Angie, I think my fuzzy area comes in with the idea of updating essentials--when is the update "just updated enough" to remain a background essential-like Joy's question about high-low hem--and when does it become more of a statement? It's easiest for me to see regarding "fluid" fit as opposed to oversized fit. I got a Talbot's sweater in the same style as last year but bought a petite large instead of my usual size, because somehow that fit looks more modern. It's in a kind of dark red but not "the" dark red of the moment so perhaps color updates fit into this as well, though I think of colors as being more universal or individual ("my"colors, your colors) whereas subtle fit differences seem more trend-related.
I think that may have regional and social-circle aspects as well--as in my first sentence--something considered a routine update might make a statement in certain circles!

What an educational read! Now I realize that my comment on your blog post was only partially correct. For my maternity capsule my essentials would be slim pants and tanks/tees. Those are also the only items I've purchased in actual maternity. I'm using cardigans or jackets and booties/sneakers/loafers as my statement pieces and am only adding items in those areas that I think I can use post maternity.
In the past I really only shopped for statement pieces (the fun part) and I would just add essentials (the boring part) if I happened to run across them and I wasn't willing to spend a lot of money on the essentials because they were boring anyways. Two of my essentials would be black turtle necks and black slacks. One big aha moment for me was realizing I was much happier when my essentials were higher quality. So instead of buying a $30 black Tneck that would only last one season I might be much happier with a $100 Tneck that lasts mulitple seasons and makes me feel great when I wear it. (I'm still planning on investigating A&O black slacks after baby!) Now I try to be intentional about shopping for essentials and just as picky, if not more, than when I shop for statement pieces. But this is a work in progress and I thank you for the lesson!

please tell me that my boris 2.0 poncho is an essential.

Thanks for the links, Angie. That cleared up the fog in my brain. You are so skilled at this.

bj1111, maybe Boris is a Necessary Statement.

AviaMariah, you have totally got it. Well done.

bj111, no such luck. Boris 2.0 is a Statement. But you're wearing him over an Essential - the grey J.Crew BF turtleneck, which is the point. Well done.

Bettycrocker, glad things are clearer now.

Unfrumped, it's more about how the piece functions in your wardrobe. Try not to get bogged done into categorizing the details, but try to focus on the bigger picture.

Hmmm....so my black Lafayette sweater, which works with multiple bottoms, is an essential. And it's a modern/current essential because it's drapey and has a hi low hem. While my cashmere poncho is a neutral (charcoal), it's a statement because of its more dramatic style.

Does that sound right?

Ok here's my rule of thumb...

My teal peacoat (someone upthread mentioned similar...) is STATEMENT because I can't wear it with my statement pants.
My graphic blue-and-white patterned pants are STATEMENT because I can't wear them with statement tops or jackets (see teal peacoat).
My black straight-legged jeans are ESSENTIAL because I can wear them with just about any top or topper - statement or essential. Obviously some things work better than others, but nothing is really ruled out right off the bat.

I think it does depend on personal style, some people can wear their statement pieces together to amazing maximal effect. I have the odd combo that works too. Sometimes the trick is adding a third ESSENTIAL piece to tone it down, and maybe even a scarf to tie it all together - this is getting quite maximal, for me!

Further thoughts... my rainboots and snowboots, while essential in that I need them, can be somewhat statement-y because I only wear them in limited circumstances and certain silhouettes (skinny jeans, basically). As long as I have essential toppers, or coordinate appropriately, I'll be fine because I don't "need" these boots to work with all my bottoms or toppers. Their shape and function actually prohibits it. And because these items are gearish and functional, I actually prefer them to have some statement element, for kicks! ESSENTIAL gear is too plain.

Etc.

Ok something clicked while I slept! Are essentials items that "go with" other things and support them, while statements are items that require those supporting acts? Or am I even remotely on the right track?

So my Kut pointe skinnies are definitely essentials in my work world. Pegged one, anyway!

I see my Essentials as simple items that are very easy to style as they go with almost anything. Statements are items that I have to put more thought into styling, because of their cut or color, and they are usually difficult to combine with other Statements.

Hmmm. I'm catching up on this too, since in the blog post I mentioned three things that Angie says are statements, not essentials. I can see the BCBG long black jacket as a statement, and the Everly booties (although in a broader sense, a black jacket and a black bootie would be essentials), but I would argue that the cropped Athleta capris are essentials and not statements -- they're black, unadorned, a simple shape (fluid and not overly baggy), and they don't fight with anything I wear them with.

The jacket and booties, to me are subtle statement pieces -- there's some detail and drama there, but the black keeps them from fighting with other statement pieces. I have other jackets that I would not want to wear with plaid pants, for example, because they're much stronger statements in terms of color and detailing.

This is interesting to think about. It makes me realize why, even though I owned black booties, I needed my black Ugg Cortona boots. Worn without the spats, they are very simple chelsea booties. Those would be essentials. My Fluevog flat booties are quirkier -- pointy toes, an unusual closure style, etc., and I tend to wear them with simpler outfits since they are a statement.

It seems to me that the more neutral in color and style an item is, with less texture, pattern, shine, or detail, the more it would qualify as an essential rather than a statement.

I guess the thing that's messing me up a little is that my long black jacket really does work with other statement pieces and is easy for me to style. Same goes for the black Everly booties. These pieces are easier for me to style that most typical "essentials" like a white button-front shirt or a pencil skirt!

Perhaps one person's essential might be another person's statement.

Having just shopped there looking for a plain LBD, I would say that anything at WHBM would count as a statement piece

Wow... Very late to this conversation but I feel like I've had a bit of an epiphany about lacking statement pieces in my wardrobe. I need to look at my wardrobe and identify what is what.

Janet, that's my issue too - I feel like I wear my statement pieces as essentials. I think I have a higher tolerance for high impact items. So if a black jacket is an essential for you, why isn't YOUR particular black jacket an essential?

alaskagirl, as I see it (and I could be wrong), I think there are several folks you, Janet, Neel for example who often have an outfit with several statement pieces at once but they work together harmoniously (often because of color). They can be workhorses in the wardrobe and not difficult to style because they go with a key look of the wearer. In my mind they are still statements however since they draw the eye and aren't cookie cutter in design.

If you think of it, if you are people watching sitting in a cafe window by there are certain items of clothing you notice passing by, because of color, cut, pattern or movement, they stand out.

I'd bet that unless I am specifically focused on it, or the outfit is making a statement with unusual juxtapositions, I'm not noticing classic essentials like black booties or pumps, neutral blouses or sweaters, jeans in traditional washes and cuts. They are more like the scaffolding of the building, and the statement pieces are the billboards and window dressings. So if Janet passed by on the street -- I'd notice her jacket, plaid pants, and unusual booties, the same with your shoes and tunic tops for example, or Neel's culottes and bright bags.

In my experience very rarely do people comment on or compliment non-statement pieces out in the world. Not because someone doesn't look great in them, but because by their nature they are designed to be unobtrusive.

A statement piece can still be a workhorse. I thinks that's a pretty astute observation, Rabbit.

Rabbit, thank you for that! "Unobtrusive" makes sense. It also helps to see that it's not just about our own tolerance but how others view it.

My friends often make this comment: "Only you could/would wear that". Not sure it's always a compliment, and it's certainly not true! But often they are talking about my most worn favorites - Gidigio boots or Allsaints leather jacket. To me they are just the items I love wearing most. As you say, statement workhorses. You are so smart.

So maybe I shouldn't be conflating "most worn or useful" with "essential"?

YES, Una. You are on the right track. Don't mix up "most worn" with Essentials. Take a moment to figure out your Essentials. That way I promise you'll find it easier to pull together your outfits.

Janet, you're forgetting that a pencil skirt and white button down shirt aren't your Essentials in the first place, so it's not an accurate comparison. That's why you have a hard time styling them. Your Essentials are tees, moto jackets, skinny jeans, tough boots and V-neck sweaters.

Janet, will you wear a pair of sporty cropped Athleta capris next year? If you do, perhaps they will become an Essential.

Rabbit made an interesting point: Statement pieces can be wardrobe workhorses - just like Essentials. Like my white Beatle booties, or Janet's black tunic BCBG jacket.

Susie, that sounds right.

Jules makes another good point. You can absolutely wear statement pieces from head to toe - which I think Rabbit hinted at too. You don't need to wear Essentials with Statement pieces at all. AND, you can wear Essentials from head to toe. My point is that most frequently - in my experience of dressing people for a living - combining Statement pieces with Essentials in one outfit hits the right level of comfort. Statement pieces aren't necessarily easy to style, which makes having an assortment of Essentials very, VERY handy.

I'm getting it, Angie. Absolutely, one person's essentials are not necessarily another's. I could see those Athleta capris being essentials if fluid fits are still trending next summer and that cut looks current. Workhorse does not equal essential.

Great comments, Rabbit!

You ARE getting it, Janet. You're a fast learner. xo

This has been fascinating. And I am starting to realise that pretty much all my tops are statements. I gravitate towards tops with detail or texture and the plain essential styles get little wear. But I'm realising that if I maintain a good set of essential bottoms (pencil skirts, skinny pants and bootcut pants in black and white) then I will be able to make that work just fine!

I have no idea how it happens that I do logical analysis for a living and for the life of me cannot apply it to style and fashion! I think I am the last one to grasp this "essential" theory but maybe I am getting it now?
Last year when I got cobalt trousers I realized that I don't have booties, coat and bag to go with them because all my booties, coats and bags were not essentials but rather statements. So I had to get brown Vaneli booties, black a Danier bag and black Danier coat so I can wear those darn pants. I think all three items are essentials in a sense that they can easily play with a lot of things in my closet. They are not plain by all means but they are in a neutral color AND streamlined in style. I think they make a statement on their own but also play well with others so essentially they are essentials.
This is how I understand what are essentials: things which simple enough in color and style to play well with a lot of other things AND without them you CANNOT build outfits true to your style AND lifestyle.
So if I am right in this here is MY list of essentials which I own right now:
- button down shirts in white, neutral solid colors or subtle patterns like stripes;
- turtlenecks in cream, navy and black;
- sweaters in navy and cream;
- jeans in blue and white/cream in BF, skinny and straight leg styles;
- trousers in my solid neutral colors (cream, black) AND current styles (cigarette and men-style relaxed trousers for me for the last 2 years);
- streamlined style booties and boots in black and brown.
- long black man-style coat;
- brown leather blazer;
- cream leather moto jacket.
- warm puffer in neutral color (cream);

Now below are "almost" essentials because they are still pretty versatile but not quite:
- purple trench - goes with almost everything but those darn cobalt trousers!
- black tuxedo blazer - because of the shiny collar it is more of a statement than essential and therefore has some limitations when it can be worn but still works nicely with a lot of stuff;
- denim bootcuts and flares - style and color wise they are as versatile as BF and skinnies but because of the weather and heel height requirements they are not as useful for me and therefore not an essential.

Now I know why I have been desperately searching for white straight leg jeans, black streamlined booties (found those!), black cigarette trousers (found those too!), classic navy blazer, navy cigarette or straight leg trousers - because they are all holes I have among my essentials!
Dresses and skirts are not essentials for me but a welcome style refresher. I can live without them but it is nice to have them to play with. Dressy heeled neutral boots are also not essentials but they are essential for wearing those dresses and skirts in winter!

Essentials are also what makes 80% of my travel wardrobe because they are easy to mix and match which is an important quality when you dress out of a suitcase for a long period of time.

Most of my jackets, footwear and coats are statement pieces although I have statement pieces in essential categories as well.

Does it make sense at all?

Sveta, I'm nodding my head, you are so right about the travel wardrobe. I've also experienced how if I bring home a statement piece and have nothing it wear it with, it's because I don't have enough essentials that won't fight with it in form or color.

Nodding my head, too. Really great comments and distinctions here -- potentially helpful. Thanks, all.

Sveta, I like what you added about essentials being those pieces you need to build outfits for your style and your lifestyle. That also helps whittle it down quite a lot. So for Janet -- the tee shirt vs. the white button front; for Janet or for me, the jeans vs. the pencil skirt; for MsMary, the pencil skirt and blazers.

I still (even after 3 years on YLF) tend strongly to buy essentials and "regulars." Whereas others tend to buy statements and can even wear them successfully together, I tend to feel awkward if my outfits aren't anchored by at least one or two essentials. Hmmm.

I might try to analyze the proportions of each in my closet. Could be very interesting.

I missed the discussion in the original post so I'm glad it's been continued here. I think I was much too busy with Shopbop's sale but now it's over so I can relax and not shop for a few weeks. LOL.

I dress in essentials for work. White button down, dark wash skinny or straight jeans. Just today, I was once again feeling unfab with my work outfit and after reading this thread, I had my own AHA moment!

That for me, a head-to-toe essentials outfit is easy but can get boring. I think this is why every few days I wear a bright colored shirt just to break things up. Or why, when I wear my bird-print bomber over my work uniform, I always get compliments. The bomber is a statement piece, that thankfully is washable and works nicely with my uniform.

Today on top of the white shirt I wore my burgundy knit blazer that is pilling. I think I can live with the pill for a few more months, but next time I wear it perhaps I should combine it with a colored shirt so I don't feel head-to-toe essentials.

Denise, I think this is important for me. Thank you.

My tendency to buy a lot of essentials is (on the one hand) a good thing -- it allows me to get dressed pretty easily. And it is practical.

But perhaps at least some of my need for constant updates/ refreshers (read, closet churn) is because I don't have the right balance of statements to essentials. I get bored of outfits that are all essentials, all the time.

Hmm. I wonder. Will have to analyze my closet more carefully to figure this out.

Suz getting dressed with ease has value. I find I fluctuate between being perfectly happy with a uniform/formula and wanting to break out. So to bring this thought back on topic, my level of happiness with essentials-driven outfits fluctuates. Sometimes I need more statement in my look than others. Color and trend-driven items are my conventional ways to add statement back to my look.

Statement Workhorses .... AHA!

Thanks rabbit! And I wouldn't have thought my handbags were statements?! I rarely look at updating my handbags unless they are unsuitable for use! I see them more as outfit completers. Hmm ... I have to do the Essentials/Statements exercise like Tanya and Sveta for every WIW, so I understand this more clearly.

I've been thinking about this concept and trying to get my head around this.

Based on my last few WIW pics, can I say that I mostly wear essentials and not many statement pieces? Except for maybe shoes and jewellery? Would the tube skirt be a statement piece? And the white jeans as they're a departure from my normal denim staple?