I haven't had much time to post lately as business duty calls, but I have been reading a bunch of the essentials posts and seeing some great outfits even if I haven't commented much.

I realized that my own style is so essential that other YLF members essentials quite often feel like my statements! Even something as simple as a chambray shirt - to me, is more of a statement piece (maybe it's just the one I own since it has double pockets and a distressed finish) but it also means I will wear non-denim bottoms (just my personal pref) so it automatically becomes more of a statement and not an everyday thing. Not to mention it is heavier weight so it's only a fall/winter item for me.

I guess that was Angie's point of saying that everyone's essentials are specific to them.

For me essentials are most often in tones of olive, charcoal, white, ivory or navy and mostly include tees, button downs, twill shorts and jeans in classic styles. My "statement" wardrobe items are things that I don't wear often or in some cases have never worn! So I'm trying not to shop for statements at all at this point.

What I really need is (I hate to say it almost) more simple tees in lightweight, non-fitted styles for my everyday wear - which oftens means I am changing 2 or 3 times in summer heat. Tees like the Madewell tee (I have a similar v-neck one in ivory with navy stripes and wear it all the time) are about as perfect as it gets for me in terms of "essential" wear.