https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 27 May 2026 13:04:12 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706993 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 04:21:14 +0000 Gabi 706993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. skinny jeans<br /> 2. knit blazers<br /> 3. flat boots<br /> 4. scarves<br /> 5. leather jacket<br /> 6. jean jacket<br /> 7. casual day dresses<br /> 8. colorful heels and wedges<br /> 9. a smile </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706959 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 03:16:09 +0000 MsMary 706959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. Pencil skirts in every color<br /> 2. Blazers in every color<br /> 3. High heeled pumps in every color<br /> 4. Silk blouses<br /> 5. Skinny jeans<br /> 6. Earrings </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706941 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:58:12 +0000 Sveta 706941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to play too!<br /> 1. Jeans - one of each kind - skinny, bootcuts, flares, and the recent BF - and leans in winter with tall boots<br /> 2. Button down shirts<br /> 3. Sleeveless sheath dresses - charcoal (unfortunately needs a replacement) and black<br /> 4. Turtlenecks<br /> 5. Black straight trousers<br /> 6. nude wedge sandals in summer<br /> 7. tall cognac or grey boots in the fall/winter<br /> 8. denim jackets in summer<br /> 9. faux snake print tote for work - fits my lunch and yoga clothes<br /> 10. platinum small cross-body bag - also fits into that tote<br /> 11. Wool coats. I get more wear out of wool coats than out of trenches - it is Canada after all!<br /> 12. flat oxfords - I would have never guessed a year ago! I wear my yellow and cream oxfords at least 1-2 times a week in the summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706886 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:00:38 +0000 kellygirl 706886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is fascinating. I must play too.<br /> Cool Weather 6:<br /> Denim skinnies<br /> Mid calf boots<br /> LS knit tee<br /> Army jacket<br /> Knit Blazer</p> <p>Warm weather 6:<br /> Printed knit short sleeve top/tank top<br /> Denim Bermudas<br /> Flat-ish sandals<br /> Casual dress<br /> Denim vest</p> <p>I have way more clothes than this but when I think about basics--this is what comes to mind. This is the basis of my uniform. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706879 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:57:36 +0000 Dashrashi 706879@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. pencil skirts--pretty much all I wear to work all spring and summer. Not to say I don't have a small collection of winter-only pencil skirts.<br /> 2. blazers--aka my suit jackets, when necessary. Whenever I have court, I should really be wearing one (which is most days of the week).<br /> 3. J. Crew Emmaleigh dress--I think it may be a wardrobe essential if I have it in four colors and wear all of them all the time. Not sure if this is too specific, though!<br /> 4. black ballet flats--4 out of 7 days of the week, at least, I'm wearing one of my many pairs. Also the bridge between the first half of this list (work week) and the second half (weekend).<br /> 5. charcoal skinny jeans--more versatile and more well-used than my blue pair, in fact. They go with everything to an almost uncanny degree.<br /> 6. striped Breton t-shirts--the stack of these in my closet is now higher than my stack of graphic and/or vintage tees (which would have been first on the list from middle school through law school. I am old and boring now).</p> <p>ETA: Bonus item is definitely shorts. I come home from work starting around April (my apartment is very hot) and immediately change into shorts. This usually goes until October--it's a habit I picked up in Nashville, and now I have almost as many pairs of shorts as I do pencil skirts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706876 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:52:43 +0000 Isabel 706876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>dark wash straight leg jeans<br /> black boots ( knee high )<br /> black ankle boots<br /> a navy or black tailored blazer<br /> earrings<br /> camisoles<br /> black ponte pants<br /> A nice tote<br /> a scarf<br /> ( I just can't do six ! )</p> <p>( Oh my, I have no tops !!! )</p> <p>For Summer, I would replace the jeans with a linen, "swishy" skirt<br /> a woven dress<br /> denim shorts<br /> woven top<br /> black super comfy sandals<br /> a seasonal tote </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706874 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:51:58 +0000 Jonesy 706874@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fun to read these! I had a hard time coming up with anything, but I think I've zeroed in on a few things that are essentials, at least for my work wardrobe:</p> <p>1. Black jacket (I have a few and I'd like another one in a longer, slouchier cut)<br /> 2. Black trousers (I have maybe 5 pairs in different cuts and fabrics)<br /> 3. Black skirts (maybe 4 black pencil skirts alone)<br /> 4. Patterned silk tops<br /> 5. Black heeled mid-calf boots</p> <p>&lt;waving at Elly&gt; Nice to see you again, Elly!! I've wondered what you were up to! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706859 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:45:00 +0000 Jaime 706859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmmm:<br /> 1. Comfortable flat shoes, mostly oxfords.<br /> 2. Jeans of various lengths and styles.<br /> 3. Comfortable cross body bag.<br /> 4. Top that works on bloated and non-bloated days.<br /> 5. Very good bra.<br /> 6. Watch - masculine and big but not so big that it overwhelms my small wrist.</p> <p>That is enough to get me out the door, I think. (Well I also wear underwear but I am not so particular about their style.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials/page/2#post-706844 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:35:29 +0000 Elly 706844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1. Watch- practical, masculine<br /> 2. the stud earrings I sleep in (and often end up wearing- small CZ piercing studs)<br /> 3. Jeans! -- straight leg or bootcut, dark denims if possible<br /> 4. Long sleeved ts---- 9 months out of the year, especially as a layering piece<br /> 5. Boots- my preferred footwear for most temperatures under 75 degrees, low-heeled<br /> 6. Dress slacks--- the most practical and "me" way to step up my jeans look </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706805 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:55:46 +0000 Angie 706805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, you wear LOTS of scarves - possibly more than anyone else on this forum. Your scarves are virtually like my watch </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706788 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:38:57 +0000 shiny 706788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not just book-ending; I find nowadays I must have at least one item with white in it. So maybe I'll wear head-to-toe black, but I cannot leave the house without adding a string of pearls and/or a cream clutch. </p> <p>Reality here in Boston is that black is what we wear. Add to that, the reality that, resigned to petites, my color options are far more limited than if I was regular sized instead of pint sized. </p> <p>Petites nearly always are offered in black, maybe brown or gray, and that's it, or if lucky, one trendy color, that may or may not work for me. And that's it. So with these limitations I do have tons of black. I don't hate black, mind you. I'm just venting frustration that my options are much more limited than if I was taller. Grrrr. So yes, pops of white are how I deal. Because white is usually a petite option.. nice safe boring neutral! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706777 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:28:59 +0000 Diana 706777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Celia, good point about the difference between basics and favorites. I think that was my problem with my first long list and why I ended up with statement pieces in that list. I might wear printed skirts all the time, but it's true that they don't go with a lot of things so they are more statement than basic. I guess maybe if you have to think hard about what to pair something with, then it's not really a basic.</p> <p>Shiny, it's interesting that you have so many white/light items and I have so many black ones. Must be the bookending theory at work again. I often have to work hard to get light colored things (especially footwear) to work for me, but I can pretty much put black with anything and it looks OK. </p> <p>So maybe we all have an "essential" color too, one that works effortlessly with a majority of our wardrobe and obviously with our coloring. Mine is obviously black. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706767 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:20:24 +0000 shiny 706767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Okay I'll try...</p> <p>1. Dark wash jeans (I wear my skinnies far more often than anything else, but this could be subject to change, due to trends, so I'll leave vague).</p> <p>2. White blouse (not a tee, knit or button down)</p> <p>3. Perfectly fitted tall boots with a bit of a heel, walkable (not flat) and in a brown or wine shade (not black)</p> <p>4. Nude heels and/or flats (for book-ending)</p> <p>5. Cardigans - V-neck, please!!!!</p> <p>6. LBD (though now I'm thinking an LND may replace LBD)</p> <p>7. Cotton underwear that provides a little gut-suckage/smoothing/shaping and no panty lines. </p> <p>8. Am I allowed 8?? A white purse. </p> <p>And I really want to add "pearls" to this list! This makes me realize that a lot of my essentials add white to an otherwise darker outfit, to brighten it all up and work with my coloring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706739 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:59:02 +0000 celia 706739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me the dificulty resides in making a difference between basics and favorite items that are a constant but not necessarily basics.<br /> Let me give it a try(considering items I wear all year long):</p> <p>-white and black camis(I use them for everything from layering beneath sheer tops to sleep in summer)<br /> -jeans(1 pair of bootcuts and a pair of skinnies)<br /> -flats(and usually there is a pair of tan ones for some reason)<br /> -black GAP bootcut dress pants(uninteresting item and probably old fashioned but I wear them for many occasions)<br /> -cropped denim jacket(interestingly I don't consider it one of my favorite items but I count on it for many jobs my snotty blazers don't want to do and then some)</p> <p>For fall/winter I would add:</p> <p>-Mock turtlenecks<br /> -black tall boots</p> <p>And this are the basics basics. I have to think of the next level, which is the things I like to have and make with this basics a easy outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706727 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:50:52 +0000 Diana 706727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I thought the scarves would fall into the statement category? At least most of mine are statementy. I did also think about the oxfords and the shrunken blazers, but those are both new in the last year or so (although I have always loved oxfords, I got dressed for many years without them!) so I'm not sure they're absolutely essential yet.</p> <p>I am loving seeing everyone's lists!</p> <p>ETA: I thought about adding my watch to the list since I wear one every day but then I realized that not having a watch would not make it difficult to get dressed, it would just make it difficult to tell time! Same thing with bags - I carry one every day because I need somewhere to put all my stuff, but if I didn't have a handbag, I'd just make do with a tote bag or something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706722 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:48:03 +0000 Jjsloane 706722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now that we've generalized our categories I can join in but I kind of feel I'm cheating (since I have multiples of everything)<br /> 1. Blazers ( I have many for each season, but could not feel professional at work without one)<br /> 2. Wedge shoes (again I have these for each of my 3 seasons)<br /> 3. Straight Leg Pants (I've been more into skirts for summer, but if the pants fit well I prefer them)<br /> 4. Jeans (BF at the moment, but dark straight or trouser for work)<br /> 5. White tops (button down, tee, tank, cami)<br /> 6.Knit Dress (I have all seasons of these and they are so easy with a blazer)<br /> 7. Fall/Winter Alternate: BOOTS (I LOVE ALL BOOTs and booties would wear them year round if weather would not preclude this) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706717 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:42:22 +0000 Astrid 706717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are my essentials, I'm not sure if there isn't something missing but these were the first six I could think of. </p> <p>1. Knee length a-line or full skirt in a neutral<br /> 2. Flat Oxfords that go with skirts and pants<br /> 3. Tall flat boots to enable skirt wearing in fall/winter<br /> 4. Watch<br /> 5. Cardigan in a neutral<br /> 6. Scarves </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706714 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:39:28 +0000 Transcona Shannon 706714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok - I'll give this a "go":</p> <p>- pencil skirts<br /> - blazers<br /> - pumps<br /> - booties<br /> - straight leg jeans<br /> - dresses </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706690 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:19:09 +0000 Angie 706690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great list Zap and VC! </p> <p>*applause* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706685 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 23:02:07 +0000 velvetychocolate 706685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I need to get this lesson, so am back to make myself answer the question...</p> <p>Thanks to this morning's blog post and your follow-up, here are what I think will be my essentials:</p> <p>So far:</p> <p>1. Flat tall boots - already have<br /> 2. Pencil skirts - have several<br /> 3. Trench coat - have three, but none are "just right" - need one great trench, not three "ok" ones<br /> 4. Dark denim jeans (straight, bootcut or flare) - this area of my wardrobe is in need of help - need more/better jeans<br /> 5. Button-down shirts - have a few, need more/newer/better<br /> 6. Low-heeled dressy shoes - need new/more</p> <p>HEY! I did it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706682 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:55:37 +0000 Anonymous 706682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine:<br /> Dark wash jeans<br /> Black turtleneck<br /> Black riding boots<br /> Watch<br /> White tops<br /> ETA: I left out a topper, i.e coat, jacket, blazer, cardi or trench, depending on season. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706681 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:53:14 +0000 flowergirl 706681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>England is damp and cold in the autumn and winter. I love to layer and wear wooly items to keep warm. </p> <p>cashmere turtenecks<br /> alpaca/merino cardigans<br /> cords- trousers and skirts<br /> cashmere or merino wool socks<br /> jersey knit shirts<br /> sheepskin coat<br /> merino/cashmere scarves </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706672 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:43:25 +0000 Susie 706672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My number 1 essential item is black pants. Almost any top I wear was probably bought with the thought of 'I can wear this with black pants!' </p> <p>Other essentials include:</p> <p>Jeans<br /> Tanks tops or camis (black and white)<br /> White top (could be a tee or blouse)<br /> Black shoes (sandals in summer, boots or pumps or other style in winter)<br /> Cardigan(s) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706671 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:42:46 +0000 velvetychocolate 706671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, </p> <p>Thank you for starting this thread - I didn't get a chance to read through all the blog comments this morning, but what you've taken from the blog post is helping me *so much*. </p> <p>You were saying:</p> <p>"Mo, at first when Angie said that I had included too many statement pieces in my very long list, I said that I thought I would have no style without statement pieces. Her response was that the essentials are the items we must have to make the statement pieces work. So, for example, my printed tops would not work without jeans to wear with them. I guess my thought is that if these six things (or types of things, I guess) were to all spontaneously combust, then I would not be able to get dressed without a lot of difficulty."</p> <p>This is exactly my problem. I don't have the essentials. I have all kinds of orphans, some fun pieces but the foundation seems to be missing. And *yes* I am having a hard time getting dressed. </p> <p>Lately, I'm in the same predicament as Mo - just too hot for anything other than bottoms, top and shoes. Very low-key and casual. </p> <p>In the run-up to some upcoming travel, I am in a panic because I have not been taking care of the essentials. I don't even know yet what "my" essentials are either! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706669 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:41:14 +0000 Angie 706669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You did great, Diana! I added onto your minimal list in the blog comments: shrunken blazer, flat oxfords and scarves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706663 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:36:11 +0000 Anonymous 706663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>6 things i would struggle to replace which to me makes them essentials are :</p> <p>My cream/ivory tanks<br /> Black dress pants<br /> Leather black wedge shoes<br /> Grey, black and leopard cardi<br /> Silver hoop earrings<br /> Trench coat<br /> Trouser jeans<br /> Long sleeve vneck t-shirts</p> <p>I'm over 6 </p> <p>But I am not counting my necklaces and bracelets...I cannot live without them </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706660 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:31:34 +0000 Jyoti 706660@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine would be:</p> <p>1) tanks &amp; camisoles<br /> 2) blazer<br /> 3) A-line skirt<br /> 4) black tights or leggings<br /> 5) ballet flats<br /> 6) riding boots</p> <p>I kind of vascillate between ballet flats and oxfords as my preferred non-boot work shoe, so that's my disclaimer with #5. xD</p> <p>This was a good exercise, as it shows me that my style is pretty girly at its core and that I don't wear very many complicated tops. Interesting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706656 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:29:15 +0000 rachylou 706656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, keep the thinking tight challenge! Yes, guilty guilty!</p> <p>Tissue tees<br /> Skinny jeans<br /> Office trousers<br /> Puffer<br /> Beanie<br /> Patent flats</p> <p>:D </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706632 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:47:53 +0000 Anonymous 706632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd be heavy on black as essentials too. These are items I wear most months of the year, multiple times a week:<br /> 1. dark denim straight jeans/clamdiggers<br /> 2. denim jean jacket<br /> 3. LBD, sheath style<br /> 4. black pencil skirt<br /> 5. tanks/camis in black and white<br /> 6. metallic flats </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/your-top-6-wardrobe-essentials#post-706626 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 21:36:45 +0000 Sylvie 706626@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are my essentials:</p> <p>Jeans<br /> T-shirts<br /> Cardigans<br /> Flat sandals<br /> Flat ankle boots<br /> Trench coat</p> <p>Bonus item:<br /> Denim jacket</p> <p>I couldn't get dressed without these in my wardrobe. In fact, I have a specific piece from each of these essential categories without which my wardrobe would be in major trouble. </p>