I've enjoyed reading everyone's essentials posts so much, I thought it might be fun to do mine. Because I work from home, my wardrobe is primarily casual. It's based on comfort and a desire to look effortlessly timeless and just slightly polished enough to pull off surprise visits or invitations. I'm very happy with it. The essentials, though, sound quite boring.

EF skinny knit wool pants in black and charcoal
Land's End slim leg jeans, dark indigo wash
Land's End slim leg jeans, white

St. John knit black pencil skirt

EF black and gray stripe merino sweater
Emerson Fry oversized chunky knit black sweater
J. Crew black and white stripe long sleeve tee

Halogen black and white stripe v-neck short sleeve tee
EF gray linen short sleeve tee
Boden white cotton short sleeve tee

St. John knit black knee length dress

Vince navy ribbed cashmere cardigan
Tahari truffle leather jacket

Nautica black and gray peacoat

Black leather and gray wool gloves

My beloved alpaca crew socks

Paul Green dark gray ankle booties
Cloud navy ankle booties
Vans black slip on sneakers
Vans splotchy blue slip on sneakers
Nike Air Essentials sports shoe
Huge fluffy over the ankle slippers to keep my feet warm

I don't as a rule wear jewelry while writing at home, but when I get a chance to go out for business or dinner, these are essential:

Tory Burch black leather wrap bracelet
Antique gold bracelets (2)
Sporty diamond and sapphire earrings that go with everything

I also have almost no need at all for handbags (in my current life) except for business or dinner. Still, I buy them because I like them and have way too many. These, however, are essential:

Kate Spade floral tote in navy and rose
Rebecca Minkoff MAB bag in black
Chanel small black bag

If evil aliens came to Earth and said they were taking me away, these are the clothes and accessories I would insist on packing (along with undergarments, socks, and pajamas). The aliens would just have to understand. I would insist on being given lots of fun new tops, scarves, and shoes when I reach their planet, to replace the fun--but not essential--items I left behind.