I am still fighting off this ridiculous cold but I am hopeful that I will be able to record some video footage by this weekend to share with you all. My voice is back mostly but still pretty scratchy.
Today I wanted to talk a little bit about basic "must-haves" in your wardrobe. I am sure this is nothing new to some people but I know that a lot of people do not enjoy shopping as much as I do, and many of us are on tight budgets but we still want to look good and make a good impression.
I feel like there are a few basic necessities that are very versatile and can be great staples in anyone's wardrobe, and with the right key pieces, anyone can look fierce! Some things are worth investing a little more money in, especially if you know it's something you will wear a lot, but you don't always need to pay more to get good quality or fit.
1.) first and foremost, I think everyone (women and men) needs a great, well-fitting pair of basic black dress pants. The style/fit is kind of dependent on your preference and body shape, but I tend to gravitate toward a more fitted pant (skinny or straight leg) with a high rise waist and a nice, thicker probably ponte knit fabric to provide some stretch but also keep it's structure.
Look for something that doesn't need to be dry cleaned, is durable, and well made so it won't fall apart after washing it or wearing it a few times...these will be something you will likely wear at least once a week (maybe more) so if you find a pair that is at a higher price point, you might justify paying a little more for a quality fit/craftsmanship. You might even be able to find a great pair of pants at a thrift store for super inexpensive. Also shop during big sales and look for coupons online (Retail Me Not is a great app for in-store or online coupon codes you may not even be aware of).
2.) Layering pieces are also something I find completely necessary to help round out a "put together" look...think tank tops/under shirts and cardigans or jackets. I would recommend getting these in solids to start, so you can mix/match and wear them with different prints. Start with Neutral tones if you're new to color and print, like black, taupe, brown, navy, gray and white/cream. If you're a more colorful/adventurous person, maybe grab something in a red, pink, teal or even my personal favorite lately, mustard yellow (which I happen to think goes with almost anything). Adding a pop of color with a cardigan or a bright peekaboo underneath can often elevate your entire look.
4.) JEANS! yes, I know most people already have these but for real, they are obviously a necessity. You can wear them with just about anything and can style them dressy or casual.
I'd suggest trying on lots of them til you find a pair you feel good in...look for a good fit at the waist and the butt, the legs and the length. Make sure you could wear them with a shirt tucked in or out, and if you want to wear them with boots, make sure they will either fit tucked into them (skinny or straight leg) or that they are wide enough to wear on the outside (boot cut). I think a boot cut jean tends to flatter figures with wider hips because they create visual balance, but skinny jeans seem to be more versatile when deciding what footwear to pair them with.
I prefer a darker wash, since I feel like they are easier to dress up...but I really like a lighter wash, distressed look for casual days or to wear with sneakers.
5.) Well-fitting undergarments should really be number one on this list, but I am not going in any particular order really.
Ladies, I am mostly talking about your bra. Having the girls lifted up where they are supposed to be can seriously make ALL the difference in how your clothes fit you! It can take 15 lbs off instantly, and create a much more desirable silhouette...when your chest is lifted, your waist looks smaller, simple as that. If you have a large chest, this is easier said than done, but it is worth finding and paying for a well fitting bra, even if you have to go to a special retailer. Make sure you get FITTED...don't just go in and try on a bunch and decide what feels most comfortable. Sorry to say, the first time you put on a bra that is actually the right size, it might not actually feel great. No worries though, the more you wear it, you will realize it feels better than any other bra you've worn because your ladies will be secure, in place, not moving or falling out, you won't have rubbing in the wrong spots and the straps should not dig in or fall down.
Panties are also kind of an overlooked piece of clothing...but if you're wearing the wrong shape or size it can create problems with the fit of your pants. Look for seamless undies, or ones with smoothing effects for wear under more fitted clothes.
I also want to mention shape wear here...again, I know it's not for everyone, but it can be a big confidence booster for those of us who have sagging or lumps or even just want to feel more secure in some of our more fitted clothing. Make sure you are getting the right size of shape wear, it probably shouldn't be easy to put on or else it's not really going to do much...but not so tight that it causes bulges along the edges or cuts off circulation! It's definitely a personal preference on what you can stand to wear and how often-some people like a light compression garment for daily wear and some just want something for those special occasions.
6.) Accessories...I am going to lump them all together here because everyone has their own style preference on the types of accessories they prefer to wear, but these are serious necessities, especially if you have a relatively basic wardrobe but want to add something different or interesting. I've based entire outfits off of a simple accessory before, so I think they are essential.
You don't have to spend tons of money on expensive jewelry...I have friends that sell $5 costume jewelry on the side, or even find plenty of bold pieces on clearance sales or thrift stores!
If you're not a jewelry person, consider scarves, hats or belts as another inexpensive way to add some color/print/patterns or textures to your outfits. I personally love finding bold printed or colored shoes but again, not everyone's cup of tea...I like to have lots of options when it comes to my accessories because they often end up creating the entire mood of an outfit...just adding a scarf or a pair of funky boots can often turn an outfit into something completely different.
7.) LBD. (little black dress)...this is actually kind of a misnomer because it doesn't actually have to be black, or little...but it should be a dress you can wear to multiple types of functions (think wedding guest, baby shower, holiday party, date night, etc) and feel your best. Maybe your color is red, blue, green or pink? likely it should be short sleeved or sleeveless so you can wear it in warmer seasons or add a cardigan or shrug if it's cooler, and possibly in a mostly solid color versus a print so you can change it up with accessories, especially if you're not sure how to mix/match quite yet. Look for something in a traditional shape that flatters your particular figure. Typically A-line or fit/flare is a flattering style on almost any body type.
Just because it's a basic dress doesn't mean it needs to be boring though...look for something you love. maybe it has some mesh inset, or a ruffle detail, maybe a small embroidered detail or some lace or buttons. Just try to decide if it's something that will stand the test of time when you pull it out for your nephew's wedding in 2025.
It can be a super simple, pull-on elastic waist jersey knit, stretch material or a fancy, tailored suit quality fabric...either way, it's a super versatile piece to have in your wardrobe and I think any woman that wears dresses or skirts regularly needs one in her repertoire. A pencil skirt can be worn so many ways, with a blousy top tucked in or with a drapey shirt and layered cardigan for a more business casual look. Add a fancy top and accessories for an elegant night out...you can wear it with ankle boots, heels or sandals depending on the season or the weather...it can be worn year-round and for so many different occasions...it's really the skirt version of a nice pair of black dress pants, but can be even more comfortable depending on the fabric/style you choose. I had a jersey knit one I wore for a long time when I was heavier and it always made me feel good because it always fit even if I gained a few lbs. I usually wear mine high on the waist with a top tucked in to make my legs look longer, and I have several colors/prints and I love them all. It's also great if you haven't found your perfect LBD...a pencil skirt can totally work for all the same occasions!
10.) my last necessity is also not a piece of clothing, but sort of related to #9--basically, personal grooming and self care in general is so important! I am lumping in Makeup and cosmetics here but I am referring to all of it...everyone should have some kind of self care or beauty regimen, whether it be just washing and moisturizing your skin, shaving your legs and bits, waxing, plucking, whatever you gotta do...but take care of your skin...go as far as you feel comfortable going...get your brows done, get your lady bits done, shave your legs when you know you're going to be exposing them. Go get your nails done if you have the time and money! This is a great way to start taking time for yourself for a little pampering. If you don't have the money, you can do them at home if you feel comfortable....I never go to the salon for my nails because I have a ton of nail polish and I am comfortable doing my own...but I really can't stand it when my nails are not done...it makes me feel unfinished.
If you've never been good at makeup or have no idea what you're doing, start simple...watch some beginner videos on youtube...I have a simple every day makeup routine I follow that I filmed for youtube here , but there are thousands of them out there if you're looking for something different. The right makeup look can also make or break a great outfit...less is usually best especially for beginners. Stick with something natural til you feel comfortable experimenting!
So...I am sure I missed something but I really do feel like these are all essential to a put-together look and the buildng blocks to creating your own personal style wardrobe...you can obviously tweak the basics to create your own personal aesthetic...maybe you really love chunky jewelry, bold prints, colorful patterns...or maybe you're a minimalist. Maybe you find out that you're a hat person or you love scarves...these are all things you can start accumulating to build your wardrobe and accessories collection. Start simple and work your way up...you might find that by experimenting, you will come realize you already had more style than you thought!
