What's in YOUR closet? Share your basics with BlogHer
by Susan Wagner

I love lists; they're so neat and organized and finite. Three Ways to Wear a Jacket, or Five Trends for Spring, or Ten Must-Have Basics. Lists can be inspirational and provocative, and we all know that a list is a great starting point when we're thinking about what to wear, or what to shop for. The problem with the list, though, is that it doesn't take into account the individual rhythms of each of our lives: are you 20 or 60? do you work full-time or stay home with your children? do you even HAVE children? how about pets? do you iron? dry clean? hand wash? pre-treat?

It all makes a difference in what you wear.

I am a big believer in basics: when your wardrobe is built on pieces that you actually wear -- well made, properly fitting, appropriately cared-for pieces -- you will always have an outfit, no matter where you find yourself going. And while I do believe that there are universal basics -- a bra in the right size, yoga pants that flatter your backside -- I also believe that each closet must answer specific needs in order to be functional. To say that there is ONE list, or that there are TEN must-have items, sells each of us short, and can leave us with a closet full of nothing to wear.

The list, you see, should solve your wardrobe dilemmas, not create more.

I am also a big believer in the distinction between fashion and style; fashion is what's on the runways and in the magazines, and while it is possible to make what's fashionable part of your personal style, style isn't about appropriating the Look of the Moment. Style is about creating a look that will last, a look that is personal and functional and, yes, fashionable. Style is about having a wardrobe that reflects who you are and what you do and how you want to be perceived. That's not too much to ask of your clothes, is it?

Not at all.

If you're waiting for me to get to the magical Ten Basics List, the one that will work for EVERY woman and EVERY closet, you need to keep waiting, because that's not what we're doing this week. Instead, I challenge each of you to create a list of ten basic pieces, things from your closet that you are really wearing (or things that you find yourself constantly wishing for, which is a sign that you probably really NEED them, by the way). Share your list in the comments, or post it at your own site; on Saturday, we'll look at all the lists and see who is wearing what.

We'll see what the REAL basics are. Oprah had white jeans on her Ten Must-Have basics list -- do you?

With your list, tell us a little about yourself -- how old you are, where you live, what you do all day. Be honest about what you wear and why, and about how your everyday uniform -- your basics -- are working for you. Or not, as the case may be.

Need some inspiration?

Real Simple has taken the basics list to a whole new level, with their Essentials for a Well-Balance Wardrobe package. Their lists are useful, although I sometimes wonder who chooses the actual pieces for the photo shoots at Real Simple.

Flea has already posted her list, as well as recapping her recent adventures in pants shopping. There is a reason that I buy all my pants in the same place, and Flea reminded me what it is.

Hairline Fracture has her list of basics up as well; she's also looking for a denim skirt, if anyone has suggestions.

Summer at Be Fabulous dissects Oprah's Ten Basics list and then tells us what she REALLY wears. Next up: her accessories list!

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and The Working Closet and Fashion Find. She will be posting her own personal Basics List later this week at Friday Style, and rounding up all of your lists here at BlogHer on Saturday.

Submitted by Susan Wagner (view blog) on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 12:07pm
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Comments

 

Five + Five Basics

I actually think there ARE a few basics that can work for almost every woman and cover a large array of life situations.

1. A little black dress.

2. A pair of high quality, well-cut black trousers (make that brown if a warm color palette flatters you more than a cool one).

3. A fitted, well tailored black (brown) jacket.

4. A really good pair of jeans - darker wash, moderate low rise and a slightly flared leg opening would be the most flattering for most figures.

5. A few high quality, short or long sleeve tops, that are feminine and fitted - no baggy T-shirts - and can be worn under a tailored jacket for work or with a pair of jeans on the weekend. A v-neck is flattering for most women.

I am in my thirties, work from home, dress mostly in jeans and t-shirts but the colors and cuts are always feminine and flattering. Nothing is ever old, frayed or baggy. It works because although I do sacrifice a little in the comfort department (sweats are more comfy than jeans), I feel good about how I look.

The Five Basics that are more in line with my own personal style are:

6. A pair of black, mid-heel Mary Janes. More stylish than a pump, looks great with skirts and pants, and timeless.

7. Yes, a pair of white jeans. If the cut is right, it's a stunning, highly sophisticated look.

8. Tank tops. I workout and like to show off my arms.

9. A pair of knee high black boots.

10. A pair of lighter wash, low rise, seriously flared jeans. If it works for your figure, it creates a stunning look, effortlessly.

Vered DeLeeuw
www.momgrind.com

Submitted by Vered on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 14:13
 

1. an amazing bag. (mine is

1. an amazing bag. (mine is Marc Jacobs in a stone color)
2. Knee high black boots
3. Black flats
4. Black heels (peep toe and pointy)
5. dark denim jeans that fit perfect w/ heels and ones that fit perfect w/o
6. little black dress
7. fitted buttons down shirts
8. trench coat (need one!)
9. the perfect tee (perfect legth, not too tight, not too baggy)
10. cardigan

I'm a 23 still in school. I'm mainly a tee and jeans kind of girl. I have shoes for whatever occasion (boots, heels or flats). A bag I can dress up or down. And always the necessary little black dress!

Jamie
http://ohhowlovely.net

Submitted by jamieislovely on Tue, 03/04/2008 - 16:03
 

10 things

I actually don't think I have 10 things... not 10 different things anyway. I'm reading this blog in the desperate hope that I'll come away with some good advice for a totally frumpy mommy of 4. I have jeans - mid-rise and bootcut, but not really "dark." I do have a white fitting T and a black one. I have a great red hoodie from Ann Taylor that I LOVE, but I wear it too much because it's the only decent thing I have.

I need some serious help, here. I need to look at least somewhat fashionable when I pick up my kids from preschool! Right now I'm the mom wearing jeans with running shoes type.

Oh, I need to mention that I don't have a lot of money to spend on clothing. The Ann Taylor hoodie was a complete indulgence on my part.

Maybe I'm crazy - do poor mommies really even have a chance?

Susan
http://www.fourinarow.net

Submitted by fourinarow on Wed, 03/05/2008 - 15:14
 

Of course mommies have a chance!!

That's what Target. TJ Maxx, Ross, and Kohl's are for!

If you stick to the running shoes, why not try a funky color? I like adidas and Pumas. You can usually find great shoes at TJ Maxx.

Splurge on a really great pair of jeans. If they're a dark wash, they can go from casual to dressy. You will wear them the most so it's worth the money.

Try a fitted blazer (can be a casual cotton) or a trench coat to give the hoodie a break. Again, they're versatile and flattering and you'll get a lot of wear so buy something of good quality.

My final advice: Watch TLC's "What Not to Wear" where they make over ordinary women and give KILLER and hilarious advice. There are a lot of "frumpy mommies" that they totally transform while keeping in mind their personalities and lifestyles.

GOOD LUCK!

Just the Way It Is - A laugh, an epiphany, a like-minded soul

Submitted by lizzen on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 08:01
 

A casual 20-something professional's wardrobe

Admittedly I am a fashion chameleon. Heels by day, skate shoes by afternoon, sexy boots by evening--I run the gamut in even a single day. I'll attempt to boil down my basics:

1.) Great pair of indigo-wash boot cut jeans. A darker wash is slimming and the cut balances out my pear-shaped figure.

2.) Brightly-colored, fashionable tennis shoes. You can work out, walk the dog, run errands and still look hot.

3.) Unique dress. Rather than sticking to the LBD, I like colors and patterns and something in a versatile fabric that can go from (work) day to (play) night.

4.) Basic tee in solid color. Of course I have black and white, but I also have mustard, red, purple, brown, and apple green.

5.) Fitted blazer. I use most my black and denim styles. Nipped in at the waist, they're very slimming and go with just about anything.

6.) Heels. I have like 30 pair in every color and style imaginable, but for starters I like my round-toe patent-leather black stilettos and a brown suede loafer platform heel.

7.) Patterned tee. I love my hot pink Beatles tee and my black and white Blondie tee. What can I say, I like to rock out.

8.) Funky jewelry. It can take even a basic-tee-and-jeans outfit up a notch.

9.) Dress coat. I have a black wool and brown tweed coat for basics but I have a blue, pink, and green plaid trench that adds a bit of pop to a plain outfit.

10.) Flats. Because we don't just sit and look pretty all day. WE MOVE!

Just the Way It Is - A laugh, an epiphany, a like-minded soul

Submitted by lizzen on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 07:57
 

30 Basics?! Not really...

I asked my two blog co-writers to come up with their lists of 10 basics, so here's all three of our lists in one post -- we've got a lot of overlap!

http://periodicstyle.blogspot.com/2008/03/extra-credit-top-ten-basics.ht...

We're all fairly fresh out of college and trying to get established in the "grown-up" world, if that helps! ("Casual 20-Something" definitely fits for us, too!)

Submitted by Jeanne B. on Thu, 03/06/2008 - 16:42
 

Yoga pants and flips and ...

Hey, I'm a 20 something writer who works from home, but that only came about recently, so my wardrobe is sort of fluctuating at the moment. I'm out and about a lot, and often one of the places I stop is the gym, so, that affects my choices, too. Anyway, here are my top 10--laugh away!

1. Great jeans--mine are dark and long and work with almost anything. Plus, I feel great in them, and therefore wear them WAY too much. Seriously, ask around.

2. Versatile cami/cardi combo--I'm not that big a prep, but I do love a little sweater. I have a really pretty black cami that I can wear out to the clubs at night (because, sure, yeah, I do that. Why not? I don't just hang out at home with my husband and dogs because wine is cheaper from my own fridge!), and I have a delicate cardi with elbow-length sleeves that just floats, so I can cover up what needs to be covered up when it needs to be, you know, covered up.

3. Black casual wedges--These work well with jeans or a day dress, and since I live in the south, open toes work a good portion of the year (I also have them in brown).

4. Knee high boots--Again, I have them in black and brown because they work with SO MUCH!

5. My Really Great Dress--I have a dress I've worn to a number of events, but it's a showstopper, let me tell you. It's not revealing, but still sexy, and there's nothing I don't love about it.

6. Long tee in teal--The color works great for my skin tone, and I can wear it with jeans or a linen skirt or anything. Almost. Plus, it layers really well with tanks and sweaters.

7. Fabulous white blouse--I got it from Ann Taylor (Susan's suggestion!), and it's a great way to dress up jeans, but it also works with a black pencil skirt and sexy heels.

8. Long length yoga pants--Even though I'm schlumping around in athletic wear, I'm not going to look like I'm waiting for a flood.

9. Funky tennis shoes--I have to look cool walking the hounds, right?

10. Orange and blue striped scarf--My mom made it for me, and it's in UF Gator colors, and I've worn it to TWO National Championship basketball games, so it's in my closet to stay. Florida heat be damned.

Submitted by kgseymour on Fri, 03/07/2008 - 15:14
 

Finding What Works for Your Own Figure

I think that it would be wonderful if the same list of pieces worked for everyone, irrespective of their figure, lifestyle, daily activities, priorities and values - mainly because I too love the idea of lists and must have basic pieces.

I know what was required of my wardrobe when I was a corporate suit in the city was very different to what I need now. I use to think a suit could be worn just about anywhere. I thought a good quality black leather handbag and at least three pairs of black high heels of different styles and heights were essential.

Now I still have leather handbags but one is red, another blue, another is brown, I want a green one to go with much loved custom made summer dresses (that black bag and high heels just don't go with!).

I did struggle with the change over from corporate style to smart casual. Luckily I found in a sale the Instyle "Secrets of Style" book as well as a Trinny and Suzannah book that's been great for finding what works best.

Having a good think about what you wear and how it works for you really does matter and figuring out your own 10 essentials pieces list is a great idea.

Have fun and enjoy the research!

Smiles,

Belinda

Win 1 of 5 Freshwater Pearl Necklaces and Earrings Set at our online competition at www.CreativelyBelle.com

Submitted by Creatively Belle on Tue, 07/22/2008 - 02:42