Basics for a Wardrobe

With the modern day age of "Fast Fashion" and trendy items, I found myself constantly gravitating to merely basic pieces. Working in a lab, I can't always sport the crop tops or gym wear, if I'm going to be running into my PI, (Principal Investigators), all the time nor can I be sporting inexpensive, items that might be on trend for a hot minute before it really dies off. As a result, it's sort of influenced my fashion choices and decisions when it comes to purchasing key pieces. In other words, I tended to gravitate towards pieces that can be worn over and over again and can also function as a backdrop for highlighting special items in your closet.

What am I talking about? I'm talking about the basic wardrobe staples that most people already have or should have. Of course, these are just some of the few things I have and a few celebrity stylists as well as personal stylists suggest having in one's closet.

Countless studies have been conducted that show that a person automatically makes assumptions about you or your character within the first 30 seconds and that depending upon how you present yourself and dress, you can really transform someone's idea of you. (This is especially true when meeting someone for the first time and when conducting job interviews). Personal stylists have come a long way to help individuals with certain fashion needs. Certainly the industry has grown and now there are online versions of personal stylists that make it more accessible for individuals who cannot afford personal stylists of their own to have one. (It is after all an investment).

Any stylist can tell you that wardrobe basics can help tie everything together., so it's important to have a few key pieces for that effortless look.

So with that long tirade over and my spiel said, let's move onto some wardrobe staples that one should have in their closet. I've sort of compiled a list with my own view on it and some I've just listed, (since it's pretty self-explanatory).

1. The Basic White Tee

I would be monumentally surprised if no one has this, but a basic white t-shirt can serve wonders for you. Whether it be a V-neck or a crew neck, drapey, fitted, cropped, silk or cotton--it's something you can't really do without. My personal preference? I prefer white, deep V-necks that drape on me rather than fit tight. Hanes Tee's really do it, but if I can afford to splurge a little, I would purchase the American Apparel version, (the deep V-neck for men) since I feel it's better tailored with higher quality material, (i.e. it doesn't shrink in the wash after a million washes).

I find that for tall people like me, (I stand at 5'11"), I prefer men's style, which is why American Apparel's men's deep V-neck t-shirts really do it for me. There is oftentimes more material and consideration used when designing men's t-shirts, so don't be afraid to shop in the men's section for a style that works for you. Nowadays, actually, I peruse the men's section.

I like my white tees to have a pocket if possible, but I have a ton of Hane's, V-neck t-shirts. (I'm talking packs of it). I use it oftentimes for the gym, but you can dress it up or down in a variety of styles, including pairing it with a blazer or a supersized cardigan. I prefer to pair it with a pair of my favorite leg-lengthening, flare jeans or even ripped denim flare jeans. (Think J brand, Paige, Rock & Republic, and some of my Abercrombie & Fitch styles). I think it's the most flattering. I've seen girls pair it with leather jackets and leggings or skinny jeans. You can knot it at the front, tie it in the back or even tuck it in a pair of jeans. It's really versatile, considering it's a neutral color and can go with virtually everything. The white especially pops against my tanned complexion. It's great for a casual setting, work setting, or even a night out if dressed right and adorned with the right accessories. Another great brand that sells quality shirts? Victoria's Secret.

Once I like the fit of the tee, I buy it different colors, which sort of brings me to my next point.

2. The Basic Black Tee

Not much to say here other than that, my closet is not only packed with white tees galore, but also black t-shirts. I find that black t-shirts are also very flattering and can be worn in a variety of styles. Again because it's a neutral, you can pair it with virtually anything. I like the idea of an all black everything including the pairing it with leather skinnies, or black jeans and pair of black strappy heels, boots or even sneakers. A little gold jewelry or bag would pop, paired with some black or rose gold sunglasses.

I have a variety of black tees from American Apparel, Victoria's Secret, and even one I sewed myself on a sewing machine. (When you're a tall girl, sometimes you have to learn ways to design or alter your clothing so they fit you).

3. White Tank top

These are great layering pieces. A drapey fit, white tank top is nice for a night out to go out into town. Layer a nice cardigan or jacket in case you get cold. I don't. I usually pair it again with my favorite ripped denim jeans. Cotton tank tops are also great and they can be great for working out or hot days. You can pair it with anything, including high-waisted shorts for the summer, skinny jeans, leggings, flare jeans and a skirt.

4. Flare Denim Jeans

These are my go-to and I understand some absolutely hate flare jeans and that's fine! You can easily swap it out with skinny or bootcut jeans. Most would recommend you have a medium wash and definitely a darker wash. I have virtually all shades from white denim to the darkest blue. (I do not have black unfortunately).

I am particularly picky about the inseam of my jeans. I prefer them on the long side and it can be hard to find 36 or 37 inseam jeans, as most stores don't conventionally sell them and I have to look either online or towards some of the designer brands. If you do want to invest in a pair of flare jeans, make sure that they are of the right length and fit you well. Some can fit you too baggy and look unflattering.

I used to go for the low-rise, but I found mid-rise and high-rise to be a bit more flattering and also tend to be longer. The low-rise doesn't sit well with me and sometimes slips down and I can't have that when I'm bending down, moving, and working.

Jeans can be tricky for some people and on top of that there are whole blogs and articles written about it. (If you are interested in learning more, I sometimes follow The Jeans Blog, which is an online blog for all things denim that give a pretty vast view of anything denim-related. The industry has grown over the years with trends coming and going, so if you're interested in learning more about denim, I encourage you to check out the blog. It's written by someone with over 10 years of experience in the industry.

5. Skinny Jeans

A pair of black or the darkest skinny jeans preferably. They are nice for dressing up and down and to go out on the town. High-waisted is probably one of the more popular styles.

Believe it or not, I actually hate skinny jeans. I find it unflattering on my body, but like Lily Aldridge above, her skinnies look great on her.

6. Button-Down shirt

I have them in solid blue, white and black colors along with striped versions. I love button downs, but again make sure they fit you correctly. You do not want them to stretch across your breasts. If the buttons do, you might need to go up a size. I prefer mine a loose boyfriend fit that I can tuck a tail into my jeans. This is where shopping in the men's department helps. I oftentimes scour the shelves in the men's department at stores for good button downs, since they fit better on me.

7. Trench Coat

These were really on trend, but they do have a timeless look to them. Have a trench coat that you can throw on, whether it be a bit on the shorter side, longer side or anywhere in between. They make different colors nowadays too, such as black, white, rose-pink, and mauve. Whatever color you are into, a trench coat is great to have in your closet. It pulls your look together. I own a Burberry Heritage trench coat that I sometimes throw over my white tee paired with my flare jeans.

8. Pencil Skirt

A basic black pencil skirt, knee-length or right above the knee, is useful for a night out or to dress up for work. It's not a common thing I wear, since I work in a lab, but for a night out or a conference, it's very useful. I have them in tan, white, maroon, and black. I would like to get more shade ranges of tan, like beige or cream. (Maybe, ivory?)

9. A Hat

Really great for those bad hair days. I typically wear baseball caps. I know some girls sport beanies or sun hats or even a fedora. Sometimes a simple accessory like a hat can really add visual interest and pull everything together.

10. Leggings

A pair of black ones are useful to match with anything and on top of that they can provide some control in the stomach area if that is one of your more sensitive areas. I prefer the ones with wider bands that really provide tummy control, but can also just make your butt look good, since it lifts it up. Leggings are great to pair with sneakers, heels and can be used for a night out or a casual outing.

Any Others?

These are some of the top basics I can think of that would be essential in anyone's closet. Now, does that mean you have to go out and buy these items or this is gospel? Of course not! It really depends on your lifestyle and your needs and your comfort. There are a number of other basics people can agree on, like the basic black dress, whether it be bodycon, flare, or fitted, a basic black dress can serve wonders when you have nothing to wear for a night out. I've worn black dresses to work as well.

Other items can include a pair of denim shorts, the classic black heel or flats, (especially when you travel), a blazer, and a blanket scarf for when you get cold. It's really up to you, but remember basics can help go a long way to tie all of your other funky pieces in your closet together.

Do you have ideas for basics? Let me know! I'd be interested in hearing what you think about the list or what else should be added on there!