As someone who enjoys making outfits, I do believe that great outfits start with inexpensive, building-block pieces. These are staple pieces that you will use many times over, but they act as the foundation to any outfit. Having these items will make outfit creation much easier in your life, especially if you are looking to freshen up your wardrobe, or completely revamp it. These main pieces may not be obvious to you, but you will want to spend your money wisely. By digging in my own walk in closet I am curating a list of 22 wardrobe essentials for you, from outerwear to undergarments, so that your wardrobe can be well-rounded. Allow me to share them with you below.
22 Wardrobe Essentials
1. Knit cardigan
The first piece in my wardrobe essentials is dressy, knit cardigans. They go great over dresses, and as a bonus, keep you warm in the cooler months. Collecting them in basic colors, such as black, is a great way to start out.
2. Denim jeans
I recommend collecting denim jeans in a variety of washes and styles. Jeans are extremely easy to dress up or down, and are a classic in general. The more washes you have, the easier it is to pair them with tops.
3. Denim shorts
Of course, for the warmer months, you will want to follow suit with denim shorts. Again, the more washes you have, the easier it is to make outfits. Also experiment with varying lengths and cuts.
4. V-neck tees
I absolutely love these soft, lightweight v-neck tees. They look great by themselves with a pair of jeans, or even layered. They are the definition of effortless fashion. Start by collecting them in basic colors, but you can never have too many of them.
5. Bodysuits
I am always up for adding a new bodysuit to my collection. They are incredibly easy to dress up or down. As a bonus, they stay “tucked in” to anything and always look great. They can also be layered.
6. Camis
I recommend collecting solid colored camis in a variety of colors. Start with black and white and work your way up from there. They are absolutely necessary for wear under sheer shirts so that the world does not see your undergarments.
7. Tank tops
Tank tops are a lot of fun because they come in so many colors and patterns, which really allow you to express yourself. Also, they make layering a breeze!
8. Black leggings
When it comes to clothing that you can wear with leggings, most of the time black leggings will match just fine. You should always have a pair lying around over all other colors.
9. Lightweight cardigan or kimono
For warmer months you will want lighter, flowy cardigans. Getting ones with prints make easy outfits- just throw it over a tee or tank paired with your favorite jeans, and you are good to go.
10. Black dress pants
Same theory about the black leggings applies here. Most dress shirts will look great with solid black dress pants. Having at least one pair in your closet is absolutely necessary.
11. Black and brown leather boots
Besides the fact that leather boots will look good with anything, black or brown will match most items in your wardrobe.
12. Dressy flats
Flats are an excellent way to still look dressed up, without hurting your feet in heels. Get yourself some flats in basic colors, such as black and white, and continue to add to your collection from there.
13. Casual flats
For those days when dressing up is not required, casual flats are a must. Again, start with basic colors and keep comfort in mind.
14. Solid colored flip-flops
Collect flip-flops in a rainbow assortment of colors so that they match most things. Flip-flops are an inexpensive, no brainer that you can quickly grab as you run out the door.
15. Capris
Capris are absolutely necessary for transitional weather outfits. Try to collect them in a variety of colors and washes of denim. You can match them with almost anything!
16. Nude heels
If you are looking for a staple pair of heels, or even pumps, nude is the way to go. Black is great, too, but there is something about nude that is so stylish and classic.
17. Lace bralettes
Bralettes are such a great staple undergarment. They tend to be ultra comfortable. They are intended for wear under shirts that are going to tastefully show the bra a little bit. Start out by collecting basic colors.
18. Basic colored bras
Basic colored bras in the colors black, white, and nude will go with most of your shirts. You definitely want to own bras that can be hidden under your shirts. You never want to be in the situation where you are stuck with a hot pink bra and a white tee.
19. Basic colored strapless bras
Same idea as 18, except sometimes you have outfits where you really do not want to show any bra straps, such as a strapless dress. You should always have strapless bras on hand, in basic colors.
20. No-show dress socks
No show dress socks are great because they provide a barrier between your feet and potentially painful dress shoes. They also hide well inside your shoe, and if any part of the sock shows, they look nice and dressy.
21. Black socks
Black socks are great for hiding your socks inside dark colored booties. Some days you want socks sticking out of the tops of your booties, other days you do not.
22. Black tights
My last item in my wardrobe essentials follows the same theory as the black leggings, but black tights will go with many dress up outfits. However, you will not always want to wear leggings. Tights give you a little bit of sheerness to show your legs, which is very stylish and flattering.
There you have it, my 22 wardrobe essentials. After reading this post I hope that I am not only inspiring and informing you, but leaving you with a sense of discovery of all of the great pieces that you own. If you find this post to be helpful, go ahead and give it a share on your favorite social media so that you can share these essentials with your besties. Please share any outfits in the comments that you created using this list! Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
