic black dress

[sithembile]

Can someone post an example of an all weather coat?

[Champagne_Wishes]

I think a trench coat is a classic style that is never dated. I like pinstripe suits since it never seems to be dated. Just my opinion.

[msportugal]

smart shoes, you know cute but dont hurt your feet
a good bra in your size
cute white tshirt i love my vic secret one
everything else i was gonna say is there already.
***i have two new trench coats i cant wait to wear***

[Champagne_Wishes]

I agree. I like some pointy shoes but just looking at them makes my feet hurt. Plus I already have big feet so I'm always conscious on how they look in shoes.

[sithembile]

blaxalrose said:
This is an all weather coat:

http://www.londonfog.com/pics/psd/oxford.png

Thanks BR.

[God_Favor]

Here is my list:

Black pumps
Mary Janes (black,brown)
Brown heels ( no squared toes or big, chucky heels)
Red heel (same)
Ponity toed boots (black, brown)
Mule shoes (black,brow)
Cute Flats ( black, brown)
Black pant suit (slim fit thighs, light flared leg)
Little black dress
3 pair of dress pants (make sure of fit & style grey, brown, tan, black, crea, white)
at least 2 blazers (dress jackets) that you can mix and match with dress pants or jeans
Wrap Dress ( any color)
Tweed suit or jacket (Jakkie O look)
A fitted White and Black button down shirt
JEANS ( dark, light NO TAPPERED LEG!!!)
Nice fitted tees
White wife-beater
Deinm Jacket
Black & Brown Let Jackets
Fitted Trench coat ( basic colors)
I think thats it :)

[Lorraine]

I have just one item that I can always count on. I nice pair of fitted, low, boot cut jeans. Jeans are like bras. You must have just the right fit for them to look good. If you have this you can pair them up with any shoe, any shirt, shawl or jacket. :)

[Innocent_Kiss]

I've always thought trench coats were ugly because my dad wears this long old fashioned one with holes in the colar :D Anybody know links to trench and pea coats?

[Leslie_C]

old navy has some cute ones...

[KathyMay]

that speical little black dress
(I have one on standby that needs to altered)
black high heels/pumps
brown pumps
two blazers(brown and black)
black skirt
slacks

[dreemssold]

-black sheath dress (my mother bought me 3 of these, and will probably buy more because she always forgets she bought them)
-black skirt suit
-gray pants suit
-a good "brunch" dress (mine is a rust colored Diane Von Furstenberg)
-a crisp white shirt
-a pair of dark nicely fitted jeans
-a nice blazer (tweed is a classic, and especially hot this fall, but tweed, wool, whatever, as long as the fit and color are right for you)
-black heels
-black sandals
-a string of pearls
-a few brooches (you can change the entire look of an outfit with one or even two)
-a pair of studs, a pair of hoops, and a pair of dangly earrings
-a cashmere hat, gloves, and scarf set in a bright color (this way you can wear them with a black, tan, or navy coat, and they last forever...I've gotten mine from French Connection, but so many stores carry them)
-a black clutch or handbag (I don't like shoulder bags, and they can't be carried at any occasion)
-a classic coat (I prefer a trench, but a below the waist hips never goes out of style either)
- a pair of good, well-tailored black slacks
-a black cashmere (because it will feel nice again your skin) turtleneck
-a cashmere twinset (costly but worth it, because it's so versatile--you can wear them together, the shell under a blazer, or alone in the summer, you can always throw the cardigan over the shoulders, yaddayaddayadda, and it goes with everything)
-a pretty sundress
-a few fitted tees or tanks

I think there are only a few key things...tailoring will make anything look good on anyone no matter how much or how little it cost. Also, accessories can make a white shirt and a pair of jeans look casual or dressy. I don't think it matters where you buy these things, because you can find what you need at most stores. Lately, I have been all over Banana Republic. BCBG and Ann Taylor are pretty good, also. Still, I usually check the Gap pretty often, because the prices are right, especially for something simple like tees and tanks. My favorite t-shirts are these tops called my favorite t :grin: from the Gap that were about $12, and came in every shade. They fit really cute, even on those of us not blessed with big boobs, and I love to wear them under a blazer, with jeans and heels and a clutch. HTH :).

[bellydancer]

jeans
tank tops
leather coach purse (they last a lifetime)my mom has had hers for over 20 years lol.

[LEOLADYSW]

dreemssold said:
-black sheath dress (my mother bought me 3 of these, and will probably buy more because she always forgets she bought them)
-black skirt suit
-gray pants suit
-a good "brunch" dress (mine is a rust colored Diane Von Furstenberg)
-a crisp white shirt
-a pair of dark nicely fitted jeans
-a nice blazer (tweed is a classic, and especially hot this fall, but tweed, wool, whatever, as long as the fit and color are right for you)
-black heels
-black sandals
-a string of pearls
-a few brooches (you can change the entire look of an outfit with one or even two)
-a pair of studs, a pair of hoops, and a pair of dangly earrings
-a cashmere hat, gloves, and scarf set in a bright color (this way you can wear them with a black, tan, or navy coat, and they last forever...I've gotten mine from French Connection, but so many stores carry them)
-a black clutch or handbag (I don't like shoulder bags, and they can't be carried at any occasion)
-a classic coat (I prefer a trench, but a below the waist hips never goes out of style either)
- a pair of good, well-tailored black slacks
-a black cashmere (because it will feel nice again your skin) turtleneck
-a cashmere twinset (costly but worth it, because it's so versatile--you can wear them together, the shell under a blazer, or alone in the summer, you can always throw the cardigan over the shoulders, yaddayaddayadda, and it goes with everything)
-a pretty sundress
-a few fitted tees or tanks



These things are a great start, but I would make sure they were of quality materials [cashmere, wool, camel's hair and silk], and great flattering classic design, and kept in the same flattering color family so you can mix and match.

Then you can use these items as the basis of your wardrobe for many years to come and never tire of them; because they fit your style, your skin color, your figure, and your personality. You will always look lovely and chic.

I like Ferragamo shoes, sandals, and boots; Coach, Dooney & Burke, Chanel, and Ferragamo for purses; Chanel, some Dior, Armani, etc for clothing.

You just add more high quality pieces as you can afford to do so. :cool:

[northernbelle]

Magazines like Glamour, Real Simple, ESSENCE and others regularly do the wardrobe staples articles. Additionally, there are books like What Not to Wear and Simple Wardrobe which cover the subject really well. There are also sites on line, too.

Visit stores like Talbots in order to get a sense re: wardrobe staples.

Wardrobe staples are also called classic or investment clothing. They stand the test of time, and usually cost a bit, but last for years.

Some of my staples:

White t-shirts
White button down shirts
Black dress
3 piece suit - matching jacket, skirt and pants
sweater set
trench coat w/zip out lining
black turtleneck sweater
black pencil skirt
good quality jeans, khakis, and and wool and gabardine pants
tall and short boots, in leather, and rain and snow boots
good quality high and low heeled pumps
Summer shoes: good quality casual sandals, dress sandals, and sneakers
long wool coat in a neutral color
good quality shoulder bag and/or tote, in leather, for everyday
gold hoop earrings
three watches: work, dress, casual

I wear certain pieces which almost formulate a uniform of sorts for me: in winter, it's turtleneck sweaters, and wool pencil skirts and pants. During the warm weather months, I wear the polyester-blend counterparts of my winter favorites in pants and skirts, with button down shirts, and t-shirts, and 3/4 sleeve knit tops. I also like corduroy and khaki pants, which I occasionally wear to school, but more on the weekends. I also wear nice jeans - dark denim -to school - my school is very casual, but I really do try to keep my look professional.

northernbelle

[lovechic]

SEVEN FOR ALL MANKIND JEANS!
BLACK PUMPS
BLACK BLAZER
WHITE BUTTON DOWN SHIRT
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
TANK TOPS
T-SHIRTS
LEATHER JACKET
DESIGNER BAG (FOR THAT EXTRA PUNCH)!
NIKE RUNNING SHOES
PENCIL SKIRT
TURTLENECKS
PONCHO
PEACOAT

[Champagne_Wishes]

Dress slacks with no pleats in the front.
A black skirt
Solid cardigan
Pearls
Black pumps

[MrJohnsonsRib]

I just learned from a make-up artist who's done celebrity make-up for a wide range of faces during his workshop that he did just for our Mary Kay Cosmetic folks and he said that the little "black" dress is not necessarily a good thing if you take into consideration what colors are best for your skin,hair and eye color. So basically for women of color the little black dress would be the little "white" dress. I know folks are thinking of the whole Labor Day issue and the fact that black is classic and whatnot...and I agree that black is classic but this concept is mainly geared toward the idea of showcasing your self and not the clothing. I didn't ever know until he told us and it got me to thinking if I am a cool complexion or a warm one. he says most AA women believe they are warm but in fact we are cool... cool colors showcase us better. He also told us that as a professional that he tries his very best to make a person look their best and the tips he gave us aren't RULES but just very very helpful concepts to apply to help enhance our natural beauty. After that workshop I definitely saw make-up artistry in a different light...not every artist is out to make you look crazy but they are truly just trying to help enhance what's there. :)

Oh and i forgot to add that he used the PRIMARY Color WHeel to determine these color concepts....try looking it up for yourself and see what you come up with. He said that the eye color can help you determine your "eye make-up color" HTH!