Ariel, the idea that an "essential" and a "statement" did not have to be totally separate categories was my breakthrough moment. And, to be fair, I think Angie made this point in her thread, but it somehow just didn't click in at the time. For me, it was comparing everyone's lists that made me understand Angie's point. And I like your idea about the Venn diagram; that makes it easy for me to conceptualize how categories can quite logically overlap to form subsets (probably because I use these diagrams all the time in linguistics this image really clicked in for me). I also like the "Starbucks" test for statement pieces!

And thank you, Traci and Shiny, for helping me realize that dresses, which I now realize I've always tended to think of as "statements", can also belong on an "essentials" list if they allow you to create multiple outfits.

I'm also starting to understand that, for people who have built a wardrobe of unique pieces, thinking of those pieces as "essentials" makes sense, especially if they use those items over and over in many different outfits. And there really isn't any reason why "essentials" have to be limited to a neutral color or a classic shape. While it might be easier to integrate these shapes with other items, I can see how expanding my definition opens things up to a much more creative way of dressing.

MPJ, I am also tending to agree that, if I want to evolve into having a smaller, minimalist wardrobe, I probably need to stop thinking of my "essentials" and "statements" as totally separate categories. Otherwise my minimalist wardrobe will end up being a collection of snooze-worthy "classics" that really don't reflect my style. This way of thinking should also be an enormous help in putting together a summer wardrobe where I can't depend on my "statement" jackets to add the zip to my style.

Finally, Ana, while I think I want to try to find more interesting items that will function as my "essentials", you remind me that this evolution will be more successful if I don't lose sight of the fact that this broader approach to my "essentials" needs to be done carefully so I can still integrate my new pieces with my "statements" to create actual outfits. It won't be as easy as just grabbing a tried-and-true silhouette or color, but the pay off might be huge.

"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."
So funny Gayelene - mine too.

Gaylene, am fascinated that you see my essentials as statements! Which ones and why? Sounds like we are all plunging forward with these ideas.... In looking at MPJ's list I see most of the items I listed as not essentials for me. Yet I love her style on her! Am ony phone but will be back for more.

"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."

Una, that's what I think makes your essentials into statements. When I look at my original list of essentials, all of the items look very classic, and, if I'm honest, rather dull if they weren't given a boost by wearing them with a "statement" piece. If all of the items on my original list were of designer quality, then, maybe, they would have enough distinctiveness to be classified as statements, but, when most of them are mass-market, I think they are functional but not really stylish. I mean, really, a black V-neck sweater worn with black straight leg pants is hardly something that will set you apart from the crowd.

On the other hand, your "essential" black sweater would have much more visual appeal-- in your words: texture, RATE, leather, angular, androgynous, military, UWP, studs-buckles-zippers-- any of which would turn that sweater into a statement piece in my wardrobe. But, in your wardrobe, you'd use that black sweater in much the same way as I'd use that black V-neck making it do the same job. So, on a list of essentials, we might both put down "black sweater", but our reality would be quite different.

What I'm coming to realize is that I need to really expand my view of what constitutes an "essential". Instead of always defaulting to that classic V-neck, maybe the next time I need a black sweater, I need to take a page from your book and consider something that would work with other pieces but would also be more reflective of my personal style.

This has been so interesting for me and I can't thank you ladies enough for helping me come to this realization.

This is a very interesting discussion, and I am trying to apply it to my own style.

ETA- oops I missed the direction that this was to compare Fall/Winter.

Gaylene, I see that now. I was reading this thread on my phone originally and missed that part of the discussion somehow. Sorry to be redundant :O

It helped me to articulate it tho so at least there's that :p

I'm still confused & need to get this out to clarify my thoughts. I'm thinking about Gaylene's descriptions of her current essentials & alaskagirls - are we talking about a difference in kind or are we talking about quality or both? To use her example of a v-neck black sweater that would be an essential for many people; to my mind there is a huge difference between a plain cheap acrylic knit that starts to look awful after about two washes & a well made silk or linen one. For me, these "plain" essentials need to be or look like quality otherwise my whole look will suffer & I will never feel I have the right clothes. This has been really helpful for me - thanks all.

Oh, Ariel, your comments were so helpful. Your Venn diagram totally clicked with me-- one of those *slapping my forehead* "why couldn't I have thought of it that way" moments. And as for redundancy, I think my musings about this topic on this thread are probably boring everyone who is thinking "yeah, right, we knew this stuff all along; why are you so slow to pick up on it" :p

Laurinda-- not a problem about posting a summer list of essentials. I think that's the season I have the most difficulty with because I can't just throw on a statement jacket or add a scarf to liven up an uninspiring outfit. I also started using color as a statement this summer and I was surprised at how well it worked out for me.

Caro, you zeroed in on exactly what I'm also starting to think. If I want to build a wardrobe around essentials that have a very classic silhouette and a neutral palette, those garments have to be high-quality items if I plan to wear them by themselves and still want to look stylish. I guess a good example might be that Parisian chic look where a woman wears an impeccably tailored black wool trouser with a cashmere sweater and Chanel flats. Worlds away from an inexpensive, acrylic sweater and polyester pants outfit. The first looks stylish without any further embellishment; the second, boring and uninspiring without adding something to the mix.

I've not read all your responses yet. As I've been going through my wardrobe and trying to form capsules, I find several items that are important parts of more than one capsule, maybe even more to than one season. Those feel like they should be my essentials.

I think this is where personal style comes into play. My essential black blazer may not be your essential black blazer, because what interests us may be different. That doesn't mean classic is boring, or edgy is "out there", right?

I'm finding that since I'm really not competent or interested in wearing lots of pieces or being ALGO like, say, MaryK, I need each item I wear to have some presence in order to still feel complete. Hence Team Statement Minimal for me. Not big on lots of accessories, bling or excess, so I like the items to speak for themselves.

For example, I've finally realized that the idea of the "basic LBD" that can be accessorized a million ways is NOT going to work for me. I'm not up to that challenge. Instead, I need the LBD itself to be a statement. It took a really long time for me to realize this about myself - I'm not the kind of person who can look at an item as a blank canvas for endless combinations of shoes and accessories.

Epiphany of the day.