A reader wrote recently requesting suggestions for items that look chic and appropriate on women of ALL ages. I jotted down my “short list,” of wardrobe staples, and realized that some of them are we a wee bit old for my 21-year-old reader … but that a few additions and subtractions would make this list truly ageless.
This basics list will be most appealing and useful to women who work in offices, teach at high schools, live in cities … thrive in indoor-urban settings. Scientists doing field work, sous chefs, and personal trainers, your lists would be quite different, I’m sure! But here’s my list in three adjustable tiers:
EVERYTHING AT ONCE: Late 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s
Black knee-length skirt, preferably pencil or A-line
Denim knee-length skirt, preferably pencil or A-line
Gray or black dress pants
Fitted white tees
Fitted blazer
White button-down shirt
Flattering cardigan in a neutral you love
Basic black pumps
Knee-high leather boots
LBD – little BRIGHT dress … red, hot pink, citron, something eye-catching
Perfectly-fitting jeans
Pearl necklace (faux is fine!)
A gold or silver chain necklace
Sparkly studs (diamonds, cubic zirconia, your birthstone, etc.)
Hoop earrings
Opaque tights in black and/or heather gray
A cashmere sweater in your most flattering color
ADJUSTED FOR Teens and early 20s
Subtract:
White button-down shirt
Pearl necklace
Cashmere sweater
Gray or black dress pants
Add:
A flattering hoody-alternative, such as a fitted track jacket or fleece moto jacket
Ballet flats
Cords, khakis, or another jeans alternative
Flirty sundress
ADJUSTED FOR 60 and over
Subtract:
Opaque black tights (depending on personal taste and comfort level)
Fitted white tees (ditto)
Knee-high leather boots (double ditto – I see a lot of women in this age group merely switching from heeled to flat knee-high boots)
Add:
A sumptuous shawl or wrap
Ankle- or floor-length full skirt
I’m curious to hear how many of you agree with these staples, how many of you own them, and how many of you could care less about lists like this! So? Do tell … are all of these items in your wardrobe? Do you think all of them COULD BE useful to you, if you don’t already possess them? What do you think of the age breakdown?
If this list is too confining, take a peek at my personal top 50 wardrobe must-haves.
Images courtesy Banana Republic.
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
I am in my early twenties, and my list matches that really well. I would have to add on the list: a ton of bedazzlement (all kinds of accessories, particularly necklaces of all kinds). I would take out those stud earrings. Throw in a leather jacket as a staple, and add cardigan sweaters- they work with everything!
I'm 28, and my list is pretty similar. However, I am forever on the hunt for the perfect white button-down. So far, that item has eluded me.
Anonymous: The white button-down is SUCH a controversial garment. People love it or hate it … or want to love it but either can't find one that fits properly, or don't know how to utilize it without looking dumpy. I'll cook up a post specific to button-downs soon, with some shopping recommendations!
Have you seen Wardrobe Oxygen's list?
She just redid it from five years ago…it's pretty comprehensive.
http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2009/10/staples-for-every-womans-wardrobe.html
And yeah…those white buttondowns are rough to find…for me it's the fact that anything that fits my hips is miles too big everywhere else. Oops?
Bridget: I hadn't seen it, but am unsurprised to find that Allie has done a FANTASTIC job of explaining her choices!
I have the opposite of Bridget's problem – once it fits in the chest, it's too big everywhere else. Want to do some Frankenstein action with our shirts??
This list is great, except that including knee high leather boots excludes me and half of the women I know who can't find knee high leather boots that fit over our calves. And yes, i'm aware that people make "extra calf width" boots. They still don't fit.
I agree with all except the white button down. I've tried all of the versions of this "staple" out there, but for a petite girl with DD boobs, it's a no go. Even when I find one that doesn't gape, I find that it still not as flattering as other options out there.
i'm with meli22: add a bunch of cardigan sweaters in different colours and a leather jacket for us under 40.
about the white button-down – i think there are girls who can do them and there are girls who cannot. i haven't found out yet which one i am, but i never really feel comfortable in a white one. other colours just work better for me.
Great list, thank you! My wardrobe is really lacking basics. I think it's because I tend to pick lots of colours or sales items which end up being rather mish mash… Could really do with these basics to help out!
good one!!! my list straddles both the young and the middle age one
This is a great list, Sally. And I'm very happy to see that I have pretty much everything on it! Even the apparently quite controversial white button-down. I would add a fun belt or sash.
Cowbark: I'm sure you realize that I'm not intentionally excluding you, or anyone! Wide-width tall boots still don't work? Are they too wide, or still too narrow?
This is one of my favorite "Every Woman's Closet" type articles – http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/opinions/womens_fashion_part_i_classics.php.
It's old, but good. She has a whole series also, on accessories, hats and another favorite "Releasing Your Inner Slut." (hee)
http://themorningnews.org/archives/margaret_mason/
Enjoy
Hate white buttondowns, as I've said before. Also, damn, don't people have enough sense to dress themselves without lists? Sigh.
Thanks for the list! Due to a major weight gain, I've had to build a new wardrobe. I'm trying to make it all wearable and coordinating so I don't have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. Right now, I have 1/4 of the items, but they are all on my to-buy or to-sew list. I'm a stay-at-home mom, so I tend to avoid anything drycleaned and the fitted blazers. Other than that, the list sounds perfect. As for wide boots, http://www.widewidths.com/ sells boots with up to 20in shafts, including stretch calves. Not affiliated, but a happy customer.
Is this a list of thinks that are universally not-inappropriate, or of things you are really lacking if you don't have? Because, I mean–I never wear pants (own one pair of black dress pants that currently don't fit so well), don't wear earrings, have no interest in button-front shirts of any color, and while I own fitted white T-shirts, I wear them far less often than T-shirts in any other color. Thinks like a really flattering neutral cardigan, I can see wondering how I ever lived without it. But the things on this list that I don't have, I don't have for a reason. (And I feel the other commenter's pain on the boot issues. I love boots so much, and they are so necessary in my climate. But SO hard to find ones that fit AND aren't totally boring.)
I think it’s a really good list and it serves a broad range of people well. You put a lot of thought into it and it shows.
I think for me personally, it’s a bit conservative. But I ALSO bet you totally knew that. I stand by the statement that it’s a great list though!~
This is the perfect list of basic wardrobe items. Just add the right accessories and these pieces can take you almost anywhere.
Also, I forgot to say … some things that I have on that list, like pearls, I still just never wear. I guess I'm glad I have them for funerals and job interviews, but just because they're never inappropriate doesn't mean they're your style. (And I'm not all THAT funky.)
i am missing a few on the list (black/denim skirt, blazer, black pumps, leather boots, hoop earrings, tights that are long enough…); yet, although i'm in my late twenties i still love most of the things on the early 20s addendum.
Wow. Nothing makes people feel more ornery and put-upon than a list of basics, apparently.
Linda: As with any list of this type, the information is intended to serve as a set of loose guidelines for classic, non-trend-based dressing. These pieces are simple building blocks. Your own figure, taste, accessories, etc. will inform how you wear them, when, and with what. I'm not saying that anyone who doesn't already own these is "lacking" or unstylish or anything of the sort. A reader asked for my list of basics, and this is it.
Style is deeply personal, as I'm sure you're aware. If you don't like pants, don't wear pants. I'm not telling you to. I seldom wear pants myself, and I wear jeans even less. However, I OWN both basic black slacks and perfectly fitting jeans because occasionally, I find that I do want to wear them. The situation/desire arises, and I already have the building blocks I need.
Maybe your pearls are boring to you. Have you layered a chunky chain on top of them? A sparkly pendant beneath? Yes, these items are plain, boring, conservative on their own. It's up to you to STYLE them so they suit your personal look.
Or not. As always, there are no style rules, only suggestions and guidelines.
I'm early 30's a I own everything on the list except for knee-length denim skirt. I just have a denim mini, but I would like something longer too.
I want to add a few more bright dresses (and dresses in general), and I'd love to get a long strand of faux pearls (I only have a short, almost choker length strand now).
I also own all the additions for teens and 20's. I do like to dress younger for my casual outfits, and more age appropriate for work.
Although, I don't really consider my casual looks "younger" or "youthful." I just think of them as fun, comfortable, and me. I do recognize though that a lot of people would (and do) categorize many of my casual clothes as youthful.
My problem with lists of this type is the reliance on black. Just about every list I've seen calls for black basics. I know lots of people love it. Lord knows I have plenty of black clothes, including black basics.
So this is a personal style thing, but I try to stay away from black, even when it comes to neutral basics. It's not that I don't look good in it, it's just that I'd prefer a little more color. Especially during our Michigan winters, when everything is dreary enough.
OK, I'm sorry I'm ornery today!! I think the concept does set me off a bit.
I'm in your sweet spot Sal, not 20, not 60, worked in professional/technical arena, personal style tends to the classic. For me, you are spot on. I'd just add a trench coat.
I sadly don't have a real definitive list of basics that could perhaps guide my shopping habits and that I think is part of my problem. I have 4 pairs of jeans for instance, none that is a WOW pair.
Some things that are staples that I find I need are:
3 cardigans of varying lengths and styles. Usually a more loose bright coloured version for layering with shirts and rolling up the sleeves. A tighter fitting one for use over slinky camies and jeans. A comfy one for coffee with the girls
a good skirt, knee length
1) wraps and colourful scarves
2) my 5 pairs of hoop earrings of varying sizes and colours.
3) Some charms for necklaces or threaded on the hoop earrings.
4) 2 rings and
5) 2 delicate gold and 2 silver bracelets (i never leave the house without some jewelry on, especially earrings)
6) an assortment of vest tops and tees for layering. Never have enough
7) A thin sweater for throwing onto a long sleeved shirt
9) belts, belts, belts. I have hardly any waist, belts are my best friends
10) thin cardies, shrugs, boleros- over shift dresses, over vest tops, over sleeves tops
11) casual shirt/tunic
12) shift dresses for work 1-2 for variety
13) 2 pairs of fabulously tailored trousers for work or events. charcoal/mushroom and black.
14) jeans-straight leg in light and dark shades, or slightly bootcut.
I have found however that my basics change with the seasons. Not sure if that is the same for some people? On my list are a warm pair of work trousers for winter, long sleeved shirts for work and one pair of comfy kitten heel ankle boots for the winter. Also, tights and thigh high pull ups for layering under thin trousers.
Obviously I need help. I have 6/17 items on your basic list and 6/50 on your other list with double ups and the remainder mostly jewelry. Everyone needs four sets of diamond earring and no little black dress or white buttond own shirt – right? Wrong! No wonder I have nothing to wear – LOL. I do have great jeans.
Love everything you mentioned! All the essentials!
xoxo
colormenana.blogspot.com
I'm in my mid-forties and I have all of that, but I don't like white button down shirts (have already commented on that some time ago!) I'd substitute a blouse or shell in your best color for that one.
I also don't like basic black pumps but that is because I'm a shoe ho and my general MO is to wear a classic outfit with fairly unusual shoes (Fluevog and FarylRobin are my go-to brands.)
I'd add a few more cardigans to the list, not all in neutral colors, and probably a neutral skirt in a brown or beige. I rarely wear pants so I guess I'd swap a skirt for dress pants. I think we need a denim skirt for weekends and I practically live in black knit skirts with boots or opaque tights and flats on weekends in winter months.
Great list. I always love a good list. I love to imagine myself with a small high-quality capsule wardrobe that meets all needs but the bargain hunter in me is never going to let that happen.
What a neat formula! I often look at new fashion and doubt it's for me because it's too young for a professional person- I love your guidelines!
*g* I'm in my mid-30s and, out of your list, I own several fitted jackets, knee-high boots, jeans, a pearl necklace (given to me for my wedding, rarely worn apart from that) and black tights (although I hardly ever wear them). I have a big white granddad shirt, and lots of cardigans although none in a neutral. However, I think my style is a bit left-field – I very rarely wear trousers, and I tend to wear purple in the same way most people wear black!
I have all of these except the pearls (not my style, never have figured out a way to wear them without feeling like I was trying to look like a bad version of Jackie O), the cashmere sweater (I avoid wool and dry-clean only items when possible), and the knee-high boots (I'm tall enough that knee-high boots on most people are mid-calf on me, not a good look).
I think that some people dress by combining separates, in which case a list like this is helpful, and others tend to always wear the same items together as outfits or wear dresses, in which case a list like this just means you end up with a lot of things that you never wear.
check, check, check, and check! Great list Sal!!!
I love your 'Everything at Once' list. It'd definitely work for everyone.
I like a list as much as the next girl, but the "basics" list is a tough one. So personal. You've got a lot of really good pieces that pertain to a majority of people though – and I do like how you've customized for the 20s. Intriguingly, once you start customizing for the 60 yr old(as a woman who's headed in that direction) it gets a bit trickier. I intend to be wearing most of the things I wear now, if they're still chic and I hold up!
I'm 25 and the list matches most of my "go-to" work pieces. I think there should be more emphasis on fabrics. It wasn't until I became a professional that I noticed a good pair of dress pants in a crepe or "all-season" fabric was an essential wardrobe item. As far as the "perfect" button-up, I always pair mine with a 3/4 cardigan so there's a bit of shape given to the shirt and a touch of color & texture. At the end of the day, no matter how old I get; I will always and forever love broken-in, hip-hugging jeans with leather flip-flops and a t-shirt…Oh man, that is my fave outfit ever!
I'm in the middle of my teen years, and I have to say that some of this stuff I have, some I should have, and some is completely pointless for my life at the moment. For instance, I have a wonderful fitted blazer, probably should have a fitted white t-shirt (I have a few black ones, since I don't wear white much), and I have no need cords, khakis, or jeans alternative.
Great post!
totally agree with these staples …and I'm all about staples. The only thing on your "everything at once" list I don't have is the denim skirt …although if I find the perfect one, I'd snatch it right up. You can really do so much with basics …I think they are KEY! Great post
{always}
Sal – again great post – and I think it is very needed for woman who maybe in a transition, realize that they need to update their wardrobe with better quality pieces, or are perhaps like me – moving to a completely different climate, and need to build an ENTIRE new wardrobe for the weather there – even though the one I have I love, MN clothes don't transition to warmer climates well! Thank you again!
GREAT list.. PENCIL SKIRT <3
i slightly disagree with the teen section but you are right on track. i own half of what you subtracted. i own the black pants, the pearls(fake ones),and the button down shirt. these staples are essential for a teen because remember teens go to church,weddings,all of that that requires there attire
penelope
okay, this list is AAAAMAZING! thank you for sharing!
also, i know that this is sort of random, but have you ever shared the stories behind your tattoos? i'd love to hear!
Fashion Court: Actually, yes! Recently, in fact: http://www.alreadypretty.com/2009/10/reader-request-my-ink.html
yeah, i think this is a helpful list (especially for fashion-challenged girls like me)! and i like lists
How cool to read the comments and find that your readers encompass everyone from teens to older women
Looking at your list, I can see that I have most of the items in it. I'm a bit conservative and shy away from prints, so this list of basics resonates well with my personal style. Oh, and I love button-down shirts, topped with a cardigan/cashmere sweater and worn with my wedding pearls, over my jeans/cords, with flats. As a SAHM, I find it's the right balance of classic and comfy, without being stuffy, for me.
I never really owned a knee-length denim skirt until I was pregnant, needed something cute, and found the most-flattering, best-fitting skirt ever! Alas, can't wear it now and am having a hard time finding another that looks as good on!
Hey Sal, I do realize that you're not intentionally excluding, but I've just found that more and more of my friends can't find knee high boots, and we've all searched high and low.
"Extra calf width" boots, IF they will zip over my calves, are so snug they look horrible because the top of the calf is SO SNUG and the ankle is baggy. And that's only if they'll even fit over the calf, which is rare. I have a 16.5" calf and most extra calf width boots have a 16" circumference.
In the past I've at least been able to find cute knee high rain boots, but it took me 4 months earlier this year to find even a pair of RAIN BOOTS to fit my calves, and even then I can only wear them with skirts because they're so snug I can't tuck pants into them.
I just keep telling myself that someday I'll hit the lotto and get myself a custom made pair of black leather, knee high boots.
From the list I have grey pants and opaque tights and vast quantities of coloured dresses. And that's it. I think you either like these kinds of lists or you don't. Applying one list to all women of all ages is just not going to work. I'm really pleased that so many commenters have found this list useful, though! And I'm not bagging you, Sal – you did ask how many of us were into this kind of thing or not . .
When I had an office job, I had all this stuff, and it really allowed me to mix and match to my heart's content.
Great list! Looking over the items you listed, I'm pleased to see I have most of them. I guess this means I can spend money on the really fun items like an extra special dress or a bling-y cocktail ring.
Ha! I had to laugh at the 'add' section of the 60plus and teen/youth. I'm way more likely to wear a sumptuous shawl and floor length skirt than the more appropriate hoody of my age group. Loved this post.
I agree and I own everyone of those basics plus a lot of other fun pieces to mix with my basics!!!