6 Wardrobe Items Your Style Can’t Live Without

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

6 Wardrobe Items Your Style Can’t Live Without

— by Angie

on September 21, 2010

Fabulous Colour Expert and Designer Maria Killam from Colour Me Happy inspired this train of thought with her recent newsletter article on 5 Accessories Everyone Should Have in Their Home. I tried to come up with an equivalent list, but outfit accessories are such a personal choice that I found it impossible to suggest the 5 accessories everyone should have in their wardrobe.

Instead I’m doing the 6 wardrobe items your style can’t live without. I don’t usually generalize about this sort of thing, because age, lifestyle and fashion persona play such a crucial role in determining what wardrobe items are best for you. But just for fun I gave it a bash! So here they are:

A jaw-dropping pair of jeans: Any silhouette, any wash, as long as you feel KILLER when you wear one of fashions most extraordinary clothing inventions.
A beautiful pair of boots: Luscious handbags aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but boots evoke lots of positive emotion. Any style, any colour, as long as you feel powerful when they grace your feet.
A delectable dress: A women is ultra-feminine when she wears a dress and it’s as simple as that.
A jazzy jacket: To quote Kendall Farr from her new book, Style Evolution, “a jacket that fits well defines the body and is the most essential wardrobe miracle worker for women of every shape and size”. I wholeheartedly agree that a superb jacket does incomparable things for one’s style.
A happening hairstyle: Your hair can make or break your look. Our outfits feel most fab when our hair feels fab. Not so?
A spectacular smile: This isn’t exactly a wardrobe item but you do wear a smile. When I catch a glimpse of warm and genuine smile, I don’t even notice the outfit the person is wearing. Instead, I’m totally captivated by their face. You don’t need to have perfect teeth or luscious lips to have a spectacular smile. A brilliant grin straight from the heart does the trick.

Does this list resonate with you? How would you change the list? How many of the items do you have covered?

And to Maria from Colour Me Happy, you’ll be pleased to know that we have your list covered in our home!

Individual Style

50 comments · Add a comment

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Great list! I wholeheartedly agree, although I’m not sure I would call a smile or hairstyle a “wardrobe item.” Maybe you could say it’s a list of wardrobe and grooming, or style, must-have’s.

Re: the jacket item, do moto jackets apply, or by jacket, do you mean what some of us Americans might call a “blazer”?

September 21, 2010 at 5:09 am

Steffie

Active Member

I like this list! And I am pleased that I have items in (almost) all these categories that apply. Of course I have extra dresses (never enough dresses!)- but this post is motivating me to really do something with this mop of hair.

Thanks Angie!

September 21, 2010 at 6:00 am

Barbara

Veteran

Hey Angie. What an excellent list! 1. I DO believe in the power of fierce jeans and wear them every day. But only if my rear view is incredible. 2. My Latitude Femme knee high kidskin boots are amazing – scary good! 3. Dresses? I’m still working on that one. 4. THANK YOU for mentioning Kendall Farr’s STYLE EVOLUTION book. It is incredible and not just for gals over 40. 30-somethings could glean a trick or two from Kendall. Fitted jackets are a style essential for me. I LOVE fine wale corduroy jackets and have quite a collection. My authentic Pendleton riding jacket gets a lot of wear when it’s REALLY cold outside. 5. Happening Hair – I have it! Very short, spiky, dark ash blond with some highlights. A wonderful salon-owner in Germany styled it for me back in 1991 and I’ve been wearing it this way since. 6. Smile! We southern gals grin ALL the time. I visit my dentist without fail every six months for cleaning. A smile with grace can light up a room.

September 21, 2010 at 6:06 am

Beth

Veteran

Fantastic list! I wouldn’t change a thing

September 21, 2010 at 6:13 am

Lisa

Veteran

I’m with Laura that hair and smile are not wardrobe items to me either. But I agree they do make an impact to an overall “look.” I would add handbags to the list, I’m a bag girl and I always notice, admire, and appreciate a fab handbag. I would also add proper fitting undergarments to the list, they can do wonders, from the proper support for the girls so they are in the “right” place to the beauty of Spanx for slimming squishy areas when wearing a dress, to me, these are items that make a big impact and I can’t live without.

I have a pair of premium denim jeans, for me they are my killer jeans. And I have a couple pairs of cowboy boots that I simply love. I have a great jacket for the summer from Zara and one for fall from Ann Taylor loft, now to find a winter one. Still working on the dress too.

September 21, 2010 at 6:28 am

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

Great list. I agree with it all, because those are the things that have probably made the biggest difference to my style since finding YLF – the jacket, jeans and dress are ones that I’ve bought. The hair I was doing ok on and I had some good (but not killer) boots anyway. And I’m with you on the smile – look at people walking down the street and notice what a difference the smile makes.

September 21, 2010 at 6:44 am

Sihaya

Veteran

I totally agree with the list. I’d add overall grooming. Hair, smile, everything in its place. These can transform the most everyday outfits into a stunning look. There are times I see someone who has a perpetual frown on their face and it really takes away from the overall message. I am really happy right now with all 6 of my wardrobe items. I hope it continues to be that way.

September 21, 2010 at 6:48 am

Maya

Veteran

I know some people find boots too suffocating and would gladly do without them in the right climate, so I wouldn’t consider them essential.

I would also disagree with smiling. You’re a mushier person than I am so maybe that is why, but I find people who smile ALL THE TIME, for no reason, a bit goofy and sometimes I admit it makes me uncomfortable. That’s okay–those people usually find me sullen and mopey so we’re even. I’m not though. I just prefer to be in neutral mode, and save my smiles for the right moments.

Of course I have to add a well fitting bra. This is truly the only thing I can think of that is universal. Jeans, jackets, boots…all subject to personal taste and lifestyles. But a properly fitting bra? EVERY woman should have at least three of these. Unfortunately, most do not and for some reason I find women are more stubborn about this than anything else. I see women go to extremes to get a well fitting pair of jeans or the perfect jacket, but rarely do they seem willing to listen or put in the effort when it comes to their foundation garments…even though having the right foundation garments would probably make shopping much easier for both the more and less endowed. Boggles the mind.

September 21, 2010 at 6:50 am

Debbie

Veteran

Great list. The one thing I’m still searching for is a fabulous pair of boots. I have boots but not what I’d considered fabulous. I’ll smile a lot more when my dental work is finished. Thanks for this list Angie. Makes me feel like I’m on the right track.

September 21, 2010 at 7:20 am

Mae

Active Member

I’m with Lisa and Maya- I’d swap out the smile for well-fitting undergarments. That foundation is just too important!

Hmm… besides the boots and hair cut, I am not in love with these items in my wardrobe.

For an interesting contrast, I’m sure most of you know Tim Gunn’s list of essential elements:
http://www.suite101.com/conten.....nts-a31173

September 21, 2010 at 7:21 am

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Love this list!!
The clothing items have partial check-marks…I’ve got them all covered, but the pieces aren’t quite as fabulous as they maybe ought to be (though my new grey bf blazer and black Maggy London dress come close). The boots definitely need some work. I have a pair, but they don’t launch me into orbit (pardon the phrase-pilfering, Angie).
I’m cool with my current hairstyle, and I know I smiel a fair bit (though I don’t know how warm, wide or otherwise it is). Weird not to know that, actually!

September 21, 2010 at 7:36 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Laura and Lisa, quite right. Hairstyles and smiles are physical wardrobe items but you do WEAR them. Not so? Perhaps this list should be called “6 things your style can’t live without”.

Maya, we need to find boots for the people who find them suffocating! I am sure they will come around. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t come round to a pair of boots. Remember that they needn’t be tall. Booties are just as fab.

Mae, Maya and Lisa, I’ll also give you the well fitting bra. Absolutely and well spotted. That brings us to 7 things. But we are not swapping out the smile

Lisa, as a bag girl myself, I understand your need to put handbags on the list. I deliberately left it off though. The more I work with clients the more I realize that people are much more into footwear than handbags. So that’s my reasoning!

Yes, Sihaya! You have all 6 things comfortably in place.

September 21, 2010 at 7:38 am

Zapotee

Thank you for this list – I am one who loves lists!

OK, let’s see, I definitely need to work on #1 ( some of my jeans have seen better days) and #4. I’ve been looking up info. on proper jacket fit etc for that. Thank you for all of the information, Angie. It must be a lot of work to maintain this site.

Maya – I must admit, your comments just cracked me up. I am the same way, people that are always smiling and giggling freak me out too. Then again, they must think I’m dry as a toast, when I’m on “neutral”.

September 21, 2010 at 7:44 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Mae, from my own experiences dressing people for a living, I could argue quite a few things off Tim Gunn’s essentials list

Zapotee and Maya, smiles and giggles that are falsely and nervously manufactured are not the same thing as smiles and laughter straight from the heart. Even the both of you can’t help to be positively affected by that – I am willing to bet!

September 21, 2010 at 7:57 am

Kate

Veteran

I think I’m pretty good on all accounts! I would round the list out to ten and add a good bra, a purse, a trench, and some kind of summer shoes (sandals or ballet flats).

September 21, 2010 at 8:00 am

Carole

Veteran

Great concise list! I like that you used a smile, and a great haircut because what a world of difference they make to anyones overall look. I’m actually in pretty good shape with the list, yeah!

September 21, 2010 at 8:00 am

Sihaya

Veteran

I would add one more thing – don’t know if it’s universal – comfortable shoes.

September 21, 2010 at 8:05 am

taylor

Veteran

Great list You have. Mine would look like this.

Great fitting jeans
trench
sleeveless turtleneck
pencil skirt
killer pumps
I am also going with hairstyle,… because I vote hair is an accessory:)

September 21, 2010 at 8:12 am

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I think I have all of those items

September 21, 2010 at 8:15 am

Tessie

Love the smile one; you could even add to that “a great lipstick that you love”.

September 21, 2010 at 8:22 am

mbz

Best thing on this list is the smile, since nothing is more appealing or appreciated than a happy, pleasant person. Love the Maya Angelou quote, “A joyful spirit is evidence of a grateful heart”. And I’m grateful for comfy shoes, stretch denim, and anything cotton or silk that doesn’t capture dog and cat fur.

September 21, 2010 at 8:23 am

Karen

(website)

Love this list! The only thing I would add would be a piece of versatile jewelry–preferably a longer necklace that elongates and brings the eye up to that great hairstyle and smile!

September 21, 2010 at 8:24 am

Monique

This is going to sound really weird, but similar to the hairstyle/cut idea, which I wholeheartedly agree with, I think that well groomed eyebrows are a necessity. They can truly make or break a face! I see too many lovely women with eyebrows that are overplucked, plucked into a weird shape (why a tadpole, why?!), left to go wild, or drawn on too heavily (etc etc). It consistently distracts me from everything else that may be going right for the look.

This is my first post here; I absolutely LOVE your blog, Angie! It has already helped me so much! Whenever I have a fashion question — and I have a lot of them — I automatically come here and use the search function.

September 21, 2010 at 8:25 am

lynne

Veteran

I like the revised list (with bra added), but would change boots to shoes. Not all of us live in a climate where boots are feasible. I enjoy wearing boots, and have some great ones but they’re not always appropriate. I think “smile” was on the list not to encourage folks to smile falsely, but to have a good one. A genuine smile is always appreciated and having an attractive smile helps.

September 21, 2010 at 8:27 am

rute

Veteran

I would change only the boots, don’t like boots, they’re heavy, I would prefer high heel sandals!

September 21, 2010 at 8:33 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Taylor, high five! My list would look a lot like yours. I’d have to add specs and watch too – but that’s just for MY list.

Love the thoughts on lipstick and a fabulous accessory (perhaps this could be a bag?). I’m trying to keep the list short though. We are at 7 with the bra. It was impossible to keep it to 5 as Maria did.

Mbz, KILLER quote.

September 21, 2010 at 8:37 am

PalmFronds

Angie great list!

I would also like to thank you for not listing “a little black dress.” I fell into the trap of buying a “little black dress” since it is on everyone’ style list.Turns out it SAT in my closet.Why? Turns out I am not a black-dress-person, and although I knew that going in,I still bought it thinking I was missing some style quotient by not having it. I agree “a dress” overall is one to have unless you really hate dresses, but every woman should find what dress it is for her in particular.Turns out for me it is a silk BLUE dress that makes me feel like a million dollars and gets me complements whenever I wear it

September 21, 2010 at 9:06 am

Antje

Veteran

Love the list, and got it covered. It applies to me personally 100%.

The one thing I might take issue with – not for me, but on a “universal” level – is the dress. I know plenty of well dressed stylish women who don’t wear dresses, look fabulous in various pants styles, and I don’t think anything is lacking in their wardrobe. I think “feminine” is a fine style aspiration, but not one that makes sense for every woman.

(Of course, as you know, for myself, I do love those dresses! :-))

September 21, 2010 at 9:09 am

lady

Active Member

Ahhh…I’m doing well with most points on this list. I dont have fabulous boots yet…the ones I have are more for the weather and need replacing…I’d like to freshen up my hair with a trim and hair color but its a great look at the moment however tired/bored I might be of it. I’m locked and loaded on the bra front.

I have a tendency to ‘look mean’ when I’m on neutral so I make an effort to smile when I make eye contact with people. Just as a way of making myself appear friendly and approachable. I do feel silly walking around with a smile on my face for no reason….so only if definite eye contact is made (this is also paired with a greeting)

September 21, 2010 at 9:12 am

Rhonda

I also love the list and have everything covered except the boots. I haven’t owned a pair since moving to southwest Florida 28 years ago. The few cool days do not warrant the expense of a pair of boots, although I do look longingly at them! I’ll invest that money in a beautiful bag or great pair of shoes.

September 21, 2010 at 9:31 am

san

Great list Angie! I agree with everything you posted, and believe you meant a heart felt smile, and not a fake silly smile, which would break the rules.

Monique, I also agree with you on how the eyebrows frame a woman’s face.

I thought you would add to the list

September 21, 2010 at 9:45 am

san

a lovely pearl statement necklace, Angie.

September 21, 2010 at 9:47 am

Gaylene

Veteran

Interesting list, but a dress as a universal “must have”? Not for me!

The “ultra feminine” dress look just does not work with my personality and athletic, rectangle body shape. My worst nightmare was that my son would choose an “ultra feminine” partner who would insist on putting me in pink chiffon and ruffles as mother of the groom. The thought of me in chiffon and ruffles never fails to crack everyone up.

Now put me in a dramatic tuxedo jacket with skinny pants and killer heels– and I feel powerful, feminine, and sexy, even at 60+. So dump the dress, add foundation garments, and keep the original title– 6 Wardrobe Items Your Style Can’t Live Without.

September 21, 2010 at 9:49 am

Queen Mum

Veteran

jeans… check (not sure any jaws drop, but I feel good in them
boots… check
dress… check (I would say my Nine West dress is my “girlie” dress)
jacket… don’t have a killer jacket, but I have a few that get me by
hairstyle… I’m happy
smile.. agreed.. a sweet sincere smile ups our style quotient like nothing else can.

I echo that a great fitting bra is a must. I know 2 women who I would love to kidnap and take to Nordies for a good bra fitting.

September 21, 2010 at 10:28 am

Scarlet

Veteran

This list really resonates with me. I especially like number 6. Charm is definitely part of style.

September 21, 2010 at 10:31 am

WendyFromN.Y.

Active Member

Great list! totally agree.

September 21, 2010 at 11:51 am

shana

Veteran

Finally, a list in which I actually have all the items! I generally agree although I would substitute a fab pair of shoes OR boots rather than just say boots. Not everyone lives in a climate for boots or can find the perfect pair! I also agree that proper foundation garments are a must.

September 21, 2010 at 1:25 pm

klauren

Active Member

My only change would be the jeans – I really don’t care for jeans, still remind me of dungerees that we wore in the “olden days” to do yard work or heavy cleaning. Yes, even the most fab styles still send me there. I do have a pair of jean, that fit great, but can’t get that feeling outta my head. So, I’d trade, for, say a killer pair of neutral pants or slacks that make your tushie look amazing and legs that go on forever. I have at least one black pair (but yours could be gray, blue, tan, brown, etc) that I reach for.

September 21, 2010 at 2:07 pm

April

Veteran

If I could dress the way I wanted every day, it would be in jeans, boots, and a great-fitting jacket (3 of the 6, bim bam boom!) Alas, I can’t wear jeans — be they ever so dressy, stylish, and dark-wash — to work, and well-fitting boots are a bit of a holy grail. But I love this list.

September 21, 2010 at 2:25 pm

Joy

Veteran

I love lists. Although this list works for me, I’d change “jeans” to “pair of pants”, which could mean jeans depending on lifestyle. I’d add a comfortable stylish pair of shoes and well-fitting undergarments.
For myself, I’m still looking for the killer boots. The rest are covered but the dress should be upgraded and I want/need multiple jazzy jackets in different styles. My biggest jacket wardrobe hole is for something that will dress up a basic LBD.

September 21, 2010 at 3:03 pm

Meredith

Active Member

I can’t help but think of the song from Annie…You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile!

I agree with all of these things!

September 21, 2010 at 4:56 pm

Lynne

Veteran

Loved Maria’s list and love yours! I would add Fab sunnies….

September 22, 2010 at 3:39 am

Nancy

I like the comment about the hair. When I was a teenager and didn’t like the dress I was wearing, a friend commented to me that it was more important to have good hair than a good dress – just remember Cinderella looked beautiful in rags.

September 22, 2010 at 8:12 pm

Fathenry

Fabulous boots are eluding me also. I do agree with the smile though. That really trumps about everything else out there. Also agree with the dresses and jeans, they really make getting dressed just about flop proof. The hairstyle is tough. Not all of us are gifted with the talent and gift of cultivating good hair days. I do hate dealing with my hair!

September 23, 2010 at 12:00 am

Tanya

Veteran

I completely agree with you Angie, although I also do not consider hair and smile to be wardrobe items, but they are never the less crucial to great overall look. I would add a great bra to the list as well.

October 1, 2010 at 5:37 pm

Mskatiekat

(website)

All of the above, except I’m working on finding that va-va-voom sheath dress in deep red or royal purple. I tend towards retro shift dresses with sweetheart necklines and I have yet to find these.

I have a fabulous haircut, thanks to my awesome hairdresser. I’ve worn my hair long for 28 years and decided to give it one clean chop. I’m still not used to “working the pixie” (I look weird in pictures), but this definitely suits my very busy lifestyle and it helps me stand out. It was actually the first time I truly loved my naturally straight hair.

November 11, 2010 at 4:51 pm

mamaKate

Veteran

Here are my personal top 6:

-coral-colored raincoat
-the jeans that my husband love to see me in
-classic high-heeled knee-high black boots that go with anything
-red-orange belted silk dress that works well for speaking engagements
-braided gold necklace that I inherited from my grandmother
-confidence! (the smile follows from this!)

…I wish I could have included my haircut in this list, but sadly I have only reached “almost there” and not yet “spot-on”

…I also wish I had a go-to handbag that was always perfect, but a piece like this has not yet come into my life.

All the rest is gravy!

December 5, 2010 at 9:48 pm

carrie

Active Member

hmmm…I have a few to add:
1) Really great shapewear or you risk looking like an old bag of doorknobs in your wonderful outfits..I have a high midriff short, a full body suit and a few camisol with underwire bras lastly, great tummy control under drawers
2) Really great fitting bras-they can transform your silhouette. get a fitting and replace your bras every 6 months.
3) A trio of black trousers-a staple (workhorse) of any wardrobe-Full leg, slim leg and stright leg-I prefer light weight wool for year round wear -this fabrication is well worth the investment.

September 14, 2011 at 10:57 am

Archer

Veteran

Of course we all would want to add and swap etc so its a great start to have a list like this to make us consider what we see as essentials – great blog.
I am cannot agree more with the smile. I was walking out of a shop rethinking the conversation that I had just had the other day and slightly talking to myself remembering it, when a guy just grinned back and told me I have a beautiful smile – complete stranger. I don’t think this man would have even noticed my clothing.
NB: I am not a ‘new age’ kind of person but this is really basic human behaviour that is so powerful.

October 14, 2013 at 3:01 pm

Chris29

Active Member

I have to agree with those who say they would omit “dress” from the list. I’ve never felt comfortable in dresses – I feel like a little girl playing dress up. I’d much rather stick with separates – a pencil skirt, or a cute short full skirt with an attention getting cardigan or jacket and heels or wedges. Maybe it’s because I’m short at 5’2″. Other than that I love the list and also highly recommend Kendall Farr’s great little book Style Evolution. She deals with the two pitfalls of aging stylishly,not raiding our daughter’s or our mother’s closets with gentle humour.

October 15, 2013 at 4:20 am

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