OK, that sounds majorly snotty. I actually had a whale of a time reading The Sunday Times’ list of 50 Things Every British Girl Should Have (via the perfectly chic Sharon Rose, who likely has nearly everything on it. Except maybe the tattoo).
Lists like this are fun, both because they play around with the concept of “essential” – murky waters at best – and because they’re a bit absurd. There’s no way any list of must-haves is going to work for every girl.
But the reading inspired me to think about my own wardrobe: If I had to pare down to 50 items total, which ones would I keep?
Deep breath.
1. Perfectly fitting jeans: Duh.
2. Silver hoops: Because I just don’t wear yellow gold.
3. Cowboy boots: Frye Campus, por favor.
4. Fitted white tee: Must make me look womanly, not like I’m off to the gym.
5. Long chain necklace: At least 35″, long enough to double or to wear in a big, sexy loop
6. Thigh highs: Meeeeeow
7. Huge leather tote: For non-gym or grocery schlepping. You know, fancy schlepping!
8. Wool cloche: A hat reserved for us girly types
9. Flattering down coat: There’s no excuse for Stay-Puft stylie ski jackets any longer!
10. A denim mini: Ridiculously versatile
11. Black wideleg slacks: I’m TELLING you, they will never go out of style. Just ask the buyers at Anthropologie.
12. A slim-fitting white button-down shirt: Boring. Necessary.
13. A huge chunky cuff: Wood, resin, silver, don’t care. Need it.
14. A trenchcoat: And here, the Sunday Times and I agree.
15. Red shoes: Actually preferable to have at least two pair of these babies.
16. LBD: Sheath please!
17. Cashmere cowlneck: So I can feel that splendid softness against my face and neck
18. Mary Janes: For schoolgirl sass
19. A college sweatshirt: For rainy days in coffeeshops.
20. Clinky bangles: Because sometimes I want to feel like Stevie Nicks.
21. Enormous, multicolored floaty scarf: And again
22. Pencil skirt: Any color, any time.
23. Walking shorts: Cute on everyone, even old broads like me who can’t/won’t pull off short shorts.
24. Bright, weird tights: Stripes, spots, or zigzags will do nicely.
25. A non-man-related ring that holds sentimental value: For me, this is my crown ring
26. A puffer vest: A casual fall and spring outerwear must-have
27. Diamond, Moissanite, or CZ studs: Sparkly classics
28. Pearl studs: Pearly classics
29. A cuddly bathrobe: For Saturday morning coffee on the couch
30. A vintage logo tee: Worn to the point of cashmere-like softness
31. An asymmetrical top: Can be a jacket, sculptural tee, or button down. I just need something off-kilter.
32. Fishnets: They don’t have to be loosely woven. I vastly prefer tight weave with black sheer nylon underneath. Just as sexy.
33. An angora cardi: For playing Marilyn
34. A brooch the size of my fist: I raided my Gran’s jewelry box and came away with several
35. A tweed skirt: A fall-to-winter staple
36. Pants that make me feel like sex on wheels: Style determined by me and the dressing room mirror
37. A leather jacket: One that nips in at the waist – length, color, and style are up for debate. Just know I’m not talking about a formless bomber, here.
38. A silk shell: For under blazers, tucking into high-waisted skirts, and feeling the glory of charmeuse on my skin.
39. Basic black heels: You may think you can live without these, but you should check your head. They needn’t be boring, just walkable, sleek, and unbearably beautiful.
40. Loose-fitting khakis: I belt them up for a Kate Hepburn look, let them ride low for slouchy weekend wearings
41. A brightly colored, skin-tight, long-sleeved tee: With enough length to hit mid-butt, making it ideal for layering
42. A cocktail dress: Preferably vintage, but anything that makes me feel fancy will do just fine.
43. Black or gray hoodie: No explanation necessary
44. A bra and panty set that makes me look and feel amazing in my clothes: For everyday use
45. A bra and panty set that makes me look and feel amazing OUT OF my clothes: For bedroom purposes
46. A wool circle skirt: Embellished or plain, a winter staple
47. Knee-high leather boots: Probably my heeled ones … though I do love my Heidis
48. Pants in an outrageous color: I recommend pink
49. A wide belt: For hasty waist-making
50. A handbag that makes me proud: Which – as you can likely guess – is never gonna be a status bag for me
So, what do we have in common? What pieces am I mental to include in this list? What’s on YOURS?
(All images courtesy Boden.)
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
very nice list ))) It was a real pleasure to read it )))
I’m with you on at least 35 of these. Great list!
You crack me up…from cashmere to college sweatshirts. Brilliant. I also adore the “non-man-related ring.” My momma raised me to believe that jewelry does NOT have to be from a guy. Good thing she taught me at a young age, too…otherwise I would still be waiting for my first diamonds
That list from the Sunday Times is ridiculous. Never in my life have I needed a bob wig or gold lame leggings.
But I completely agree with you on most points. In fact, even though it’s a jeans-and-t-shirt day for me, I’m wearing my non-man related diamonds right now!
Good list. Except for the lack of WendyB jewelry
Hi Sal-a really great list indeed!! I certainly agree with the majority on here, some I have some I don’t!! I’m still hunting some thrifted frye boots!! Plus, jeans wasn’t on the Times list, I don’t know what I’d do without my numerous pairs, haha!!
Some of those Times ones made me laugh aloud: jeans I’m never supposed to wash? Chanel? I’m in grad school, fer cryin’ in the sink! And why do I need a grey hoodie to prove that I was once a teenager?
They’re not popular with everyone, but for me, a slim turtleneck sweater (mine are ribbed, silk, from Ann Taylor) comes in SO handy by winter. I wear them with jeans, under sleeveless dresses, or pair it with a pencil skirt for 40′s va-va-va-voomy-ness.
At first I thought “isn’t 50 too many?” But when I finished reading your list I realized I would need 100!
I’m with you on most, with exception of the puffer and the cowboy boots.
And yes, the Times list is ridiculous about some stuff. Gold lame leggings? Please!
Even though it’s not on YOUR list, I recommend skipping the tattoo. Don’t ask me how I know this.
W’ve got 33 in common! I’m currently working on the diamond studs.
I did read that list a few days ago and thought that most of it was rubbish. Glad to see that you made your own.
I like your list! I’m going to have to make my own
Hope you’re having a great time in Chicago!
Sal, I admire your fortitude. My lists rarely go beyond 5…I am a terrible slacker about organizing my thoughts.
You have inspired me though. I plan to make my own list of 50. Not today, of course!
Enc, you’re right! No tattoo needed! (I think I may have the same reasons as you!)
Sooo what this list lacks – hair accessories! Bobby pins (at least two colored)and maaaany plain black, plus a headband. Colored, with tiny bows or feathers, something to catch the eye. What else? nail polish – at least one transparent and/or for french manicure.
I can’t think of anything else right now, but I’ll keep the list in mind and fill in when and if necessary!
im with you on the red shoes. i want to shake people that say, “but what would i wearrrr with these?” and i want to jump up and down and hug people that understand that i red shoes goes with almost anything.
im with you on the belts. cinching the waist = instant chic in a hurry.
love the list! i also love the comical and real way that you explained them.At any rate there were some women that were trying to figure out where to get a good white shirt, i say search the mens departments thats what i do. The mens button downs at jcrew for example great shirts.
only things i would add to the list are sandals for summer and tons of dresses