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How Can My Essentials Be Your Essentials--ETA: Things Getting Clearer!

Gaylene

Veteran

All this talk about "basics", "essentials", "statement pieces", "staples", "essentials that can be statement pieces", coupled with the minimalist vs. ALGO styles have made me curious about how we translate this into building a functional wardrobe.

Bear with me, because I haven't quite figured this out in my mind, but here goes. If my style is to pair a single "statement piece" with a very neutral/simple backdrop, I can't imagine my wardrobe without its collection of very minimalist black, grey, and navy supporting characters. These are my essentials-- I couldn't get dressed without them. But how does that philosophy translate for someone like Una or MaryK? I can see where my "essentials" could have absolutely no place in their closets. So, here's my question: what constitutes "essentials" in a closet where someone like Una wants to create outfits that mix several of what I would call "statement pieces" into one dynamic outfit? Or what is "essential" in a minimalist's closet like Angie's. How does someone like MaryK who plays with color and pattern determine her "essentials"?

It might be helpful for those of us who are engaging in wardrobe building to see just what a list of "essentials" would look like for different styles. And, for the sake of clarity, let's use Angie's term, "essentials", to describe the core building blocks of a wardrobe. And, to make things easier for those of us who live in a four season climate, maybe stick to Fall/Winter "essentials"?

To get things rolling, here are my "essentials" for fall/winter:

Black, charcoal, and navy cigarette-leg pants
Dark-wash straight-leg denim jeans
Black, grey, and navy V-neck sweaters
Black and dark-grey boots/booties
Black skirt
Charcoal/camel tweed skirt
Long sleeve, crew-neck T's in black, purple, burgundy, and grey
Camel duffle coat
Black puffer
Black, cross-body bag

Obviously, this is not my entire wardrobe--as a list, it looks pretty boring-- but these are the pieces that I absolutely need to have in my closet in order to wear my statement pieces.

ETA: Thanks to all the wonderful YLF ladies, I think I'm getting sorted out on this concept of "essentials". I still have a ways to go, but, at least, I can see a path through the haze. Getting excited about going through my closet with my new insights!

Dressing

39 replies

Latest reply was from catgirl

Diana

Veteran

So my style is Arty, and quite statement heavy as well as maximal. I posted my top 6 essentials earlier here: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....essentials

To recap, they are: dark jeans, black scoop neck tee, black jacket, black mid calf boots, cork footbed sandals, and dark cotton dress. Most of these items, although not statements per se, are nevertheless a little dramatic and interesting as befits my style. And the color black is most definitely true to my style too.

Oh, and Angie says that I am allowed to consider scarves essentials since I wear them so much in fall, winter, and spring. Scarves are definitely a big part of my arty style, and Angie's statement that they are essentials for me kind of gets to the heart of your question, I think. If something is so essential to your style that you have trouble getting dressed without it, then it is an essential for you!

catgirl

Veteran

Thank you for being confused with me. April posted something really helpful on the other thread Angie started, which has cleared my head a bit.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

straight leg and skinny jeans
ballet flats
woven white shirts

I guess my style is modern classic/trendy/feminine? Definitely casual.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'm still in the process of working this out for myself, but as far as I know, my F/W essentials are pretty much as I posted on Angie's blog post:

Jeans (for me, skinnies and maybe now, also BF!...but actually the cut can change...it is just ESSENTIAL that I have a good pair!)
Booties (preferably a Chelsea style boot...but any simple black bootie)
Knee high boots
White woven shirt
Layering Ts in cool colours (navy, grey, cobalt, winter white, cranberry)
A slim skirt in one of my neutrals
LBD (would prefer if it were a navy dress, but I do what I can with what I can find)
Warm winter coat (in a statement colour)
Blazer

The blazer/ jacket is also often a statement (as far as I go towards statement) and is also my signature.

No wonder I feel so hopelessly at sea in the summer when it comes to style. All my impact in one piece, and no way to wear it in the heat.

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, Diana, Ana, and Suz, although I don't think our styles are necessarily similar, our list of wardrobe "essentials" seem to pretty much mimic each other and also the conventional lists of wardrobe "essentials" that I see posted all over the internet and in magazines. So are the lists more or less accurate, then? Does everyone need a jean, a white shirt, black boots, and a couple of T-shirts in their wardrobe? And are black, grey, and white the obvious choices for these "essentials"?

And Una, April's overview in Angie's thread was interesting, but I'm not so sure of her categories. If I'm honest, I can't say I like shopping for the things on my "essentials" list. All those black pants, tops, and boots are my wardrobe equivalent of brushing my teeth and filing my nails-- necessary to look decent, but not much fun. It's far more fun to buy a pretty bra or even a pair of crazy colored socks to wear in my boots. And, I couldn't stand wearing just dark jeans, black boot, and a black T-- that's not fashion, that's a uniform. My statement pieces create my style and, I'm thinking, are a "need" because that's what transforms that black uniform into MY look.

Gaylene

Veteran

OK, just re-read Angie's thread and found her comment that she "loves her essentials". Maybe that's my problem? I need to smarten up and find essentials that I love instead of treating them as the second string?

jayne

Veteran

I agree Gaylene. I haven't figured out a complete list because my style has not solidified yet, but i did need black booties this fall after my others were just out of style and too old. That is an essential. But I made sure to find a pair that appealed to me with a cool gold zipper. So my essential hole is filled, the booties do not qualify as statement, but they are not boring. I was really happy with that solution.

This also explains to me something I wondered about with these really expensive white tshirts I see. I wondered why anyone would pay the price of a blazer for a tshirt. But if a tshirt is essential, and somehow the expensive one is fun/fab to you, then you get a fab essential rather than a boring one.

PS. I am not there yet. No 200 dollar tshirts for me, no!

fashionista

Veteran

Ok now your are confusing me Gaylene.

I think my style mantra is classic, minimalist and girly.
My wardrobe essentials are
-Blue jeans
-Tshirts, blouses
-Ballet flats
-Coats
-Work suits

My statement pieces would be
- embelished skinny blue jeans
-furry (faux) winter coat
- ruffled, cute blouse or tee in neon?
- dressiest ballet flat/boots

So maybe what I think my statement dressy blouse maybe someone's wardrobe essential. So it all depends on our perception and style mantra.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I have just popped this in Angie's thread Gaylene. I view essentials as the building blocks of your style. I would choose stone, a bohemian may choose wood and minimalist may choose glass. No two sets of essential has to be the same but they do have to serve the same function.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

My essentials that I own are:
- Dark wash jeans in any leg silhouette. (The distressed, colored, patterned etc. jeans are basically statement pieces to me.)
- Blazers in neutral colors (black, navy, cream for summer etc.)
- Leather or pleather moto jacket. Mine's pleather, on the lookout for a leather one.
- Button down shirts. White.
- Unadorned booties in neutral colors and not with monster heels.
- Tees in neutral colors.
- Trench coat.

That's it. These are all essentials that will last a few seasons. They reflect my lifestyle at home and for work. I have way more statement pieces, as I define essentials fairly strictly. I think that's my problem. I get tons of use out of the essentials, but because I have so many statement pieces, they don't get as much air time.

Does an essential have to be classic? That's the way I parse it in my mind. If it's ok to cover your essentials in more trendy silhouettes, then I have more essentials than I'm thinking. OK -- I've identified my point of confusion.

I'm not sure I have contributed to your quest in any way Gaylene but your thread has helped me sort this issue in my own head so thank you! Or at least, I know where I'm confused. Assuming it matters.

ETA : Yes I agree everyone's essentials look different and I think Angie acknowledges that in her post.

Scarlet

Veteran

I am just gonna raise my hand and say I am still really confused about it.

shiny

Veteran

Comparing to your own list, for Winter my essentials would be

Black ponte knit skinnies
Dark-wash skinny jeans
V-neck cardigans
Non-black tall boots (Because I wear so much black, I prefer non-black boots and get more wear out of them, as they add some interest)
Metallic gray oxford booties (I suppose they classify as booties!)
Sweater dress
LBD
Blouse that is just the right length and shape (i.e., some volume) for wearing with skinnies
Cobalt wool coat (which is more of a statement because of the bold color)
Scarf (my green scarf is my "signature" color green, but I have an array of scarfs)

I'm loathe to list handbags here because I swap so often, not just for the pop of color to add interest, but also for purpose (i.e., roomy bag for shopping/work/travel vs clutch for night time). Obviously a handbag is an "essential" but most of mine I incorporate into my outfit more like statements, if that makes sense? I would say a white/cream bag has become a signature for me.

For Fall it would be a similar list but swap out:

Ballet flats for tall boots. And often these play more of a statement role, but of course shoes are essential too.

Pumps for booties. Again, they play more of a statement role adding interest.

A topper, which could be a blazer, leather jacket, denim jacket, trench, moto jacket, etc. Some of these can be layered under the cobalt jacket or a puffer in the winter. But usually when winter hits, I find I am living in cardigans all the time, because it's a less bulky layer under my coat. My cardigans are definitely essentials but some of them could be considered statements, for example, I have several with prints that are memorable. Cascading cardigans and other interesting shapes/details.

The problem with this list is that it reads like a formula. And a list of categories. And there is such a wide variation within some of these categories: whereas I am specific about dark wash skinny jeans, cardigans and blouses and sweater dresses are much broader category with lots of potential variation.

I guess this is why I mentioned on one of the other threads that I'm finding it more intriguing to compare what others list as essentials, and I don't. And asking why that is not an essential for me. For example the classic white collar button down is definitely not an essential for me. But a white silk blouse is. Boyfriend jeans may be essential to many, but not for me. Skirts are on a lot of people's list, and they aren't for me... though stay tuned as I may experiment with them this fall. Denim skirt -- I own one, but never wear it.

Turtlenecks are on some people's lists, but these are the worst look for me and my short neck, plus I find them annoying and uncomfortable to wear, so I have purged all but one and have zero plans of ever buying another. Pullover sweaters are not on my list and haven't been for a long, long while, and probably never will be added back in, because I find cardigans far more versatile and flattering. Likewise, cross body bag is on a lot of lists, but I cannot stand them, as the strap lays between my breasts and draws attention to them, and also the strap creases my clothes. Converses are not an essential for me because though comfortable I can't help but feel like I look like a little kid in them.

That exercise -- asking why something is not an essential for me -- is much more helpful. It also enables me to ask whether I want to try these things out again. Like pencil skirts, I think I will. And I'm now experimenting with belts, which were never on my list. Wrap dresses are another item I know look good, but the challenge is finding just the right cut.

Gaylene

Veteran

Scarlet, I don't think you are alone in feeling confused. I think our side of the bench is much fuller than the other side!

Denise, I could paste your list of "essentials" into my original comment and call it my own very easily; my leather moto got tossed after I lost some weight and I'm still searching for another one, otherwise a moto would have appeared on my list. The lists that Diana, Ana, and Suz posted were also quite similar. Hmm, this is interesting, given that our styles vary as do our ages.

But a couple of ideas are jumping out at me. Jayne, you and Angie are making me re-think my attitude towards my "essentials". Maybe, if your wardrobe is going to consist mainly of "essentials", you have to spend more time (and possibly money) to find ones that serve as an "essential" but also have that something else that elevates them out of the "boring but necessary" category. Your boots, for example, sound much more unique than the typical black booties that I'd buy. I could see my navy cashmere sweater fitting into this "elevated essentials" category. (Of course, this just what we need-- another category, right? LOL)

And I love R&J's stone, wood, and glass analogy. Maybe one of the reasons that our lists look so similar is because our perspective is similar-- the "stone" perspective? Or, is it that, although the lists are similar, it's the actual items that vary for the different perspectives-- my streamlined black boots (a "stone") vs. Jayne's gold zipper ones (a "glass")? I need to think on this one for a bit. Is it easier to be a minimalist if you adopt a "glass" perspective?

And, Fashionista, I apologize for the confusion, but I sometimes feel like this wardrobe building gets a bit tangled in my mind. But, if I can get it sorted out in my head, I might be much better at creating a functional, stylish wardrobe. Every now and again, I do make smart purchases, but, still, too often for my liking, I end up buying things that just sit in my closet until they end up in the donation pile.

Thanks, ladies, I'm off to have another coffee and think about this a bit more.

shiny

Veteran

Okay I really want to pair my essentials list way down, because it's not essentials if you are listing practically everything in your closet, is it?

I'm thinking about winter days and how I frequently get dressed: I will start with my feet. If I'm going to be walking a lot, and especially if the weather is sloppy, I choose my tall brown wedge boots (they are pleather so they withstand rain, salt, snow). If we're going out and i want to be a little dressier and the weather isn't sloppy, then I may start with suede boots or my nicest burgundy boots. Or if it's mild enough I don't need tall boots, but still cold enough for wool socks, I may choose the metallic booties instead.

Then I pull on my dark wash skinnies and the boots. And I stand in front of my closet and consider my array of blouses-that-work-with-skinnies. I choose a blouse, and select a cardigan and/or blazer/jacket that will work with it. Then I select a scarf that works with it all. And finally I go to my purses and select one that will pull it all together.

Or maybe I've decided on boots and instead of jeans I reach for a dress. If it's winter it'll be a sweater dress. Then add scarf, jewelry, purse, as the "statement."

So maybe for me the essentials are the jeans, sweater dresses, and the shoes. Because it's when I start contemplating what to wear on the top half that things get interesting.

That said, I do still consider "white blouse" as more of an essential. Because such a blouse plays really well with my more statement-making cardigans and blazers, as well as animal print touches. And V-neck 3/4 sleeve black cardis are essential. Because they're pretty nondescript and unmemorable -- but I wear them far more than any other cardigan in my closet.

Gaylene

Veteran

Shiny, your list is extremely helpful. And what I'm getting from these lists is that, while the lists might look the same-- the formula, the variation is in the interpretation-- cardigan vs. pullover, black booties with a unique detail vs. streamlined version, dress vs. skirt, etc.

And I think R&J analogy is really starting to be useful. Maybe I need to start thinking of my essentials as an vital element in my style evolution, instead of just things that I need to support the items that I love-- my statements. As you point out, thinking about what doesn't work for you is probably as important as thinking about what does. For example, my white blouses and T's look as pristine after a year as they do on the day they were purchased--they never have to leave the closet. But I can see how, if you wear patterned cardigans, they could be a workhorse. But, if all my cardigans are black, I NEED that pop of color to avoid looking like a waiter.

cheryl

Veteran

It does get confusing doesn't it, lol. I would say my essentials are bootcut jeans, waist surrendering knit tops and fun tennies. Very casual. Also my cowboy boots and for work twill pants are an essential.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

For winter, I'd add cardigans to my list. But I don't really need boots where I live, I end up wearing ballet flats and oxfords almost all winter because it just doesn't get that cold. I like white shirts because I prefer statement bottoms (bright colors, patterned, stripes, full skirts, etc). I like high contrast outfits and the white looks really crisp against all the bright bottoms. I also mostly tend to stick to white, navy, red, yellow, army green color palette, although I do have some black, blush and coral.

A lot of the variation in everyone's "essentials" comes in the style of the items, I think. Your white woven shirts probably aren't going to be the same style as everyone else's (although there's bound to be overlap). The white woven shirts in my wardrobe are lace, oversized button down, ruffled, have bows the sleeves, french cuffed, ruched, etc. to reflect my feminine-trendy-ALGO tastes. Whereas someone else's might be super structured and classic, or asymmetrical and arty to reflect their personal tastes.

nancylee

Veteran

I'm enjoying this discussion! What I'm learning from all of this wardrobe examination is that my essentials list for fall/winter is quite different from my essentials list for spring/summer. Some of the elements are similar (like denim for fall/winter swapped out for white denim in hot weather), but others are very very different. There is no room for my beloved essentials of jackets/blazers (I hear ya, Suz!) and scarves in summer, for example.

The weather is so extremely different from season to season in my neck of the woods that I have to think pretty big when compiling my lists of wardrobe essentials. *sigh* It's more work...but also an excuse for a bigger wardrobe.

Gaylene

Veteran

Ana, good point about how the type of statements we choose can dictate our essentials. My statement pieces are rarely bottoms; as a matter of fact, I'm like Suz and nancylee in almost always using jackets and blazers as the statement piece in my outfits. It's that column of solid color topped with a jacket/blazer/vest concept that has become my fashion staple (or rut?) That's why summer dressing has always been so hard until I figured out my color blocking concept for this year (cobalt skirt, orange top, turquoise cross-bodybag) which was inspired by MaryK.

And Cheryl's decision to list her cowboy boots and twill work pants makes me realize that any list of essentials would have to take your lifestyle into account. It makes sense that a MOTG's essentials would be different than a corporate executive's or a fashion consultant's--no?

So far, here's my thoughts: While our lists might outwardly seem similar in many respects, our "essentials" need to be personalized by how we would answer the following questions (the "Are you stone, wood, or glass concept?" mentioned by R&J):

Will your "essentials" serve as statement pieces on occasion (like Angie's and Jayne's), or are they more likely just to serve as support for your statement pieces?

What "essentials" must be included given your lifestyle and daily activities?

Does your list of "essentials" need to vary depending on the season?

Do you prefer your statement pieces to be tops? Bottoms? Jackets? Or a combination?

On the whole, do you need a neutral color palette for "essentials", or does your style allow you to incorporate color and print into your "essentials"? (I'm thinking of MaryK's stance that animal prints are a neutral for her.)

How much of your wardrobe do you want to allocate to "essentials"?

I think, by trying to answer these questions, I'd have a clearer idea about exactly what I needed from my "essentials" and that could go a long way in helping me know what would, and wouldn't, be required in my wardrobe. For example, I can already see that I could own more than one pair of black pants but each should fill a different "essential" purpose: one pair for casual, everyday use; one pair with a bit of a twist that could serve as a statement, if required; and a third pair that could work as a spring/summer/early fall "essential".

OH, I can't believe that I might actually be figuring this out. BIG THANK YOU!!!! The YLF ladies rock!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I like this elaboration, Gaylene. It also might help those of us who struggle with whether to buy "yet another" pair of black pants or another white shirt or another jacket. I sometimes feel guilty buying another...but if the item is quite different and serves a different need, it might be every bit essential as the first one. Using your black pants example, just because you have a pair of dressy statement black pants doesn't mean you don't also need a casual pair.

catgirl

Veteran

All right, I'm going to take a stab at this... My essentials would be:

chunky shoes of all varieties
boots and booties or all kinds of weather
coats ditto
boyfriend jeans
skinnies
black blazers
leather moto jackets
cropped or boxy sweaters
tunics
mod long sleeved sheath dresses
Silk buttondowns (ie Equipment shirts)
dress pants for work
RATE belts

And all of these need to fall into my style rubric for me to love them and wear them - i.e. color or pattern, texture, RATE, leather, angular, androgynous, military, UWP, studs-buckles-zippers.

And there is also gear, which feels like a basic to me - need it and use it, but is boring to shop for and is only bought to replace worn-out items.

Essentials I see for other people that are not for me:

crewneck cardigans
ballet flats
dressy pumps
turtlenecks
white buttondowns
white anything
a watch
pretty sandals
summer wear
scarves

Hmm, this was a provocative little exercise! One item I apparently don't feel is essential yet own a huge amount of is SKIRTS...

MsMary

Veteran

I posted this elsewhere, but I think it's still correct for me. My essentials are:

Pencil skirts in all colors
Blazers in all colors
Casual jackets (denim, leather)
High heeled pumps in all colors
Bags in all colors
Beautiful blouses
Skinny jeans (shorts in the summer)
Animal print cardi(s)
Casual knit tops
Belts
Boots
Earrings
Watch(es)
Gear

I wear a lot of other things, but I think these are the core items without which my wardrobe couldn't function!

Traci

Veteran

I think my essentials are simply dresses and footwear (sandals in the summer, booties and boots in the winter). I do wear jeans and skirts occasionally, but I'd say I wear dresses 80% of the time or more. I think cardigans go into the essentials category too. They tend to get thrown on just to make an outfit work, not because I'm in love with the.

I feel like most of my jackets are more in the statement or signature category. I usually add them for the feeling they add to an outfit, not just the coverage they give. I think my denim jacket is an essential, but if I'm using it to dress down a dress does it move into signature/statement? I usually make more of a statement with jewelry.

Pants and tops are more in the fringe category for me. I wear them some, but they always feel like I have to work at them.

Gaylene

Veteran

My first reaction is that Una's list of "essentials" contains several items that would definitely fall into my "statement" category. And that the silhouettes of her "essentials" are quite a bit more adventurous than my list of rather conventional shapes. So that makes me think more and more than any list of "essentials" has to be rather carefully thought out by the individual if the list is to be of any use. (I'm also a bit envious-- I can see how Una would have waaaay more fun shopping for her "essentials".)

My thinking about my "essentials" is starting to undergo a major change. I've always thought of them as needing to be a classic silhouette and color so they could serve as a support for my statement pieces. But it's slowly dawning on me that I ought to branch out to consider deliberately looking for at least some items that could be used both as statements and essentials-- kind of like Una's Theory jacket. (Note to self: You are not allowed to buy another plain black jacket, pair of pants, or sweater under the guise of it being an "essential"!)

And, Una, if you don't need skirts, I'm relinquishing the idea that I need a LBD. I keep thinking that this is a wardrobe hole because I'm missing this "essential". My black tops and skirts fill this hole quite nicely.

Suz, I think both of us are struggling with many of the same issues. Re-building an entire wardrobe is not an easy task. I suspect that my column of dark punctuated with a statement piece thinking comes from trying to find a flattering way to dress a larger figure. Losing weight may have caused my shape to change but not my thinking. LOL

Gaylene

Veteran

And MaryK, I suspected that your "essentials" list was going to have much more print and color than mine. Again, I need to re-think my attitude that "essentials" ought to be only solid colors like black, grey, cream/white, and navy. And colored shoes as an "essential"--wow, that really makes me stretch my mind, even more than an animal print cardi! And putting earrings and colored handbags on an "essential" list is another eye opener. Like Una, I think you have much more fun with your "essentials" than I.

Traci, your list is almost unique but, having seen your pictures, it makes total sense that you would put dresses and footwear at the top of your list. Just a thought, that LBD dress that seems to be on so many lists--do you actually own one? Somehow, when I think of you and Kari in your dresses, your dresses seem to be fit into that "statement/essential" hybrid category. Which, if I was to own a dress, seems to be much more practical for me than that ubiquitous LBD.

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

shiny - I think if you have a minimalist wardrobe, than you probably WOULD be listing almost everything as an essential.

Does anyone else agree?

My Essentials
Daily MOTG essentials: denim, turtlenecks, button downs, camis, fine gauge pullovers, knit/woven jackets, boots (knee high, ankle), flats (oxford, ballet, Cons), watch, specs
For church: pencil skirts (paired with turtlenecks, pullovers, button downs), dresses, pumps (also boots)

Looking at my closet just about the ONLY thing I didn't mention is my faux fur vest.

Am I just totally lost?

Ariel

From this thread and others and Angie's posts I've gleaned the following interpretations ... No idea if they're right :p :

Wardrobe Essential: The items that are versatile for you and you use in many ways and many outfits.
The functions of the "essentials" category to me are to:
--Show you what you wear a lot of so that you can duplicate important items
--Show you what you wear a lot so you can scan that list and see if a stranger reading it would say, "This person is pursing style goal x," where style goal x is in fact your style goal. If not, you should consider what items need to go on that list, and shop for them or if you have them figure out why you're not wearing them often and with many outfits.
Those being the function of the list makes it easier for me personally to understand what should be on it.

Statement Piece: The items that a stranger in Starbucks will compliment you on.

I think a lot of confusion about this comes from the idea that these things can't or shouldn't or don't overlap. So I say they should! Haha

I was envisioning a ven diagram as I read this thread XD

Your Essentials are in one circle and your Statements are in another. For someone like Gaylene, who says she likes to pair one standout Statement with a backdrop of Essentials, the idea wardrobe would have little overlap between the circles, or even be two separate circles. For someone who is enamored with the idea of Statement-making Essentials, the ideal wardrobe's ven diagram would be a circle, or maybe a large circle called "Statement Pieces" with a smaller circle inside called "Essentials."

The level of overlap between the categories has to do with your style preferences, maybe?

For me, the ven diagram is almost a circle, with very few items falling into just one category rather than both, because I love love love my essentials and I think they make a statement.

Speaking of which, my existant essentials are:
--Skinny jeans, three pairs, two blue one black
--Straight-leg dark wash jeans, two pairs
--Blazers, all of the blazers; I love them and have over thirty and wear them all and to all occasions
--Silk button down tops with some shape to them
--Leopard print, gold, silver and black ballet flats
--Flat brown boots
--Healed knee-high black boots
--Men's button downs that I tie just below my waist for casual days
--Black patent leather wedges
--Black mid-calf boots
--Black, grey, khaki and pin-stripe grey skinny trousers
--A white wrap dress, sleeveless, delicious
--Cuff bracelets, x3

Of those, I can only think of a few things I don't consider statement pieces as well: The black flats, the skinny jeans, the black wedges, and my basic black blazer ... although it has delightful seem detailing so I take that one back.

Am I making sense in my understanding to anyone else?

Traci

Veteran

Gaylene,
Until recently I mostly only had little gray dresses. I swore off black many years ago because it had become my default. I've only recently started adding it back as a color in my wardrobe.

I do however, have several dresses that I consider to be very simple, almost basics. They're not dresses I love on their own, but they layer up and build an outfit nicely. I'd say my signature dresses are the ones that make an outfit all on their own. My essential dresses are the ones that just stand in as a backdrop for the rest of the outfit.

I forgot turtlenecks in my essentials list. A well fitting turtleneck sweater is the one piece that makes a separates outfit feel like me. It's almost into signature territory, but can you have a boring signature piece?

I agree with MPJ, there's tons of overlap for me.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

An "essential" is something that your wardrobe can't function without (as per Angie's blog post). This is how I understand it, too. If I didn't have white shirts, I'd have almost nothing to wear with my statement bottoms, and if I didn't have black ballet flats, then I wouldn't have any winter appropriate shoes that go with my outfits. If I didn't have cardigans, I'd freeze (ha ha). Anyway, that's what I understand an "essential" to be. That's why I don't have a very long list of them. Essentials are like the glue that hold my wardrobe together and make everything work.

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