This wardrobe essential concept is hard. Still after 5 years membership I don't think I fully get it. I'm not sure which are my basics and which are essentials. I tried to make a list anyway. Here it is:

  • Maxi cardigan (mid thigh length). I have 6-7 long cardigans that are in rotation all year round. This is my easy third piece that keeps me warm, relaxed and cohesive. It fits the bill for MOTG and smart casual work days.
  • Blazer. I always need a blazer for presentations and lectures. Makes me feel sharp and professional.
  • A-line or pencil skirt. I love skirts because it's feminine, fun and easy to keep warm by just wearing the right tights or bare legs in the summer.
  • Black footwear. Black has been my default colour since the 1990's. Also when it comes to footwear. Since it bookends my hair, I feel like I can't go wrong (at least in my mind).
  • Maxi scarf. I always wear a maxi scarf in winter. It keeps my neck warm when I'm outside, and I often drape it over my shoulders when I'm indoors.
  • ETA: knit wool sweaters. keeps me warm and cosy through cold winter days. Can't live without them, both as MOTG and work wear.

Well, this list became very short. Not sure if this list is specific enough. I wear knit wool sweaters and jeans a lot, too (especially in winter). I don't know why I didn't put it on the list. Maybe I should? Feel free to add, remove or explain to me what a wardrobe essential is. I'm still confused.

UPDATE, refinement for winter 2017:

  • Maxi cardigan: emerald green (cardi's are actually worn more in autumn and late winter/ early spring
  • Wool sweaters: charcoal cable knit v-neck, off white cashmere (textured knit), red sweater (even if it's red, it doesn't feel like statement at all)
  • A-line and pencil skirts: Navy a-line over knee, charcoal pencil. I've worn a light grey a-line knee-length skirt a lot, too, but I'm not sure it's a statement or not. It is fairly
  • Black footwear: booties and boots, not at all statement, very functional, yet far from gear
  • Maxi scarf: black and dusty mint green. I think the mint green is a light neutral and therefore not statement
  • Jeans: burgundy cropped jeans
  • Coat: Black Zara coat with embroidery

UPDATE, refinement for early spring 2017 (still snow on the ground):

  • Maxi cardigans: blush cardi
  • Blouses and button-ups: blush silk blouse, white textured cotton blouse and white button-up, plaid button-up (maybe statement?)
  • Jeans: charcoal, light blue, black
  • Pencil skirt: charcoal pencil
  • Casual blazer: boilded wool blazer, kind of cross-over between cardi (casual) and blazer (shoulder pads, structured, no lapels)
  • Coat: light grey cocoonish coat, beige trench
  • Maxi scarf: dusty mint green

I think this is a better list. I used the ClosetSpace app where I record what I'm wearing. Quite helpful! Still a bit unsure about some pieces and surprised I wear blazers and dresses so little. All feedback welcome.

PS. I bought a pair of grey skinny jeans the other day and they just pull so many items together! But they are really very plain and simple, and has been on my wish list for about two years (since my other pair got worn out).

8 years ago