YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe must haves?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Wardrobe must haves? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:25:04 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Elly on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1153951 Fri, 31 Jan 2014 04:27:13 +0000 Elly 1153951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must-haves: boots l/s tees jeans (straight leg and baby boots) stud earrings (I wear hoops and small dangles regularly, but most days find me with my small diamond studs) watch I rarely wear much else. cpddrew on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1151966 Wed, 29 Jan 2014 10:20:02 +0000 cpddrew 1151966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves: Thick and thin belts for dresses. Slips-nude and black Dylansmom on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1151493 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 20:00:53 +0000 Dylansmom 1151493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves: Skinny jeans, black heels, flats, leggings, leather jacket, black boots, and white tee. Don't wear: Anything with patterns, mom jeans,  Sarah on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1151481 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 19:43:00 +0000 Sarah 1151481@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It is so funny to see the wide range of must haves. My current must haves for my very casual lifestyle - dark wash jeans (straight and bootcut), tanks for layering, knit tops, denim pencil skirt, ballet flats, and flat boots. I would love to find a white button down but I have found knits so much easier to fit my shoulders and bust. Anonymous on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1151425 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 18:45:03 +0000 Anonymous 1151425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Trench coats don't work for me both because of color and fit, and I don't own a little black dress. Lately. to make it easier to find what works for me, I've shifted to categories of must haves, such as finding a mid season coat and more general occasion dresses. Personal must haves - black pants, tee shirts, turtlenecks, flats and pencil skirts. katybluesouth on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1150925 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 03:16:14 +0000 katybluesouth 1150925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What a great resource! Glad to hear that plenty of other people get along fine without the so-called must have 'white button down shirt'! I never have been able to make that work...! Do you have a functional equivalent for it? I have been looking for something that would work for a big-busted apple and have struck out. lamireille on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1150813 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 01:07:42 +0000 lamireille 1150813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves: scarves. In two seconds a scarf will dress any casual outfit up, whether it's jeans and a t-shirt, a skirt and a sweater, or black pants and a denim jacket. Scarves scarves scarves. Scarves. SW Ann on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1150702 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:47:51 +0000 SW Ann 1150702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My must haves:  in winter, tailored jackets (tweed, print, or something to add life to my next must have....) dark wash bootcut jeans;  black trousers.  In summer, shirtdress style dresses in prints or colors that are easy to accessorize.  Ankle boots for winter; sandals for summer.  Many things that used to be "must haves" for me have gone by the wayside due to life and body changes--the big one being button front shirts.  Love em but they don't love my bust back :(.  I have a trench coat in white, but seldom have cause to wear it.  milehighstyle (Linda) on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1150685 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:30:53 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1150685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can't get enough trenchcoats (for all seasons), blazers, button front shirts (white and other colors and prints, crisp or silky), pencil skirts, jeans, pumps, boots, and tights. Wrap dresses and A-line skirts also get a lot of wear. Need mid thigh length shorts, flat sandals and stretchy t's in summer. Could live without ballet flats and trousers. Never wear turtlenecks. Alassë on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1150628 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 20:26:09 +0000 Alassë 1150628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (Mostly) From Angie's list of classics:  Must haves: Cardigan, pencil skirt, a-line skirt, trench-like coat, flat closed toe shoes, flat sandals, cream top, tights. Not must haves, but do have: Cream soft button-down (not crisp white), flat riding boots, striped tee, pearl choker. Not must haves: Pants/jeans/dress pants, blazers, LBD, beige top, black turtleneck, high heels, basic pumps, ballet flats, loafers, straight/skinny leg pants, peacoat, wool coat, stud/hoop earrings. Suzanne (ambergreen) on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1150261 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 08:12:31 +0000 Suzanne (ambergreen) 1150261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Things I generally don't do: pumps, flats, oxfords, heels over about 2-1/2", blazers/jackets, khaki or beige, white tees, black jeans, shorts, leggings (except occasionally under skirts), belts, florals, handbag collections, gold jewelry, "classic" pearls. Have sneakers for walking/sports only, not streetwear. Must-haves: jeans, black and richly colored long and short sleeve tees for layering (no white), boots and bootlets, a variety of stylish walkable city shoes and sandals, tights, raingear jacket/windbreaker, zippered fleece tops, silver jewelry of all sorts. Skirts and dresses must be knee-length or somewhat shorter, with a few maxis mainly for hot weather comfort. Also for summer: gauzy and/or sheer tops and shirts. As for colors, gray is becoming my main neutral must-have, replacing black--but I still love and wear black. (Have also brought on many browns and purples, colors I didn't really wear until about 10 years ago.) LBDs: I have several. But here on the west coast, I haven't had a lot of opportunity to wear them. That's OK; they're all vintage/thrifted and can stay in reserve until called on. My trench coat is black and of not-so-classic cut, essential for any bad-weather professional meeting. (I have dispensed with the belt, epaulet thing and double-breastedness, all formulas that are tricky on a short-waisted, busty petite.) I have some white button-ups, always have...oddly enough, used to wear some in high school that I LOVED. I'm bustier now and don't have to dress up for work, so I haven't worn them much lately. I can wear them far better than I can a white tee though! April on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1149911 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:44:13 +0000 April 1149911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves: I need a variety of coats and jackets in our four-season climate with its hot, sticky summers and cold winters.  I love my trenches, denim jackets, puffers, dressier wool winter coats and leather jackets.   Extremely comfortable boots and shoes -- though I don't want them to *look* like comfort shoes.  No "sitting shoes" for me, no matter how pretty.   Camis -- at least until necklines come up a bit -- and layering tees Handbag -- never leave the house without it Jeans, white in summer Pullover sweaters Either very slim, lightweight silver hoops or small pearl studs, because I don't like the look of my empty pierced earlobes Anonymous on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1149889 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 20:08:01 +0000 Anonymous 1149889@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hmm, I've thought of a few must-haves for me : A trench coat White straight leg jeans Dark denim straight leg jeans A padded winter coat Knee high boots Booties Converse. A couple of roll neck sweaters. Thick tights in various colours Slightly-above-knee skirts, either straight or slight A-line I probably have more but thats a few off the top of my head. Ingunn on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1149855 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 19:14:13 +0000 Ingunn 1149855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I actually adore my trench coat, a stone colored BR one, but I only get to wear it a few weeks in spring and fall. The rest of the year the weather is all wrong for it.  My essentials will depend on the season. Right now it is  - knitwear, particularly sweaters in various cuts and colors: Black, navy, grey, burgundy, honey gold, cobalt.  - dressy trousers - dark wash straight jeans - black pencil skirt - navy or pinstirpe blazer - cashmere or other woolen scarves - parka/puffer - Snow boots :( - Chelsea boots - wool tights - sheath dresses - beanie -gloves/mittens - and the white button down for layering kkards on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1149853 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 19:12:29 +0000 kkards 1149853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves; Black pants one hemmed for flats, one hemmed for a 2 inch heel White tee shirt, good enough to wear to work Black flats Black pumps with 1.5 or 2 inch heel Basic blazer, one for winter, one for spring/summer Bag big enough to try a file folder and or an iPad into Dark wash straight leg jeans Long puffer coat Umbrella Really,everything else is a want. By that I mean,I with what I listed above, (and the proper undergarments), I could theoretically go and do everything I need to. MsMary on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1149848 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 18:57:14 +0000 MsMary 1149848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Heh.  My trench is fuschia!  (*waving at April*) I do have a white button-down but it doesn't get a ton of wear.  My black turtleneck has been a surprising workhorse and I'd count it as a must-have. Other must-haves for me: Pencil skirts in every color High heeled pumps in every color Blazers in every color Handbags in every color Do you see a pattern emerging?  shiny on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1149841 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 18:38:35 +0000 shiny 1149841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Regarding the trench coat, I have three. 1. A black, unlined one that's very lightweight and great for rainy HOT days. It also takes up very little room in a suitcase or laptop bag. I got it from BR years and years ago. It is like the equivalent of having one of those emergency pouch raincoats, except it has trench styling and looks dressier, not like gear. But it is useless in winter/fall, or a cold spring day. 2. A cream one - can't remember the brand. I would wear this a lot more but the material is rather stiff. The fit is okay but not my ideal.  3. A herringbone BR trench that I adore, it's completely waterproof and great for rainy days, looks very nice. I reach for this one the most. I just wish it was lined, then I'd get a lot more use out of it.  This may be the year I invest in a Burberry with removable lining. But it won't be beige - it'll be more of a cream. Burberry appeals not just because of quality, but because they provide free alterations, so perhaps I can get the fit just right. The petite blogger over at Alterations Needed writes about this; she has a couple of Burberry's so I have hope.... For me, fit is top priority with a trench. As a petite a trench can easily swamp me, the details may be too large for scale (especially those darn epaulettes which can make me look like a line backer), the belt will hit in the wrong place, etc. Then comes color (no soul-sucking beige). Then comes fabrication. I have had luck with BR petites on the first two.  Susie on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves/page/2#post-1149826 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 18:05:43 +0000 Susie 1149826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves for me include several pairs of jeans In different washes, white jeans, black jeans, a variety of black pants, several pairs of ankle boots/booties, various weight sweaters, jackets, layering tees in white, black and burgundy/red, multiple bag options, and lots of shoes! Not must haves are turtlenecks, khaki trench, ballet flats, cardigans, and pencil skirts. Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149817 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 17:59:10 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1149817@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The white button down is problematic for a lot, I see - I own one but I wouldn't call it an essential. I tend to wear it as a layering piece under a sweater or over a tank top. Same with the chambray shirt, actually. I've never understood the supposed universal appeal of the trench coat, to be honest, and have never owned one. Tan doesn't look good on me and belted coats don't suit my figure. I suspect that trench coats became a staple because they were more casual than wool coats back in the day, but now we've got fleece and denim jackets and puffers and all kinds of other choices. I think Tim Gunn's list of 10 essentials is pretty decent, and adaptable to different lifestyles, figures and dressiness level: <a href="http://www.oprah.com/style/Shopping-on-a-Budget-with-Tim-Gunn/2" rel="nofollow">http://www.oprah.com/style/Sho.....Tim-Gunn/2</a> even if these items aren't essentials for you, they are probably helpful on those atypical days where you have nothing to wear. My everyday essentials probably include: jeans in different cuts, knit tops, V neck cardigans, comfortable flats, and pencil skirts. viva on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149796 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 16:56:13 +0000 viva 1149796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves: shift dresses, one LBD, one DVF print wrap dress, booties (lots), boots, jeans (skinny, straight, BF), slim-fit / straight lightweight wool trousers, jackets, casual sweaters, peacoat, weatherproof travel coat, interesting blouses, 2 button downs (one white BB and one navy JCrew), black heels, oxfords, sneakers, mid-heeled sandals (2" ideal). Can live without: turtlenecks, platform shoes/sandals, skinny heels, ballet flats, skirts, dress coat, leggings, tunics. I want a trench but worry this will fall into the category of "Must Haves that you don't wear). Don't know if I will actually get one. The DVF wrap dress was on Nina Garcia's "100" list, and it has turned out to be a great investment. It's my go-to dress for every occasion when I don't know what to wear. I didn't expect this to be so illuminating, but this was a hugely helpful quick exercise for me....thank you! shiny on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149785 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 16:34:21 +0000 shiny 1149785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the must-have lists are helpful, but I've adapted them and made them my own: 1. Instead of crisp white button down, my must-have is a silk button down -- gives the same look, but much more comfy and easier to wear.  2. Instead of a turtleneck, my must-have is a cowl neck, which is more flattering for my short neck. I now have so many cowl necks -- sweaters, knit tops, jersey dresses -- it's not funny. In fact, I filled my "must-have" striped long sleeve top requirement with a cowl neck rather than a crew neck.  3. I do have and rely on the LBD but as I get older my ideal must-have would be an LND - navy is more flattering than black, but just as versatile.  4. Instead of a khaki trench, my must-have is a cream trench; much more flattering for my coloring.  5. Instead of 4" pumps, my must-have is 2-3/4" pumps.  6. Instead of white cotton tee, for a long time, my translation was a white blouse in silk or crepe or other dressier fabric. Then I finally found some white cotton tees that fit my fussy standards.  ... on and on it goes... Whenever I have added one of the "must-have's," as long as I've been VERY careful and picky and adapted to my figure, I have found the item to be just as versatile as these lists make them out to be.  That said, I do find I reach more often for certain must-have's. I reach for flattering black pants much more often than flattering jeans. I rarely wear my pencil skirts because just a few pounds weight gain can throw off the fit. And this whole thread is only reinforcing for me where I really need to update/replenish my wardrobe -- which is another thread entirely. I've been making a list.  Peri on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149769 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 16:00:48 +0000 Peri 1149769@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm happy to see so many not feeling the crisp white shirt either. It is on every must have list I ever read, I just thought I was missing something or hadn't found the right one. I never looked very hard, but now I feel good about that! I think I'm also surprised to be the only one who doesn't list jeans as an essential. I bought a pair last year when I was so unhealthy I was about 10 pounds lighter and even then I didn't wear them a lot, even through they looked good. (How telling that I could be sick and fairly underweight but defined as looking good). When I got more recovered and back to normal weight, they no longer fit and I never felt the urge to replace them. trix on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149751 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 15:14:18 +0000 trix 1149751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fascinating answers! I would love to see this as a poll. I've just been inventorying my closet and realized that I wear the dark trousers I own into the ground, so I guess they're my staples. Ditto for simple tops that I can layer and dark heeled shoes that I can wear/walk in all day. I'm working on adding blazers to my closet. Supposed "basics" that I don't own or, if I do own them, never wear them:  <ul> <li>Button-downs and skinnies (do not work for my petite round hourglass shape)</li> <li>Flats (because at 5'3", I cherish every inch I can get; also, because I have wide flat feet, I try to wear shoes with higher sides/vamps or with diagonal lines, and ballet flats and similar shoes don't fit the bill)</li> <li>Pencil skirts, because of the wide/flat feet problem (not a lot of shoes that look good on my feet and with pencil skirts).</li> </ul> I wonder how much our basics are determined by "doesn't look good on me" v. "I just don't like it"? EveningMood on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149721 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:03:45 +0000 EveningMood 1149721@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I guess everyone has different must-haves, and that's fascinating! My essentials are: for winter, dark wash skinny jeans, black skinny pants, leggings, black booties, cognac boots, sweater dresses, casual knitwear, turtlenecks, cardigans and one really great black blazer; for summer, breezy dresses, sandals, white skinny pants, white blazer, strapless bra; for all seasons, white button down shirt and black pumps. Thanks for the exercise Meli! Diana on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149720 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 14:03:03 +0000 Diana 1149720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My must haves: jeans, 8 hour boots, black knit tops/tees in various silhouettes, blazers, interesting handknit pullovers, wool coats in mini to knee length. Don't have: crisp white button front shirt, pumps, pearls, classic cardigans, puffers, khaki/beige anything, chambray, turtlenecks. Melaine on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149717 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 13:55:38 +0000 Melaine 1149717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Fun thread! this is helpful because I have repeatedly purchased items from standard must-have lists only to wind up purging them unworn. It's nice to realize the must haves do vary from closet to closet. I would be lost without: boots, leggings, flats, skinny jeans, cardigans, florals. "Must haves" that have always disappointed me: button shirts (they just don't flatter flat-chested me), jean jackets (finally found one I like but rarely wear), pencil skirts (willing to try again with this), and pumps (just not going to happen aside from special events). Meli on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149712 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 13:37:06 +0000 Meli 1149712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm loving the variety of answers here! Thanks all jayne on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149678 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 07:36:58 +0000 jayne 1149678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves from the standard lists: blazers, I love blazers...stuck there Must haves from my own world: good fitting jeans in dark, black and light washes, blouses that button just so and give me a half tuck, cashmere sweaters, flat comfy fun shoes, fun belts I abslutely cringe at trenches, LBD, pumps, pencil skirts (Although I have one in snake printed leather), white button downs (own two, hardly wear), cardigans, and so on.  Now give me a military jacket with buttons and shoulder decor and I am there! Adelfa on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149665 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 05:40:16 +0000 Adelfa 1149665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must haves: narrow black dress pants, silk shirts, comfy but sleek flats or booties, jeans, tees, casual knitwear. Don't have: trench. MsMaven on "Wardrobe must haves?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-must-haves#post-1149663 Sun, 26 Jan 2014 05:25:54 +0000 MsMaven 1149663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Must have lists never worked for me.  White button fronts--yuck--junior high gym outfit that was always too big for my [then] skinny body.  Now, bust gap always.  Trenches with belts--belts never hit the right spot. Black pumps--not with my coloring or feet.  LBD--ha!  Not for a long time.  I will wear a black top with a black pencil skirt for a dress effect.  I do love dresses, but lately it is hard to find one that has sleeves and reaches at least the top of my knees.   My list:  well fitted jeans, dark trousers, (wool or cotton blend) v-neck and crew-neck knits in black, navy or eggplant.  Pencil skirt that will work with low or flat shoes.  No more heels for me.  Blazers or semi-fitted jackets.  I wear cardi's at home for comfort, but prefer a structured jacket for occasions.   I do need a puffer coat for visiting Chicago in winter and for night classes at Foggy Bottom (aka Stanford.)  It's been years since I've needed a regular coat.