Do you have these 50 pieces?

From this week's Link Love, 50 Pieces for Building a Classic Wardrobe. OK, I admit it, these lists entertain me, in a schadenfreude-ish way. Like, are we all so similar in lifestyle and temperament that we all need the same things?

It's in annoying slideshow format, so here's the list:

silk blouse (me: Y)
dress shirt (Y)
tuxedo shirt (N but not opposed to the idea)
wrap dress (Y)
black dress (Y but I don't actually wear it that much)
biker jacket (Y, ish)
jean jacket (Y)
skimmer (Y)
single strap stiletto (heck N)
pump (Y)
satin stiletto (still heck N)
leopard heel (N)
mule (N)
rain boot (Y)
OTK boot (N)
utility boot (Y)
classic shades (Y)
cat eye shades (N)
pearl earring (Y but I never wear them)
low heeled dress shoe (Y)
mod boot (N)
sneaker (Y)
oxford (Y)
shoulder bag (Y)
backpack (Y)
day to night bag (I guess?)
tiny bag (Y)
silk scarf (N)
side slit pencil skirt (N)
mini (N)
cashmere sweater (Y)
cable knit (N)
breton stripe (Y)
white tee (Y)
jean (Y)
flare (Y)
tuxedo (N)
double-breasted jacket (N)
blazer (Y)
camel hair coat (N)
overcoat (Y)
peacoat (N)
trench coat (N)
stacking ring (?? N)
nude nail (Y)
silk PJs (N)
mascara (Y)
basic bra and panty (Y)
lace balconette (N)
red lip (Y)

9 years ago

General

47 replies

Latest reply was from Neel

MsMary

Veteran

I have 32 out of 50. The ones I don't have are because they aren't me, for example the red lip which makes me look like an old hag. LOL The only one I don't have that I would like to have is a biker jacket, but I am constantly thwarted by my short, short arms!

9 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I find those lists ridiculous - as you said are we all the same? Not every woman suits wrap dress (I simply cannot fill it in), not every woman can wear stilettos, etc.
I like Angie's lists much better because they provide the framework but allow to fill it with what YOU need.

9 years ago

Anonymous

Lol 35/50 for me. Mini? Tuxedo? single strap stiletto? who wrote this list? Wait, I'm going to buy a miniskirt, wear it under a trench coat,with the strap stilettos , a lace balconette bra and red lipstick.Think anyone will notice? Oh, and don't forget the cat-eye shades with this ensemble.

9 years ago

Tina

Veteran

Another one on the 'fascinated by lists' bench. I'm at about 50%. Why in the world would everyone 'need' a mini skirt?! Stacked rings?

9 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I am under 50% with 22.

There are some things that we all have surely- bra and panties I hope?
There are some things that are just not me (no offence to others here) - leopard heels, mini skirt, mules, and a double breasted jacket.

And what is a skimmer?

9 years ago

Aida

Veteran

I find the most interesting part of these lists is why we all do or don't have the items on them. Always a good read! As for how I stack up, I have all but:

tuxedo shirt
single strap stiletto
satin stiletto
mule
OTK boot
backpack
tuxedo
peacoat

Of that list, I don't need either stiletto or the mules. OTK boots and a tuxedo shirt would be fun to have, but not a huge priority. Not super interested in getting a backpack. A tuxedo would be lovely but I have zero use for one. And I desperately need to get myself a short and colorful peacoat

Surprised by how many on that list I actually have!

9 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

These are weird. I have 31. Also I would like to mention that I hate slide shows.

And, what exactly is a dress shirt?

And, even more, there is no cardigan on the list. My life would be incomplete without cardigans. Especially grey cardigans.

9 years ago

shedev

Veteran

I only have 14 items.

9 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I guess I have 25 of them, some of which I don't wear (pearl earrings). Bizarre list, yes. A few years ago, influenced by one of these lists of must-haves, I bought a pair of pumps. I had visions of wearing them with jeans as well as dresses. I wore them a couple of times and discovered they weren't as comfortable as I thought they'd be. I've since bought a couple of other pairs of pumps that I do like and wear, not a lot, but I'm glad I have them. But that first pair remains in my closet as a caution against must-have lists! (I also keep thinking I could try the wet-foot trick with them; there's just one place where they dig a little into my foot. They are kind of not my style, though.)

9 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

What is a "balconette" ? I have about half.

9 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I have 28 out of 50 and several of those probably should be replaced to count. Things like the stilettos, mini skirt, side slit pencil skirt and wrap dress would not work for me or feel inappropriate. I could use an overcoat or camel hair coat. Why would anyone need over the knee boots? It seems like a good tall boot would suffice.

9 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I have 23/50 items on the list. Interesting because I have a generous wardrobe! I think it's a combination of climate, lifestyle, and personal style that should determine the essentials on ones list. I may try and come up with my own top 50 list. I like the idea.

9 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Isabel, a balconette is a bra that offers its support from the bottom, it tends to lift and push up, and provide less coverage than a standard bra.

9 years ago

deb

Veteran

Thanks for posting this. I did not do an actual check and this prompted me to do it.

silk blouse ( Y)
dress shirt (Y)
tuxedo shirt (N)
wrap dress (N)
black dress (N)
biker jacket (Y)
jean jacket (N)
skimmer (Y)
single strap stiletto (N)
pump (Y)
satin stiletto (N)
leopard heel (N)
mule (N)
rain boot (N)
OTK boot (N)
utility boot (Y)
classic shades (N)
cat eye shades (N)
pearl earring (Y)
low heeled dress shoe (Y)
mod boot (N)
sneaker (Y)
oxford (Y)
shoulder bag (Y)
backpack (N)
day to night bag (Y)
tiny bag (Y)
silk scarf (Y)
side slit pencil skirt (N)
mini (N)
cashmere sweater (N)
cable knit (N)
breton stripe (Y)
white tee (Y)
jean (Y)
flare (N)
tuxedo (N)
double-breasted jacket (N)
blazer (Y)
camel hair coat (N)
overcoat (Y)
peacoat (Y)
trench coat (N)
stacking ring (Y)
nude nail (Y)
silk PJs (N)
mascara (Y)
basic bra and panty (Y)
lace balconette (N)
red lip (Y)

24 for me. Now if we could substitute to fit my actual life style, I would have 45 of them.

9 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

Kiwigal, I went to the slideshow (which format I also hate...good to know I'm not the only one), and skimmers are basically flats (shoes).

I have only 13 of the list. But many of the items are not items that I even want to have. And why does the stiletto have to have a strap?

I'm very surprised that they didn't list even a single pair of dress boots. Or riding boots. Those are all over the place.

9 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

Why on earth would i want all 50 items?

And why did a knee high heeled dress boot make the list?

9 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

I linked this to Inge because I thought it was entertaining. The format of the slide show drove me batty but for me it was entertaining.
I have 28 of these.
I think the items in my wardrobe play well with these but the rest of the list doesn't appeal to me.

9 years ago

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

I have 30 of this 50 & I have a very small wardrobe. But really you should have what you wear, period. A list like this is only useful if you give an unfamiliar piece among the suggestions some real consideration & actually start styling it & wearing it! I think a lot of women feel very chagrined by lists like this, dutifully buy what they think they 'should' be wearing & still end up feeling like they have nothing to wear. That whole dynamic strikes me as sad. But I share your curiosity about these kinds of lists. (Oh, and can you find me the grown @ss woman who doesn't own a bra & panties??? LOL)

9 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I hate slideshows, too. Worst part of the internet besides trolls lol.
MsMary, you should totally go for the cropped destroyed MuuBaa leather jacket if sleeves lenght is your issue. Una, Rae, and I all have (had?) one and the bracelet sleeves totally rock for short arms.
As for the list, I just put all my clothes back in the closet and haven't really had time to assess, but just knowing my style vs. most lists I'm probably at 60%.

9 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

What a very odd list! Their omissions are almost as weird as their inclusions, I mean, if they're going to tell people to own underwear, why neglect to mention socks? And they cover practically every dated shoe style in the book, but completely gloss over the occasionally useful garments known as jeans? Or pants of any description, come to think of it?
I'm totally with Sveta here - Angie's approach of preparing shorter, more flexible lists works a lot better for this girl!
P.S. Anyone claiming that certain articles of intimate apparel or colours of makeup are universal is missing something kind of fundamental about fashion. Emphasis on fun, though - these lists are certainly amusing!

Your reply

9 years ago

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I have 42/ 50 on the list. (except these items) But the irony is, I wear some of these items only on rare occasions.....so "more" is not always more....My useful list of "top 50" would be a bit different.

single strap stiletto (N)
satin stiletto (N)
cat eye shades (N)
mule (N)
flare (N)
tuxedo (N)
camel hair coat (N)
stacking ring (N)

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Fascinating! And hi, Michelle -- so great to see you!!!!

I have 28 of these things. (Waving to Joy and Debbie!!)

But like you, Laura, I never wear my pearl earrings.

Nodding along with rebeka that my "useful" 50 list would be almost entirely different. In fact, I only find 18 of these items truly useful to me (workhorse type items).

Hmm. I might try to come up with my personal top 50.

9 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

23 out of fifty- I guess I fail

9 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I found the format and the content of the slide show annoying. I don't know how many of the items on the list I have. I do have pearl earrings that I never wear. I don't wear red lipstick. No plans to. I will decide what underwear to put on thanks.

9 years ago

viva

Veteran

I think there should be prizes for the YLFer who has all 50 and for the true maverick who has 0.

9 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

I just logged in to say- Hi Michelle!:-)

9 years ago

Aubergine

Veteran

I got 27, including a few that only scrape by under a loose definition of whatever it is. And including the three makeup ones and the "basic bra and panty," which kind of pad the numbers.

And agree with Ummlila that I just can't trust a list without a single cardigan on it.

9 years ago

Niki Lea

Veteran

31/50, but some of it is waaaaay in the back of my closet - like a silk scarf. It was a gift from a homestay student from Tawain who lived with us for a year and I've never worn it because it's an odd shade of mauve/purple.

9 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I thought this was an interesting compilation. I find the slideshow format annoying - however - this one loaded up easily and I didn't have to refresh any of the images. So snaps to their website person for that! I get so used to seeing the "10 Must-have Classics" or lists of trends. In truth, you could make quite the capsule wardrobe out of this, if you wanted an all-classic wardrobe. And they featured some beautifully pieces.

For my part, I was surprised to see I only had 29/50 on this list. I thought I had more than that. The right HEWI pair of leopard heels has been on my radar for about two years now. Also on my list are 1) mod boots - I would love to have just the right spygirl, swinging 60's Britain pair. 2) a black leather backpack (or olive) 3) A Breton top that isn't scratchy. 4) and a nude nail polish that doesn't take hours or UV lights to dry.

silk blouse ( Y)
dress shirt (Y)
tuxedo shirt (N)
wrap dress (N)
black dress (Y)
biker jacket (Y)
jean jacket (N) (Had one, sold it on eBay)
skimmer (N)
single strap stiletto (Y) (Two pairs, LOVE these)
pump (Y)
satin stiletto (Y)
leopard heel (N) (Desperately want! HEWI)
mule (Y) (about to list on eBay. Vintage, and entirely impractical)
rain boot (N) (Had, donated)
OTK boot (Y)
utility boot (N)
classic shades (Y)
cat eye shades (Y)
pearl earring (Y) (I wear these nearly every day)
low heeled dress shoe (Y) (fab Vara copycats from Dana Buchman via Kohl's. Not real leather, but super cushioned and comfy.)
mod boot (N) (want these)
sneaker (N)
oxford (N)
shoulder bag (Y)
backpack (N)
day to night bag (Y)
tiny bag (Y)
silk scarf (Y)
side slit pencil skirt (Y)
mini (Y)
cashmere sweater (N) (got rid of all wool because it ITCHES)
cable knit (Y)
breton stripe (N) (Mine was scratchy, got rid of it)
white tee (Y)
jean (N)
flare (Y) (pants, not jeans)
tuxedo (N)
double-breasted jacket (N)
blazer (Y)
camel hair coat (N)
overcoat (Y)
peacoat (N)
trench coat (Y)
stacking ring (N)
nude nail (N)
silk PJs (N)
mascara (Y)
basic bra and panty (Y)
lace balconette (Y)
red lip (Y)

9 years ago

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