To ALL Writing Their Essentials Lists

First of all - you're doing a super job. You will get out what you put into your wardrobe - guaranteed.

Unfortunately, I don't have the time at the moment to respond to the rest of the individual Essentials threads on the forum - (lots going on) - but I see some common mistakes that I thought might be helpful to point out:

Listing an entire category of items like "Boots", "Casual Tops", "T-shirts", "Earrings", "Jeans" is not the idea. This is not specific enough. You need to isolate the essentials from the non-essentials and statements within the category. Be SPECIFIC about the style, integrity and colour of the essential.

Some people are listing their entire wardrobe! YES, some wardrobes are more "essential-heavy" than others, but an essentials list is not everything in your wardrobe minus the occasion wear. Think sub-section. Think elements of your signature style. Think "glue" items.

People are mixing up statements with essentials because their statement items are workhorses. An essential is simple and versatile - a statement piece is not. And BOTH can be workhorses.

Please go back to the blog post to list your essentials lists in the comments section if you haven't already done so.

And a very big well done to those who nailed their essentials list, or have made a solid start. I'm impressed.

7 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

This really provides a whole bunch of clarity for me. As i was still not able to distinguish the difference and therefore held off on commenting and posting a list.

Thank you for taking the time to do this.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Glad this was helpful, Ledonna. And look forward to seeing your list.

Emily K

I think I'm finally hearing you on the statements v essentials distinction

Isabel

I realized why listing my scarves as "essentials" was so confusing. I didn't describe exactly which scarves are workhorses that I have duplicated. There are 2 :

1. the silk square that I use as a neckerchief, as a choker type thing, I know in several places to make it look like a necklace, and a head cover when I am caught in wind or cold without hat. I also tend to where these in headbands in certain situations. I have the same woven Vera Bradly scarf in 6 multi color stories. Below is the red bandana one.

2. long, rectangular scarfs, usually wool. I like them chunky for warmth, light cashmere for an airier less stifling feeling and as a shoulder wrap. I have also used them over my legs on planes when it got a bit chilly. I have them in solids, stripes, polka dots. Several duplicates of this also. I do have a couple in cotton also. I have several of the Nordstrom tissue weight cashmere ones. Couldn't make it through Fall/Winer without them. Picture below in red...this one Eileen fisher. I have that red, deep lime green, a red, burgundy ombre.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ei.....=coordinat

I would replace these two shapes, sizes and textures IMMEDIATELY if I lost them.

NON ESSENTIAL : I have some scarves with fringe. Those are not workhorses , I could live without them and I consider them statements. I also have two beautiful hand knit ones from Turkey. One is a coral reef reproduction and the other is in my Winter core wardrobe colors and is floral. Those I consider statements. I LOVE them but I don't need them for a functional wardrobe. These are my statements. I have other statements.

I don't wear a lot of red or multi colored clothing ( prints ) but I do in scarves. I don't tend to wear red except in scarves or accessories.

( I am sorry for confusing people. )

Lisa

Hmm, I'll have to ponder this a bit. It sounds like my list of jeans, boots, and blazers should read more like, bootcut blue jeans, brown cowboy boots, and boyfriend style blazers, right? I look forward to reviewing other's lists as an example.

rachylou

I think I need to ponder the question of versatility. This would seem to answer a couple of questions... thx for the additional guidance Angie!

Signed 'obtuse', hehe

Lyn D.

I understand the difference between Statements and Essentials I think, it is the difference between Essentials and BASICS I am struggling with!

April

YLF Peeps -- if you've been around here for less than a minute, (I'm using "minute" the way the kids use it now -- to mean "a long time") let me assure you that taking the time to understand these distinctions -- between "essential" and "statement" and "signature" -- is a worthwhile exercise.

It will bring you clarity about how your wardrobe works, or about why maybe it hasn't been working for you. In other words, it will bring you an "aha!" moment.

April, THANK YOU.

Lyn D, it's SO easy. Wardrobe Basics have nothing to so with Essentials. Wardrobe Basics: underwear, socks, hosiery, sleepwear, camisoles, shapewear and loungewear.

It's a pleasure, Lisa, Emily and Rachy.

Isabel, there you go. That makes more sense.

RobinF

Great clarification, thanks. My list is a slow work in progress.

Anonymous

Isabel, thank you for your take on scarves, because I was confused about that too.

For me, my essential scarves would be my mostly-navy ones. Those are the ones I'd have to immediately replace.

The rest of my scarves are colourful and are definitely workhorses, but are not as indespensable as my navy ones.

That's dead right, Smittie. Your navy scarf is an essential.

Joy

Added. I hope it is not too long.

Oh Ta Angie!
I was having a Meno-Moment

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