Sometimes we overcomplicate things a little. Or maybe that’s just me. If you really want an elevated and polished wardrobe that represents your style with minimal effort, you’ll start with these essential pieces.
But how, you ask, can simple essentials represent my personal style?
It’s all in how you put them together. The shortest shortcut to fabulous style is to pair updated, flattering and high quality essentials with accessories that speak to your personal style.
Don’t believe me? Let me share this illustration. Three different women, all in the same uniform of a white button-down and black pants, and all dramatically different in their styles. It’s the accessories and the details that make each of these looks so unique.
Start with these, and take your style anywhere you want it to go.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your perspective, essentials don’t look exactly the same forever. And consider these are pieces that we could and should be wearing a lot, they are often the first items to need a refresh anyway. Today, I’m sharing some updated essentials to replace the worn or dated pieces in your wardrobe.
And everything in this video can be found here in this catalog.
The Tank Top
If a ribbed scoop-neck tank top is still your go-to, it’s time for an update. The current silhouette is a halter or racerback, in a ribbed or a sweaterknit, with a higher neckline. It creates a more polished look for all of your outfits.
The Tee
Stretchy skinny tees are not really happening right now, which is just fine with me since they were never all that flattering anyway. Skip the thin, slinky, or slub knit styles in favor or slightly boxier tees in a more substantial knit. Bonus? They look a little dressier.
Denim
Jeans are a staple for many of us, and that’s why it’s so important that they are both flattering and modern. The current trend is away from the almost universally unflattering jegging, and towards a pair with a little more volume. A skinny is fine, but you could also try a slim leg as an alternative, as well as a straight, bootcut, flare, or wide leg style.
Blazers
The medium-length blazers with ruched sleeves that dominated fashion for seasons have been gone for a while, replaced by blazers in longer lengths and now cropped lengths as well. The key to the longer length blazer being flattering is to pair it with an outfit that defines your waist. Or try a cropped blazer if you find it easier to style.
Ballet Flats
There’s something about a very flat, almost sole-less, round-toe ballet flat that instantly downgrades everything you wear it with. They are unflattering, shorten the leg line, and look sloppy as well. Instead, look for an elevated ballet in a pointy or square toe style, with a nice solid sole, for a true classic.
Boots
If you’re still wearing round-toe stacked heel taupe boots, circa 2007, it’s time for an update. The new boots feature platform or chunky heels, as well as some kitten heel styles, in either a pointy or square toe. Some modified or elongated round toes are also available, but they are a significant departure from seasons past.
Dark Pants
The other ubiquitous pair of bottoms in most of our wardrobes is a pair of dark pants in a versatile style. For years, a stretch dark ponte knit pant reigned supreme, but this season, it’s all about the trouser. Not only is this style more flattering to most, but it’s also polished and versatile.
Which of these essentials needs updating in your wardrobe? And which are you still struggling with? Let me know in the comments!
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