I'm copy/pasting my advice from this thread http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rting-over.
ETA here's my MOTG make-over of the list:
- 2 perfectly fitting bras
- 2 weeks worth of quality underwear (no visible panty lines!)
- 2-3 pairs of cute, versatile, casual shoes and/or boots
- 2 pairs of dark denim jeans (straight, skinny, or boot cut) that work with all of the shoes
- I pair of dark pants (brown, gray, black, whatever is best for you) that go with at least a pair or two of the shoes
- 14 tops that can be worn with all of the pants, and at least some that will also work with a skirt (for the 1.5 months when it's warm), and each should work with at least 3 of your cardigans and jackets - you can include a couple basic tees, but most should be nice enough that you could wear them without a cardi or jacket to a nice-ish restaurant and feel good about them
- 4 cardigans, each should work with at least 5 of the tops
- 3 jackets/blazers, each should work with at least 5 of the tops
- 1 little "black" dress - doesn't have to be black, but should be versatile enough that you could wear it on a date, to a wedding, to a performance/show, etc.
- 1 fall/winter/spring coat that will keep you warm and dry
depending on your lifestyle:
- 1 snow boots
- 1 each of workout wear (shoes, sports bra, top, pants, layers, etc) (maybe 2 on some, depending on how often you do laundry)
With this you have all of your bases covered, and can go a full two weeks without repeating a top. I would make sure that these are all quality pieces that fit you PERFECTLY. All of these pieces should be 10s that flatter, fit, and make you feel great! During my first month (or several) with just the basics, I would spend some time thinking about what was missing.
As we get closer to summer, I would add a skirt or two, and a pair or two of bermudas (make sure they work with the tops, cardis, and jackets). And a pair of sandals, or other summery shoes.
I spent two semesters studying abroad with about 30 items of clothes, and tops were what I always wanted more of, so I tend to stock up on tops and get by with a minimal number of bottoms and shoes. Some people love a variety of shoes, and some love a variety of accessories. If you don't know which camp you fit into, I would start with the basics and just see what you feel like you need more of, and then slowly add to your collection.
Also, if you're starting over on accessories too, I would focus on one hip belt and one waist belt in your go to neutral colors (mine are black and cognac, but yours might be different). I would get 2 neutral scarves and 2 colorful scarves. Add a couple versatile pairs of earrings and an 18" necklace chain with a couple pendants and you're set.
Finally, if you're up for limiting yourself to a color palette it can be EXTREMELY helpful at getting the maximum remix potential out of your wardrobe. I've held on to a couple gray and black items, but for the most part I've completely given in to earth colors. I would be happy to say more about this if you're interested!
