Earlier this month I asked on Instagram whether readers wanted to see a list of my favorite trends of the year or my take on closet essentials. Roughly 58% of you voted for the latter. Now it's finally here!
The last time I wrote something like an essentials list, I tailored it to female college students. I envisioned all the kinds of events a college girl could attend: class, parties, job interviews, etc. I would link the post, but most of the images have been corrupted since Polyvore (my preferred app for creating sliding decks) was bought by SSENSE. It was also far too lengthy. Closet essentials should be just that -- the essentials! The base of your closet. It was kinda hard to figure out what closet essentials are to me especially since I am easily influenced and distracted by the latest fashion, so I just looked back through my own archive.
After much deliberation and editing, I am confident that this list is true to who I am and the basics of how I dress myself.
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| This spin on the classic button down may not be the best for an office setting... |
Tops: Classic Button Down, Graphic Tee (Oversized and Fitted)
The classic button-down work shirt is the summer's answer to the flannel. When worn, it gives off the illusion that you have your life together. It's always best to have one of these readily on hand in case of a last minute job interview. They are also great whenever graphic tees just won't cut it.
I also love a good graphic tee. I am a sucker for any kind: band tees, corny quotes, obnoxious graphics, etc. Whenever I buy a tee, I pay attention to the size and the fabric. I love a good oversized graphic tee and I find any kind of second hand retailer is the best place to get those. I'm never really on the look out for true vintage, but I prefer my tees to be worn in. As for fitted ones, some of my most-loved ones come from Brandy Melville and Urban Outfitters. A majority of their tees some in a nearly-sheer cotton and are super comfy. I use Brandy's "one size fits most" gimmick in my favor. I like layering these tees under dresses and tanks -- the more fitted, the better!
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| Even while suffering from a mouth infection, I still had to look cute in London!! |
Bottoms: Cropped Denim, Printed Trousers, Cargo-style Pant
Denim should be a closet essential, but I am impartial to cropped denim like the culotte look. The cropped length plus the flared ends are flattering for everyone. Whether you're wearing a billowing top or a tight crop, it balances out your proportions.
Some of my favorite kinds of printed trousers are plaid prints and athletic style pant. Both go well with graphic tees. I always gravitate towards these when I am feeling super lazy. Like cheetah print, I think of plaid prints as a neutral especially if they come in neutral shades. As for track pants, I gravitate towards brighter colors.
Crazy cargo pants have been on-trend because of the resurgence in the 90s celebrity aesthetic. I have a couple cargo pants on hand. They are the perfect pant for traveling. Cargo-style pants are usually very breathable and far comfier than squeezing into a pair of skinny jeans. Enough said.
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| Can't go wrong with a pair of Vans. |
Shoes: Loafers, Sneakers (Leather and Canvas), Printed Bootie, Block Heel
The other day I was just thinking about how shoe trends are so outrageous and hardly age well. Shoes that immediately come to mind are the Jeffrey Campbell Lolita and the Stuart Weitzman suede over-the-knee boots that people were fighting over. They just captured a very specific look that everyone on the planet tried to achieve, even if it wasn't true to their own style. No judgement if you still wear them now, but these shoes are always polarizing.
Here are some of my favorites that I think will stand the test of time.
At my college graduation, Oprah stressed the importance of investing in your shoes. (Yes, that Oprah.) One trendy shoe that I think you should seriously invest in is the leather loafer. Last summer I got the Gucci loafer as a birthday gift and have been trying to subtly show them off in blog posts ever since. Even though the trendy girls have moved on to the chunky sneaker, loafers will always be cool. You can wear them in the office, on vacation, or just stomping around town. Another honorable mention would be the mule!
I have been very vocal about my life as a woman with huge feet. I love that as I've grown older, traditionally masculine shoes have become major women's fashion necessities. Now I'm talking about the sneaker. In my closet, I always have a pair of leather sneakers and canvas sneakers. The Adidas Stan Smith and Nike Air Force Ones are constantly flowing in and out of the spotlight, but they are classics for a reason. Some of my recent sneaker favorites have been the Vans x LQQK, and Raf Simons x Adidas collaborations. My latest sneaker addition has been the Nike Air Max 97s, which have yet to make their mark on the blog.
The bootie is an essential. Printed booties, preferably in a snakeskin look, are a staple in my closet because of their versatility. You can play up the print or you can use it as a focal point to your outfit. Other statement booties I like are white patent leather and red leather.
Block heels are another shoe that can be worn from the office to happy hour. I have two colors in my closet: classic black and metallic silver. My favorite way to wear these is with funky printed socks. Things like mesh or glitter socks add some personality while hiding a botched pedicure.
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| Oversized graphic, check. Gucci loafers, check. Leather jacket, check! |
Jackets: Denim, Leather, Blazer, Cropped
If you've been here, you know my affinity for the denim jacket.
The hunt for the perfect leather jacket will go on for your entire life. Start now.
When I imagine a blazer, my mind retreats to the 80s with the exaggerated shoulders and statement prints. Helps you get into the habit of layering. Double points if you find a good one in a matching co-ord with funky trousers.
I used to think that jackets were an unnecessary part of your closet. If you needed warmth, just wear a hoodie or a sweatshirt. Now, I know that they are a great way to add dimension to an outfit especially if you aren't crazy about stacking jewelry. Cropped jackets are perfect for going out. Cropped jackets can be hard to find because "cropped" lengths vary. They can hit your chest, waist, or just about your hips. It's all about shopping for your needs, ladies!
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| The baby tee and slip dress combination is perfect for a music festival. |
Dresses: LBD, Silk slip, Wrap Dress
The little black dress is one of those pieces that the generations before us have mystified. You aren't a real woman unless you have a few on rotation. Because all women are different, everyone has their own idea of what a little black dress should be. I have various LBDs, but I am still on the search for the one for the black tie event I am envisioning in my mind.
Silk slips have been a favorite for a long while. They became a huge trend in 2016 and I have been embracing the lingerie look ever since. I have three in my closet: blush pink, champagne, and cheetah print. I love wearing baby tees underneath for a casual look. If I'm going out, I will either wear it on its own or with a mesh long sleeve underneath.
Wrap dresses are so flattering! That's it. It's the perfect item to throw on and you can show off your waist.
Be sure to click the photos and the links to past posts I've written! Thanks for patiently waiting for this post. I was in a creative funk for most of June and I think going back to the essentials is just what I needed to get out of my head. Let me know what your closet staples are on
Instagram or
Twitter!
