This week, I thought I’d share with you the basic items that I always have in my wardrobe. These items are what I call my “everyday essentials” – clothing items that transcend trends, and are great with almost anything. They are mostly items that aren’t expensive and you can always dress them up or down, by adding some accessories.
Clockwise from top: Target Ruched Sleeves Top $14.00, Target Short Sleeve Top, ASOS Deep V Cuff Top $20.40, Sussan Long Line Top $29.95, Dorothy Perkins Long Sleeve Round Neck Top GBP8.00
I love a simple jersey or t-shirt top. I’ve got a few of these in various colours. The good thing about these sort of tops is the fact that I can wear them with tailored pants, a blazer and add some accessories with some heels – I’ve got a semi-formal outfit that is perfect for work or for when I’m out for a night on the town. I can also dress it down with a pair of jeans, some flats or a pair of boots boots and a cardigan for something more casual. You can find these simple tops easily at Target, Kmart, BigW, Sussan, Katies and if you want to splurge, then head on to Country Road or Witchery. Prices for such tops start from as low as $19.00. If you wanted something slightly different, then look for some that have detailing on them. Sleeve or sides with ruching can add an interesting touch to the outfit.
Jeans is yet another staple that I depend on heavily. Great for that semi-casual and casual styling. A good pair of jeans will flatter your shape and if you choose the right wash, it can take you from day to night. Take these pair of Bordeaux coloured jeans I got from Target. It cost me only $39.00 and I could wear it with a nice shirt with nice lace detailing, heels and some jewellery – and I’ve got a smart casual outfit. Dark coloured jeans – black, or dark denim are also great for creating smart casual outfit. Simply by adding a nice tailored, silk or satin top, some accessories and a pair of heels or heeled boots you can turn an otherwise casual outfit to a more spruced up ensemble. With the cut, although skinny jeans are all the rage at the moment, if you’re not keen on wearing them, then why not try the bootleg cuts. They are usually very flattering and go really well with heels or a pair of boots.
I love my blazers and I think this is an absolute staple in any wardrobe. It is also another great way to dress up an otherwise casual outfit. The colour and cut, again, depends on your body shape and skin tone. If you want to take your blazer up another notch, simply add a brooch, on the lapel. To dress it down a little, fold your sleeves up 3/4 of the way up.
ASOS Shirt $34.00, Oasis Contrast Trim Shirt $76.50, ASOS Scalloped Collar Shirt $42.50.
Another piece of clothing I thought would go with anything is a shirt. A simple tailored style shirt can take you from a formal office wear to a smart-casual outfit by pairing it with a pair of jeans or capri pants. To keep it more versatile, I would recommend that you go for something simple – no patterns or prints. But, if you want to take that step further, then go ahead and get something with prints. These will go well when worn underneath a cardigan, knitwear or even a blazer.
ASOS Jersey Skirt $23.80, Dorothy Perkins Pencil Skirt GBP22.00, Warehouse Skirt $55.25
I think skirts can be a little bit tricky. Whilst I do regard them as part of my wardrobe staple, what I find difficult is what cut should be considered as a staple. What I can recommend though are colours that should be a staple – black, tan, and even grey are the safest colours to go with. I tend to stick to shapes that flatter my body shape like a straight cut skirt, A-Line and long maxi skirts.
Sussan Ponte Pants $59.95, Country Road Pants $129.00, ASOS Skinny Twill Pants $21.25
Finally, you would need a nice pair of pants, something that would suit your shape. Personally I prefer to go for the straight leg tailored style that transcends seasons and trends. A classic pair of pants will never go out of date and can take you from day to night in a flash just by adding some accessories.
2 comments
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Kate
May 25, 2012 at 10:48 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Thank you for this great selection of staples. I think I need to start building my basics wardrobe properly! I just found the Dorothy Perkins website following your links, it has free shipping at the moment yay!! Also I like that short sleeve red Target top but it is the only one without a link. I haven’t seen tops like that at my local Target, but I’ll go have another look
baublesb
May 25, 2012 at 10:51 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Glad to be of help Kate. I couldn’t find the link for that particular top either!! So frustrating! Anyway, you should check out Ojay for similar tops too…costs I think about $30? Or, if you’re in Target, venture towards the Hot Options section. Yes, it’s for the younger girls, but sometimes that’s where the good, basic stuff is! Just get a size up, that’s what I do.
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June 7, 2012 at 6:58 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
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June 13, 2012 at 4:24 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
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June 18, 2012 at 7:40 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
[...] the essentials in my wardrobe also mean that I can wear them almost any time or any day of the week. The best [...]
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August 25, 2012 at 8:03 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
[...] splurge on items I find to be true classics, there are pieces – even when they are regarded as “everyday essentials” – which I would rather not have to fork out too much money [...]
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November 28, 2012 at 8:30 am (UTC 10) Link to this comment
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