I was going through my closet recently and I noticed something very interesting: I didn’t have the essentials. There are those items that every girl should have in their closet so that she’s ready for anything and everything. Here’s my list of the ten MUST HAVES that I think every girl needs. I call it….
Essential Elements for a Fashion Foundation
1) Basic Blazer: I am absolutely in LOVE with blazers (in case you can’t tell). Not because I don’t think I can live without them but because they are best basic for all occasions. You can wear it to dress up a pair a jeans for a night out or dress down a frock for casual day with the girls. No matter the occasion, blazers can fulfill all of your needs. Not to mention, when worn the right way, they are just FIERCE.
2) Business Pants: As a future career woman and current networker, I know the importance of having one basic pair of business casual pants. I know that there is a common misconception when it comes to buying these pants. They’re usually frumpy, plain, and make you look like a 50-year-old. Luckily, we live in a society where people understand the needs for a corporate chica to look the part. I tend to go for a well-tailored, tweed trouser (preferably brown) or a simple black. That way no matter the occasion, you’ll have the perfect top to match it.
3) Quality Jeans: I CANNOT stress the importance of a good pair of jeans enough. I cannot tell you how often I see girls walking around in jeans that are either too tight, sagging in the tucus area, or a girl has it pulled up to her neck (mom jeans). Ladies, jeans are the easiest item to purchase and it’s one that can be dressed up or down. BUT, if you constantly buy the same jeans that you’ve been wearing since you were in middles school OR you take your mom’s advice about how your jeans should fit, you won’t find your perfect fit. Buying jeans is just like buying a new car. You need to test drive a few before you find the right one. So please, go to a store and TRY THEM ON. Get people’s opinion, too. Trust me, it will do a world of good.
4) The Right Bra: So, boobs can be a girls best friend and her worst enemy at the same time. Just like cheesecake. All they really want is good support. In order for you to provide that, you MUST wear a bra that is no more than a year old (1 1/2 years old is pushing it). Your body constantly changes so it doesn’t make sense to think that your boobs stay the same. Plus, because you wear bras more often out of anything else in your closet, you should never neglect it. You can definitely tell when a woman isn’t wearing the right bra. It can create back bulge and make your boobs look like they’re 20 years older than the rest of you. Take if from a girl who’s had to wear a bra since she was 9 years old, having a well-fitting bra is vital.
5) Perfect Blouse: Blouses are one of the simplest items in your closet and yet one of the most versatile. You can wear it on a casual day with a pair of jeans and a scarf or tuck it into a skirt. throw on some tights and ankle boots and go out for the night. These can be basic blouses with a solid color or something with a little pizazz, like color-blocking or an asymmetrical length. Either way, it’s a classic look that will never go out of style
6) Black Heels: You need these for those surprise moments when someone calls you and tells you to go out to a party (whether it’s for family or with friends) or you have to go to a professional function. They need to be fierce enough to make a statement but comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. I’m a shoe addict, so I would have multiple pairs of these. That way, you’ll be prepared for whatever is thrown at you.
7) Little Black Dress: If Coco Chanel taught us anything it was that a girl needs three things in her life in order to be successful: pearls, love, and a little black dress. This is the one thing that you can pull out of your closet and throw on at any moment and it will make you feed like a queen. It doesn’t matter how simple or intricate it is, as long as it makes you feel like a superstar.
8) A Little Lace: Lace is probably my favorite fabric. Ever since I was younger, I was always in love with the fact that it was so pretty and yet so easy to wear. It’s sexy, classic, and will always be timeless. In terms of what item of clothing you get, I leave that to you. As long as it makes you feel like you’re gliding on cloud 9, then it serves its purpose.
9) Perfect Peacoat: I live in the NE so winters here are ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL. Most people bundle up with huge, thick coats that make them look like they’ve gained about 20 lbs, but personally, I hate that look. I always feel like I look like the Pillsbury dough boy but taller. So peacoats are literally my lifesaver. I have a black one right now that I paid a pretty penny for and now the buttons are falling off (not happy). But it’s actually amazing. It’s think enough for the epic snow falls we have but it’s also very slimming and ladylike. I can wear it during the day to class or for a night out. Every girl should have a go to peacoat. Whether you wear it on a day-to-day basis is up to you.
10) Boots: I am ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED with boots (almost as much as I am with blazers). My favorite season is fall, so as soon as the leaves start to turn, I start to wear boots. I only have two pairs of leather boots right now but with the snow constantly falling and my school laying out salt every chance they get, my shoes are getting ruined, so I have to buy a new pair every few months. But that’s kind of OK with me. I think that any woman can wear boots but, just like with jeans, you have to find the perfect pair for you. Not everyone can wear ankle boots or knee-high boots so it’s important to find the best fit….and then buy every color.
So now that I have this list, my hunt will begin. I’m looking high and low for these items and I will not stop until I find them. Ladies & gentlemen, the games have commenced.
Rustic Lanterns 