In my opinion, the perfect wardrobe is more about quality then quantity. A good wardrobe has a handful of great, multi-functional pieces in easy to match neutral colors and classic shapes. Having a few staple pieces that you can dress up and modernize with current trends is going to last you longer and be much easier on your wallet. A great wardrobe begs to worn over and over again, never gets tired, always looks good, and is effortless to put together. A good wardrobe is especially important to have in this recession, since buying new trends has become more a luxury than ever.

Before going out and finding a few new pieces, I recommend you go through your closet and just take a look at what you already have. Notice the shapes you like, the colors, patterns, fabrics, etc. This will make shopping and trying on new pieces easier. Chances are you already have a few outfits that make you feel good no matter what. Finding a great FIT is going to really change the way you look, so don’t be afraid of the fitting room or the tailor. Remember, we’re shopping for forever pieces.

I also recommend picking a few neutral colors that will look good with your skin tone, hair, and eye coloring. I prefer an “urban” palette of black, gray, and white. However, some might prefer an “earth” palette of brown, beige, and white or other combination such as navy, white, and gold. I recommend neutrals because for your “basics” you’ll want classic shapes and colors that are easy to match and multi-functional depending on your accessories.


The List:
1) A Little Black/Brown dress. We’re always told to have a “little black dress” on hand, but let’s face it. Not everyone likes to wear black. A brown dress will serve the same purpose for girls who like earth tones better than urban tones. I recommend finding a top half with at least a one inch sleeve but no more than a “tee shirt” sleeve”. This will make the dress more appropriate for all seasons and occasions, and having smaller, fitted sleeves will make accessorizing much more simpler.

Diane Von Furstenberg 'Alejetta' Ponte Knit Dress
Sale $219.90
After Sale: $365.00
Nordstrom












2) An All Weather Trench. For those of you who can't understand spending more than $50 on anything, understand that a great trench coat is going to carry you through up to 3 seasons of a year, depending on where you live. A beautiful, shapely trench will ward away the all to often adoption of a sweatpants and northface look *shudder* through colder months. Pairing this with gorgeous fall colors like lavender and plum, winter shades like gray and burgundy, and bright colors like yellow and green in spring will ensure you get your money's worth.


Via Spiga All Weather Walker
Sale $109.90
After Sale: $168.00
Nordstrom










3) Neutral Colored Heels. I recommend something with a pointed toe, to elongate the leg, and a mid-sized heel for comfort. Stay away from open toed shoes at first, since they're not always appropriate for all occasions/seasons. A well fitting neutral pump can be worn to work or on a night out. Simple works best for this staple.


Chinese Laundry Spicy Patent Pump
$49.95
DSW











4) Neutral Colored Flats. A neutral flat is maybe more important than the neutral pump, because it's going to take your everyday jeans-and-t-shirt casual look and take it up a notch. A good ballet flat looks cute, offers good foot support, and is even EASIER to wear then sneakers.


Blowfish Serge Knotted Ballet Flat
$34.95
DSW

5) A Neutral Colored Handbag. Most girls don't dream of spending much money on handbags, but I feel I must assure you a good handbag is going to pull together any outfit. A really nice bag makes even a cheap outfit look nice. It's like pinstripes on short legs, or cropped cardigans on straight waists. A great handbag does all the work for you and an easy to match neutral color makes it hard to deny something so worth it. I prefer large bags myself, but this honestly is a preference thing, just choose something without many whistles and bells. Go for something with a good color, high quality, and a basic image that will go with everything.


Furla "Farrah" Extra large tote.
$345
Bluefly.com

6) Neutral Cardigan. Again, this is a piece that will carry you through up to three seasons of the year, depending on where you live, so don't be afraid to splurge a little on something with a great fit, color, quality, and style. You want this sweater to last years, not just this winter. Some accents on sweaters like strips or muted patterns are great on cardigans, because they can be layered with solids that make the prints pop. Go for more fitted styles, that way layering under coats in the colder months is easy and comfortable.


BDG Cropped Cardigan
$48
Urban Outfitters

7) Neutral Blazer. A blazer is like a good pair of flats or a good bag, it's going to take a basic tshirt and jeans casual outfit and turn it up a notch. It's also a great piece for layering and adding some classy but boyish flair to any outfit. A great blazer can be worn with jeans, skirts, dresses, whatever!


Silence & Noise Black Long Party Blazer
$78
Urban Outfitters.

8) Day Dress. A day dress should replace your sweatpants. Dresses are easy to wear, free flowing, and ultimately much more flattering than any pair of cutesy pair of "PINK" pants out there. Save those for at home, please. A good day dress should compliment your shape, have a good seasonally transitional fabric like cotton, cute but understated accents, and be easy to accessorize.


Design History Aluminum Jersey Gathered Drape Dress
$60
Bluefly.com

9) Dress Pants. A good pair of dress pants should be comfortable and sliming and sit right on the waist. I recommend pinstripes, they will make you look taller and thinner, especially when paired with a pointy toed shoe. Dress pants can be worn for many occasions and can often be used instead of the little black dress if you're looking for a more professional style or the weather is cooler.


Editor Pants in Dual Chalk Stripe
$79.50
Express

10) All Occasions Top. An "all occasions top" is one that can be dressed up, or stand alone. It's appropriate for wearing day and night. It can be layered and worn along depending on the weather. It's got to have a great, flattering fit. It's your "go-to" top when you're in a rush or need a little confidence boost one day.

Design History Aluminum Jersey Layered Petal Sleeve T-shirt
$48
bluefly.com


Websites I shopped while making this blog:
www.nordstrom.com
www.bluefly.com
www.express.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com
www.dsw.com


Tips
1) Join rewards programs. Emails, texts, and catalogs can get annoying, but a little irritation is worth it when you check your inbox to find out your favorite store is having a sale on the jacket you've been eyeing. Also, some store let you rack up points and give you discounts, coupons, free stuff, etc just for handing over an address. DSW and Urban Outfitters both have great customer programs. DSW lets you rack up points and emails you coupons and Urban always lets me know via email when there is a sale happening.
2) Shop outlets. Outlets are wonderlands. Sure, you have to put aside time to go and dig, but outlet stores are treasure troves full of wonderful, affordable fashion. Just don't let the cheap price tags talk you into buying something you might not end up wearing.
3) Shop Secondhand. A lot of people don't like wearing other people's "hand me downs" but i personally don't care. There are tons of resale, vintage, and designer resale shops just waiting to be explored. Often, the clothes sold there are cute, stylish, clean clothes that people simply grew out of. Besides, one girls trash is another girls treasure, right?
4) Visit a Tailor. Especially for petite or tall women, a tailor should be in your speed dial. A good fit will make good clothes look even better. Spare the extra cash, and see how much more use you get out of your ensembles.
5) Accessorize A great way to make any outfit look new is to mix up the way you wear it. Accessories are a fun and inexpensive way to follow current trends and make your outfit more modern without breaking your budget.