Angie, great great list and I wholly agree about swapping out based on your lifestyle! For example your button downs would be my cotton/spandex tees/tops. I also love my chucks and ballet flats and wear them most of all! In the winter however, for my daily dog walks I have to have water-proof and comfy boots-”like” dare I say it to you? Uggs

What a terrific list.
I like that you called it a personalized list, because I would love to wear ballet flats but each time I do I feel 2″shorter and NOT fabulous. So I have to keep looking for 2-2 1/2″ comfy/cute/wedge to lift my short stature and mood!

That’s what I’m talking about RSRP and Carolyn. Great PERSONAL substitutions. I’m also holding out hope that those Uggs aren’t the style that look like slippers

This is an amazing list, and a great starting point. We have quite a lot of overlap Angie. The main difference is that I wouldn’t put any skirts/dresses on my list of (work) basics, since I rarely wear them…That’s why jeans play an even bigger role for me. Since I get tired of them too, I would have to add other pants like trouser jeans, micro check pants, pinstripe pants etc.

I also do wear more knitted tops than button down shirts, since the shirts usually require some tailoring. Finally, with all the jeans in my wardrobe, your denim jacket should be substituted with a cool casual jacket for me. Hmm, now that I see this, it occurred to me that a beautiful pinstripe pantsuit ( to be worn mostly separately, but also as a suit when needed) might be a perfect addition.

Oh, and of course, I have to add wedge shoes on my list too

I love this post– it is inspiring me to really define what my wardrobe basics are, which I need to do because I am new to figuring out how to dress to achieve my personal style goals, and I start a new job in a few weeks that will have require me to dress differently. I think a few of basics include 1. a perfectly fitted casual blazer (because I am always cold in office buildings and blazers work for me, way better than sweaters) 2. dark wash jeans, one pair for flats and one for heels 3. fitted button-down tops 4. Merrell and Clarks closed-toe flats that can go from lab to around-town.

This is a wonderfully helpful post and it makes so much sense to personalize the basics list. I could easily adopt your list except to add hot weather items, something I’m still trying to define. They would include a pair each dark and white clamdiggers, and dark and white denim a-line skirts (besides a denim pencil skirt). These were in constant rotation during hot weather last year. The tops are a bigger problem still to be solved, but 3/4 sleeve button down shirts play a role as an outer layer in air conditioning.

Tanya, I’d add wrap tops to your list and of course wedges are a no-brainer basic for your style.

Joy, clamdiggers and skirts are great basics for hot climates. Rose, your rudimentary list sounds spot on.

He he you are absolutely right Angie, how could I forget my favorite wrap tops? I guess cardigans should make the list too.

Love the post, because I never think about such things… I just grab whatever’s pretty, hehe. However, thinking about this will be really helpful when deciding what to stock up on or invest more mulah in! I loves me some:

Sheath dresses – so easy for work!
Simple, classic, closed-toe pumps – I like mixing colors, so I feel better reigning it in with simple shapes.
cardigans! – it’s hard to find blazers that fit my narrow shoulders, so cardigans take the place of blazers most days.
skinny belts – IMO, brings instant air of polish/thought
jeans & army green pants – the only casual pants I feel comfy in.
scoop-neck tees – for casual wear, I HATE crew & vee necks. scoops all the way.
boots – casual, dressy, tall, whatever. I always loved heeled boots for work, but only recently realized that I feel dopey in sneakers for casual wear.

Thank you for this list, Angie. I am in the processes of cleaning out my closet for Spring, and the list has already identified some deficiencies like a lack of jeans skirt. I’ve been thinking about getting one for some time now, and I think it will help me with my weekend casual style immensly. I am also happy that most of the items on the list I can check off as taken care off.
As an aside, I tested one of the Mommy-on-the-go outfits this weekend using my dark-orange cords, printed baseball tee and jeans jacket, and I really liked it.

1. Camis – check

2. Your button downs I guess are my silk tops (adds polish and dresses up an outfit more than a knit top)

3. Your turtlenecks are my cowl neck tops.

4. Jeans – check!!

5. Denim pencil skirt – no. I can’t find any that flatter – the zipper always sticks out funny on me.

6. Black pencil skirt – Hmm, I actually wear my grey skirt more often. I’ll say “black suit” because it is versatile to mix and match, dress up or down, wear to business trips, interviews and funerals etc. I always need one perfectly fitting black suit in my closet.

7. Biker jacket – I’ve decided this look is just not for me. Hmm, maybe I could say “velvet jacket” here instead?

8. Pinstripe blazer – I’ll swap for black blazer. The problem is that I collect black blazers like I collect jeans…. tweedy ones, velvet ones, wool ones, cropped ones, etc, etc…..

9. Denim jacket – check.

10. LBD – eh, I don’t really wear mine all that often. I wouldn’t mind adding another sheath dress but I think I want something other than black this time.

11. Trench coat – I’ll substitute for a stylish, knee-length wool coat, since it’s colder here. I could probably get away without a trench.

12. Ballet flats – check

13. Converse – hmm. I don’t consider these a basic for me. I will say “a shoe with a heel” here instead. Being short, certain outfits just look a lot better with a bit of a heel to add some length and balance.

14. Chunky pearl necklace – check.

Some of the above I wouldn’t say are “basics” but rather “nice to haves” for my wardrobe. I could live without them. But, I will add:

15. Cardigans! They are definetly a basic in my wardrobe, along with camis. I could not live without my cardis, and I do not have any pangs of guilt about adding more.

16. Knit tops – for more casual days.

17. Chunky silver necklace, because I reach for this necklace about as often as my pearls.

18. Simple stud earrings in gold, silver, and pearl.

19. Cream purse. Because I use it more than any other purse and it works across all seasons.

I agree, I agree. Generalized lists are great if you just don’t know where to start, but personalized lists help you hone and define your own style.

THANK YOU, Angie! This is a very helpful and informative post. I will have to mull this over for a while to come up with my list of basics but I know my list will include day dresses since I’m in a warm climate! Thanks for giving us the tools to customize this for our individual needs!

this is a great post angie! many of your items are on my list as well, though mine would definitely include:

- fun, casual, well-cut blazers
- cardigans in all colors!
- day dresses (preferrably in a jersey knit)
- a rainbow of scarves! i always feel more put together with a scarf around my neck

I’d say my list includes camis, jeans, blousie tops and button downs, some sort of pencil skirt, sandals, chunky pearl necklace, pearl earrings, denim jacket, belts, and some sort of fitted sheath. I’m also with Shiny on the cream handbag.

oh, and how could i forget my 3-season staple: flat high boots, whatever the style!

Thanks, Angie, this list helps me think out what I really need, as opposed to what I want to buy. I hate shopping for jeans, but I know I have to bite the bullet and just do it because I’ll never get the smart casual look right without new jeans. So, I’ve vowed to take care of that before any other purchases.

Thank you Angie, I am surprised at how much is a basic for you is also either a basic that I own or need. Turtlenecks and camis are right up there. Sheath dress, I will definitely be looking for one of them. I am experimenting with more woven tops, they also are usually an easy fit for me. I would love to find a great brown pencil skirt (not easy) along with a black one. I can never seem to locate those dress slacks, they always seem a bit conservative in cut.
Great list, not confining and you gave marvelous examples of possible substitutions!

Thankyou so much for this list Angie. This list in particular more than the others speaks to me and I can see the holes in my warderobe and especially accessories. I always thought of accessories as something that was extra and for other people, now I see the light.
Thanks for saying these things over in different ways to reach your different kinds of personality type fans out here.

Great list Angie. Once again you have helped me sort things out in my wardrobe. It is so nice to get this help.

Debbie

You are getting the hang of it, ladies! But I see a pit fall. Some of you are bringing in your statement pieces as basics. This is not the idea. Hanna, I see your scarves are statement pieces most of the time. Patience, your blousy tops are the same. I hope that makes sense.

For Tanya, cardigans absolutely make your list. Excellent substitutions, Shiny. You have both got it down.

Green glove, your list sounds true to your style. Well done.

San, Dani and Debbie, I’m glad that the penny dropped.

Sinead, I look forward to seeing you post your new jeans on the forum!

oo, that makes sense, angie. i guess i was getting the ‘basics’ confused with just a general wardrobe list

This is a great post and I look forward to re-reading it (and reading the comments) when I have more time later today.

I’m reminded of Shiny’s post in the forum describing her experience of people-watching (body-typing) and noting that every woman was beautiful in her own shapely way. That’s why our wardrobes have to be personalized … and I thank you this post encouraging each person to figure out her own basics.

Love the list – this is very, very helpful for me since I seem to have a wardrobe lacking in almost all the basics that I need. I also really like that you included the personalized part. I never, for example, wear woven shirts because they require tailoring, and I hate ironing, and I’m just too lazy for both of those things. But I do wear knit shirts a lot, and I’m looking for some great wrap tops.

This is a great post. I agree that “wardrobe basics” are different for each person. I see a few of your items that are on my list. Here’s my list off the top of my head.

1. Dress pants for work in neutral colors (I stock up on the Christie fit from VS)
2. Jeans
3. Denim pencil skirt
4. Black pencil skirt
5. Denim jacket
6. V-neck knit shirts and sweaters (accessorized with long necklaces and scarves)
7. Ankle and knee-high boots
8. Camis for layering
9. Cardigans

Love this–your list is almost identical to mine. Question-can you recommend brand(s) of ballet flats that can go 10 hours of comfort? I love them, have a couple that would do this (one is Chanel-scrumptious leather/comfort, the others are ME TOO) but my other cheaper versions tend to either be too flat for support (thus not 10 hours or the stretchy elastic back eventually cuts into my heel too much-ouch! THANKS:)

When I was wearing too much black, you could have called just about everything I owned a basic (read: boring), but now my wardrobe is a lot more interesting. My new basics are:
1. Camisole tops in a variety of colors
2. Dress pants in black and heather gray
3. Long knit tube skirts in black, brown, & plum
4. Black 2 1/2″ heel midcalf suede boots (for cold weather)
5. 2 1/2″ heel platform sandals in variety of colors (for warm weather)
6. My pearl necklaces that go with everything: one single strand, one multistrand, one extra long

It’s fascinating to read each other’s lists and see how our basics differ! Okay, this is what I’d consider my own basics:

1. Camisoles for layering (for modesty, to provide more color, or just because I’m cold all the time)
2. Button down V-neck with buttons spaced closely together.
3. Cardigans
4. Scoop neck or V-neck sweater in a bright, solid color
5. Express Editor poly-blend dress pants. (They have been the only pant to consistently fit me well for the past 5 years, so I usually have 3 or pairs in my bus-cas wardrobe in a variety of colors.)
6. Dark bootcut jeans
7. Pencil skirts (My black and especially my denim pencil skirt are great staples when I’m tired of pants, and I have a couple of print pencil skirts that are more “statement” pieces.)
8. Single-breasted trench coat. I rotate between 3 depending on the temperature and precipitation.
9. Ballet flats
10. Round-toed pumps with a supportive arch shape
11. I might add my two new moto jackets to the list (denim and cream), but they’re new enough that I’m not sure if I’d call them “basics” yet. They also feel different enough from my daily style that I wear them like statement pieces, if that makes sense.
12. Necklaces and earrings are my jewelry staples, but I have a large collection so the only pieces I consistently wear every week are silver hoop earrings.

In the past I would have included blazers, but in my current work environment they are too formal to be an everyday piece unless I pair them with jeans.

I started thinking about basics about two years ago and it really helped me, not only with everyday dressing and shopping, but also with packing. Because I now have a very good idea of what are the essential pieces to create most of my outfits, I am much better at choosing a few basics and intermingling them with statement pieces to pack lightly and effectively.

Also, as I rebuild a maternity wardrobe, the basics knowledge comes into play again. Last time my standard basics such as camis, jeans, black tees, etc helped me to choose maternity clothes that funtioned well, could be worn repeatedly, and helped me to still feel like ‘me’. I’m hoping to perfect that strategy this time around!

Great list Angie. I am still figuring out my wardrobe basics, but here is my list at the moment:

Camisoles: 6 in skirt-top length and 6 in pants-top length, in various colors.

Turtle necks: My winter go-to tops.

Black long-sleeved layering t-shirt: I wouldn’t know what to do without it.

Jeans: 2 pairs of Mia Express skinnes and one fab pair of lighter wash jeans for casual days. (I’d love to add white jeans and some clams to the list for summer.)

Grey dress pants: My husband never wears jeans, so sometimes I like to dress business casual when I’m with him, so that people don’t think I’m his daughter.

Denim pencil skirt: This is a new one for me. I’ve been looking for this skirt for over a year and finally found it yesterday at Old Navy! Some stores really do sell dark denim knee length pencil skirts in size 0 (not just distressed light wash micro minis). I haven’t worn it yet, but I’ve been visualizing it with outfits for ages, so I’m thrilled to finally add it to my closet.

Other pencil skirts: A black high-waisted skirt, white denim skirt, army green casual skirt, and blue dressy skirt.

Grey A-line skirt: This one looked frumpy before I hacked off 6-8 inches and hemmed it to knee-length. Now I love it.

Denim jacket: One of my favorite pieces.

Cream blazer: A thrift store bargain that goes with everything, even denim, which my denim blazer doesn’t work with.

Black trench coat: With its button-in lining it can work for fall, winter, and early spring.

Brown pea coat: It’s too big, but I’m wearing it like crazy until it wears out and I can justify buying something different. Plus it’s warm and I love it because it’s the one color of brown I can wear near my face.

Ballet flats: In black, brown, and silver. Those three pairs of shoes go with everything.

Pumps: Black 3 inch, dark red 3.5 inch, and brown 2 inch.

Ankle high boots: These aren’t statement pieces like my knee-high boots, but between the black pair and the brown pair my winter shoe needs are pretty much covered.

Canvas skimmers: These are my girly equivalent of converse. This pair works with jeans and skirts and function like very casual ballet flats.

Long chunky pearl necklace: I actually bought this as a prop for a song I was singing in my senior recital (“Ah! je ris de me voir” from Faust), but now I wear it all the time.

Chunky black beaded necklace: Functions like my chunky pearls, but stands out against lighter colored tops like my cream turtleneck.

Handbags: A black one for winter and a cream one for spring. I do not change my purses more than twice a year, so they have to go with everything. I will grab a pretty clutch for an evening party, but other than that, these two purses are it until they wear out and I buy replacements.

Wow, I have a lot of basics.

Button downs don’t make my list, because they absolutely never fit me off the rack. They are either made for girls much curvier or much more rectangular for me. And the darts are always too low unless I shop in petites. But no one makes petite juniors sizes. I may add these to my basics list someday, but I will have to find a good pattern first and make them myself. Most of my knit tops don’t make the list, because they aren’t really basics per se. My LBD isn’t really a basic, because it’s for special occasions only and not as versatile as Angie’s. The main basics I would like to add to my wardrobe are cardigans. Right now, I only have one, and it’s a statement piece in bright yellow with fantastic crocheted buttons. I love it, but often wish for a plain white, black, or grey cardi.

Angie, this is a wonderful blog. I like that you keep us organized and focused with our style. Otherwise I feel as though I have little thought when I shop.

I think I have 2 distinct wardrobe basics with some overlap.
For work: Camisoles, slacks and jackets (or a suit that I can separate), mostly knits (but I now have quite a few button downs, ankle boots for the winter, A-line skirts or dresses cardigans.

Casual: Camisoles, knits, urban sneakers, jeans, walking shorts in summer, sandals in summer,

My basics:

* Jeans
* Black boots
* Black sandals
* Cardigans
* Button-down shirts
* Black cotton dresses
* Built-in bra tank tops and camis

Geez… I am a pretty boring dresser. lol Obviously I have items other than these, but this list is definitely my basics.

Such a helpful post! Thanks, Angie!

One item that has become a staple for me is a graphic tee – and equally as much, the embellished tee. By embellished, I mean something like the “rosette” tee that was so popular at JCrew earlier this season. Having an interesting, casual layering piece under cardigans has become indispensible to my wardrobe.

Basics:
1. Jeans – Oh my! Top of my list. I practically live in these as my co. is bus/smart casual but we have many, many jeans days + Friday’s are jeans days.
2. Cardigans – These are a staple for me! I like to toss off my work jacket & throw on a cardi of the same color many times for the evening.
3. Camisoles – Yes! These are a layering piece for me & a nice way to help a low cut shirt.
4. Basic t’s – to wear under cardi’s/jackets
5. Peep-toe & funky flats – Shoes & jewelry are my biggest weakness!
6. Great Fitting Bra’s & Panties – I have 2 from Essential Body Wear I think. I need to replace so will have to start looking soon.
7. Jewelry Must haves (Simple Oval Hoops, Extenders, Misc. Pendants with various leather & silver to mix/match, Statement Necklaces) – yes basics!
8. Favorite Purse – I’m not a purse girl but I usually like to have a really nice brand & then carry it for quite sometime. My current one is my black Coach that I have carried for 1 ½ yr’s now. I know, it’s time. I’m looking…
9. Skinny Belts – I wear these a lot so a staple for me I think.
10. 2 “ heel – This is my favorite height to wear every day.
11. Great pair of sunglasses – This was my splurge item this Spring. Bought a fun Brighton pair.
12. Pants – They are a staple for work. Black, Camel, Olive, Gray, Camel Microcheck, etc.
13. Button downs – Yes! I’m finding these are getting to be a staple in my wardrobe.
14. Blazers/Wool Jackets – Yes! Many, I wear them year –round.
15. Skeechers slip on’s – in black & cream for cold days at the soccer field, etc.
16. Black coat/jacket – It’s technically a coat & I wear it as one but so cute & fun to put on it still feels like a statement piece for me a year later!

Mine are:
* high-neck knit tops for work and dancing
* t-shirts for casual
* black slacks and khakis for work
* whooshy skirts for dancing
* black tights
* jeans for casual and shorts
* solid color blazers for work
* leather lace-up shoes (brown and black) and matching leather belts for work
* sneakers and sandals for casual
* non-chunky pearl-and-other-things necklaces and pearl studs
* hair-colored barette to keep hair out of face
* trench coat for cool days
* hideous fluffy eighties coat for cold days
* hair scrunchies for hot days

I don’t wear camisoles (but then I don’t wear anything with a low neck). I do finally have a little black dress; of course it is whooshy.

sigh – I love this list. I love this blog.

Very interesting. I would list my basics as 1) camisoles (cannot live without), 2) knitwear to layer over cami, under cardigan, 3) cardigans, 4) jeans, 5) denim skirt, 6) black pants 7) white denim/soft twill jacket), gray pants suit, 9) vneck sweaters, 10) little black dress, 11) camel pea coat, 12) boots, 13) pumps, 14) pearl earrings.
I think I would wear more button-downs if I worked somewhere where I could wear nice jeans to work. I think the crispness of a button-down would make the denim more dressy to me but it’s not necessary with dress pants and skirts. And I consider the black dress pants a wardrobe basic because I can wear them both to work and out for more dressy occasions. My black pencil skirt is more of a work skirt and my other black skirts are too casual to work or looks better with tights and boots than with pumps. My black pants are just more versatile in my wardrobe.

I’m impressed with these lists!

MSL, the search for 10-hour walking shoes that aren’t sneakers is a tall, TALL order. My suggestion is that you pose this question on the forum.

Bitsy and Mary, you crack me up.

JewelryGirl, underwear is not a wardrobe basic in this sense because you can’t mix and match it with other clothing pieces. If it was, bras would be first on my list! I’d take sunglasses off too. If we included those types of accessories, I’d have white watch and specs on my list as well.

Ok gotcha, they felt like a necessity for me. I see what you mean though!

I’m glad it makes sense, JG. Apart from that, you have a great basics list. Well done!

I’m so with you Angie on the personalised lists! People often want a catch all approach, yet there is no such thing, we are all different with different lives. I for one would never wear a pair of converse trainers, so it would never be on my list of essentials.

I too love ballet flats, they are my flat shoe essential, interestingly I’ve had clients who find them uncomfortable or just can’t wear them (especially the orthotics wearers) and finding them attractive shoes that are comfortable can be hard work.

My list of essentials:

1) camisoles

2) dresses

3) ballet flats

4) jeans

5) knit tops & sweaters

6) converse

7) wool coat

Good morning, Angie. I asked about the 10-hour shoes because in your list, you mentioned you wear ballet flats (10-hour walking). I wanted to know what type/brand;) Thanks!

Thanks for the validation Imogen, and nice list Dawn.

MSL, I have several 10-hour walking shoes – many of them are from abroad (Amsterdam, Hong Kong, London and Spain) so you shan’t be able to replicate them here. But others are from the US like my “Me Too’s”. I have three paris of “Swanns”. Hope that helps.

Oh–yes, ME TOO has turned out to be one of the most comfortable flats I have placed on my feet! I highly recommend–and wish other manufacturers would follow suit! I am unaware of Swanns but I will check it out-thanks much!Love your blog:)

Had to “sleep” on my basics list but here goes:
Camisoles – for layering

V-neck knit/sweaters – cashmere preferrably

Jeans – a trouser jean and a dark wash casual
Trousers – black and also gray pinstripe, brown “tweed”

A-line skirt – denim and tweed
Pencil skirt – black

Dress – currently only have “dressed up” dresses. Would like to find a multi purpose LBD or substitute.

Black blazer – I use blazers/jackets as statement peices but always great to have at least one black/dark fabric to make a “suit” with.

Denim jacket

Houndstooth coat/Trench coat

Ballet flats/Pointed Toe kitten heels

Converse – I have a ballet style and three other styles that are getting tons of wear.

Boots – black with short heel, brown with heel and flat (need new!)

You wouldn’t find a button down shirt on my list due to fit issues (large bust here). Good to make a list that fits my lifestyle and so easy to see where I need to update my wardrobe. Thanks Angie for the inspiration.

Stay-at-home mom and 100% dress- and skirt-wearer here. Also, we keep our home cool in winter and quite warm in summer, so layers are my friend in either case.

Cool weather:
- Camisoles
- V-neck long-sleeved knits, various weights
- Turtlenecks, various weights
- Cardigans
- Slim skirts, twill (would like to add dark denim)
- Pencil skirts, wool
- Ballet flats
- Simple 1″-heel, knee-height boots
- Simple earrings (hoop & silver drop) and a necklace or scarf

Warm weather:
Natural fibers for everything woven — cotton, linen, rayon, silk; maybe bamboo.
- Camisoles
- Sleeveless tops, woven
- Button-down shirts, long-sleeved & short-sleeved
- Cardigans
- Slim skirts, various weights
- A-line skirts, woven
- Sleeveless dresses, woven
- Ballet flats
- Simple sandals
- Simple earrings (hoop & silver drop) and a necklace — or pins/brooch or bracelets

My warm-weather wardrobe needs some refreshing, because it was only last summer and fall that I lost some weight, began to imagine I could/should wear slim-fitting clothes, and found YLF. In fact, I’m off to my favorite thrift store this afternoon with my short list of needs to fill! (Better styles and sizes of sleeveless tops, dresses, and skirts.)

Great list. What are you favorite brands for tees, cardigans and cashmere? Finding good quality along with good price is such a challenge!

For cooler weather I discovered Chico’s turtlenecks (on sale) launder very well. Now I would like a “go to brand” for warmer weather tops.

Oh…do you have to iron your button down shirts?