As we start another year, I want to make sure you will have the most versatile and stylish wardrobe so I put together a list of wardrobe assets and liabilities.
The "liabilities" are not bad or wrong, they're just, well, liabilities. We fret over how and what to wear them with while the basics, or wardrobe assets, remain timeless and effortless.
So read on and enjoy and may the urge to purge be strong!
Remember, the key to organizing anything is not to shuffle items into new places, but to let go. (If you want to read the list for men, or pass it on to someone you know, you can find that here.)
White Jeans - These go with everything. Seriously. EVERYTHING. Any color looks good with them, but when in doubt, you can always go for the classic black and white combo. If someone is missing these from their wardrobe, I always put them on the shopping list.
White Heels - 80s. Need I say more?
Booties Below the Ankle Bone - When they dip below the ankle bone, they don't shorten the line of the leg and you can wear them with ankle jeans/pants, skirts and dresses.
Booties Above the Ankle Bone - This is limiting because these always seem to fight with pants - jeans never stay tucked in and your legs look like they're floating... in a half shoe, half boot. It's just... awkward and, well, a wardrobe liability.
Chambray Shirt - Think of this as the white shirt's casual sister. When you don't know what to wear with that printed skirt, try chambray. What should you wear with your leather skirt, black pants, white jeans or under a sweater? A chambray shirt.
Denim Skirt - While this is classic American style, a denim skirt never seems to stay in place and I'm sorry, but I just can't help but think of Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich.
Fabric that looks like denim is a-okay, but leave the bulky denim skirt behind.
Nordstrom.com
Metallic Shoes - If you don't have a good pair of nude heels or flats, metallics (silver, pewter, gold or bronze), will always work -- with ANYTHING. Floral dresses, bold colors, jeans, black - yes, yes, yes and yes. Metallics for the win!
Navy Shoes - Navy shoes with navy items just look, well, dated.
If I see a woman wearing navy pants with metallic shoes, I know she got the memo.
Nude Fishnets - Just like metallic shoes, nude fishnets are a much more modern choice than nude nylons.
Nude Nylons - These look like you are going to the Ice Capades or to have tea with the Queen. Who knows, she's probably a blast to hang out with, but she's not one to follow when it comes to sartorial guidelines.
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Black Clutch - Nothing sets the tone more than a pair of shoes, but a clutch is a close second. If you don't want to teeter around in high heels or worry about having separate going out tops, don't fret - a black clutch is something that will change the look of your outfits.
A simple blazer doesn't look conservative when worn with a clutch.
Black Satin Clutch - Limiting, yes. Does it have its place? Of course, but not very often. Keep one and get a clutch you can wear with jeans and simple dresses.
V-neck Top - A v-neck is the universally most flattering neckline on any age, weight, size, shape or body type. It elongates the neck, which helps make you look taller and any time we can add height, that helps balance out width. Plus, a v-neck looks great with scarves and jewelry. :)
V-neck Top with Ruffles - I have nothing against ruffles and they are not a fashion faux pas, but they do limit your mix 'n match possibilities.
Structured Bag - I demonstrated this in the online lesson for The Style Academy about buying a handbag, but structured bags always make an outfit look more put together (vs. a hobo or slouchy shoulder bag). Whether in black, off-white, metallic or a pop of color, you will have this forever.
"It Bag" - An "It bag" is like dating someone on vacation - it has an expiration date. Is it fun? Yes. Will it stand the test of time? No.
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Fit and Flare Dress - This dress fits at the waist and then gently flares out. This is timeless and comes in numerous styles from satin to jersey to knits and more.
I like this style because you can eat in it, dance, sit and even gain a little bit of weight without having to worry about fit or wearing shapewear.
Maxi Dress - When it comes to wardrobe versatility, the long flowy stuff just makes it look like you're trying to hide something. I can't tell where any of your shape is!
A knee-length dress that gently defines a waist can be worn to graduations, weddings, parties, work events and more - not a maxi dress.
Nordstrom.com
Waterproof Leather or Suede Boots - Aquatalia is my favorite brand of waterproof leather and suede shoes. They have a large range of styles from boots, to flats to heels and more. I can walk around being comfortable, warm and stylish, without having to worry about the snow!
These boots come in size 4-13 and are available in extended calf sizes. My mom has them and says they are the warmest boots she has ever owned. Yeah, Aquatalia rocks!
Sheepskin Boots - Truthfully, these are not boots. They are slippers. $155 slippers! They became popular despite the fact that they are not even shoes, waterproof or saltproof. After a few wears in any sort of wet weather, they look stained, clunky and sad.
Fashion is always evolving, but the classics, well we know, those never die. I hope this helps when editing your wardrobe. Not every item has to mix 'n match with lots of things, but it makes life a lot easier when things have possibilities instead of being too limiting.
What items do you think should have made the list? What's your favorite wardrobe asset or something you wish you never bought? (Those are always the fun ones to talk about... and laugh at :)