40 Wardrobe Essentials for Effortless Style
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I’ve spent the last 10 plus years understanding the key items women need in their wardrobes to make the act of getting dressed, simple, easy and effortless. Once I learnt the foundations of a wardrobe and put this into practice in my own closet, the time it took me to get dressed became quicker, I avoided those dreaded moments where It felt like I had nothing to wear (or rather nothing that I felt good in), and I finally started to feel like me.
What had happened was that my clothes were no longer wearing me, I wasn’t falling victim to trends that weren't flattering, and as a result I became the most confident I had ever felt in my own body.
I then wanted to pass that power on to other women, and found that there is a whole community who share the same values and interest in a minimalist and classic approach to style.
When I started to put this key wardrobe essentials list together I actually didn’t think I would get to 40 items, but without including shoes, accessories and key pieces of jewellery, which all equate to an outfit, the list felt incomplete.
My caveat on this list is that building out your wardrobe essentials takes time. Be ruthless in your search for the perfect [insert wardrobe essential here] as it’ll make you a more conscious shopper, and you’ll have, love and wear that piece for longer, knowing you took your time.
Use this list as a guide to check through your wardrobe. You probably have most of these already, but if you find yourself with a wardrobe of clothes and with nothing to wear, you might find this list helpful to form up your wardrobe essentials so you can put outfits together with ease.
1. Plain White T-shirt
Classic Tee by RE/DONE
2. White Shirt
Signature Cotton Shirt by TOTEME
3. White Tank
Curved Rib Tank by Toteme
4. Black Tank or Camisole
Curved Rib Tank by Toteme
5. Neutral Knitwear
Rosie Sweater by ANINE BING
6. Black Knitwear
Cooper Cardigan by JENNI KAYNE
7. Black Blouse
Classic Silk Shirt Sheer by Saint
8. Striped Long Sleeve Top
Long Sleeve Stripe Tee by COS
9. Blue Jeans
Twisted Seam Denim by Toteme
10. White Jeans
Twisted Seam Denim by Toteme
11. Black Jeans
12. Black Trousers
13. White or Cream Trousers
Myrna Bias Pant by A.EMERY
14. Black Leggings
15. Black Skirt
Malvo Crepe Maxi Skirt by The Frankie Shop
16. Black Tailored Shorts
Astor Shorts by A.Emery
17. Simple Black Dress
18. Black Blazer
Tailored Suit Jacket by Toteme
19. Black Coat
Signature Wool Cashmere Coat by Toteme
20. Denim Jacket
Denim Jacket by BASSIKE
21. Neutral Trench
Signature Trench by Toteme
22. Black Suit
Tailored Suit Jacket by Toteme
Pleated Suit Pants by Toteme
23. Pyjamas/Loungewear
Brushed Cotton Set by Jasmine and Will
24. Black Ballet Flats
Brie Flat by A.Emery
25. Black Sandals
Kinto Sandals by A.Emery
26. Neutral Sandals
Kinto Sandals by A.EMERY
27. Neutral Heels
Juliette Midi by Nelson Made
28. Black Heels
Juliette Midi by Nelson Made
29. White Sneakers
30. Black Boots
Arizona Boot by Toteme
31. Black Tote Bag
Large Tote Bag by Rylan
32. Black Evening Bag
33. Basket Bag
Raffia Blake Hobo Tote by Rylan
34. Classic Black Belt
Classic Leather Belt by SAINT
35. Neutral Hat
The Inca Bucket by Lack of Color
36. Black Sunglasses
Original Wayfarer Classic by Ray Ban
37. Everyday Earrings
38. Evening Earrings
Crawford Asscher Cut Earrings by Dorsey
39. Elevated Necklace or Bracelet
Kate Round Cut Necklace by Dorsey
40. Black One Piece
Square Neck One Piece by Hunza G