I’ve been reading the essentials descriptions and inventories with interest and of course thinking about what mine are.

I can’t even think about warm weather clothes at the moment, so I’ll skip that aspect for now. My life is casual as I am retired. My activities include sewing, collage art and painting, painting classes, running, small amount of volunteer time at arts center, some social contact for art and exercise at senior rec center, church, basketball games, and a few evening restaurant or card-playing dates with friends. Essentially, I’ve become quite aware that I do not notice or remember much of what other people wear unless it’s an interesting scarf, earrings or piece of jewelry, so can’t imagine they notice me as much as I used to think, especially when I’m “in uniform.” Haha.

Tops, long sleeved for cold weather:
Cotton knit tees, relaxed fit but not baggy, all medium or dark colors, better with some understated point of interest - stripes, pocket or graphic print, for instance. Most often worn with another layer over.
Button up shirts, plaid or white with black or gray stripe or print.

Toppers to layer over tee, button up, or a combo:
Knit and fleece hoodies with zippers, dark gray or colors in red family.
Vests with zippers, fleece or modified puffer style, black, gray, red.
Pullover sweaters, boxier cut, preferably wool, dark gray, navy, black, red.
Cardigans, acrylic or wool, boyfriend or gamine style, teal, green, purple, burgundy, black.

Jeans:
Slim, skinny or bootcut, dark blue, olive, black, burgundy.
Corduroy jeans, gray, navy.
I don’t think I have two pairs the same, as I am not too picky about the style, but know if I like how they fit, and I know which ones I like to go with which top combos.

Accessories that I count as essentials:
Scarves, soft and warm in winter colors, plaid or other prints to coordinate with colors of my tops and sweaters. I wear scarves 80% of the time in winter and almost as often in fall and spring.
Earrings, various metals, sizes, moods and colors. I don’t feel dressed without earrings that go with my outfit.

Dressy capsule, very limited wear but essential that I have these items on hand, and they do play into a wider non-essentials assortment:
Black Ponte or stretchy slacks.
Dressier poly blouses or popover blouses, interesting subdued print or floral.
Black dressy cardigan sweater, and a couple other colors.
Classic slipon loafers and tuxedo slipper flats, black.

Footwear that covers my usual daily life:
Converse tennis shoes in several colors, more supportive athletic shoes, low hikers.
Tie oxfords and buckled monk straps, black, olive green, caramel, tan.
Chelsea boots, black.
Short boots, snow-worthy, which can be worn both outside and inside.

I don’t know that all these specific colors are actually essential, but coordinating between the various categories is what’s important.