Additions To Your 10 Piece Wardrobe

Additions To Your 10 Piece Wardrobe

Spanx. I love Spanx, and any kind of body shaper always makes an outfit look sleeker. If the price is too high for you, just buy a pair of Secret Control Top Pantyhose in your size, and cut the feet off.  They'll work exactly the same way as the Spanx do, but unfortunately won't have the open gusset to make visiting the ladies room easier. 

Stock up on underpinnings. That’s the inside-baseball term for what goes under the suit. Please don’t let it be a once-was-white cotton T-shirt or a tank top that has taken too many turns in the dryer. Fashion has evolved to the point that sleeveless silk shells can be found in every colour at every price point, and every woman should have a few in her closet. They brighten up a business suit, and they’re a key ingredient of the pulled-together pencil-skirt-and-cardigan look.

Make a simple dress your all-occasion staple. There’s a reason women like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy became style icons: They relied on the little sleeveless shift dress―and no list of wardrobe essentials would be complete without it. You can wear it to work, dress it down with sandals or flats, add a shawl for evenings, and throw on a cardigan anytime if you don’t relish revealing your arms. Not only is it a classic but it’s pretty much seasonless, too.

One pair of dress shoes in a glorious colour. A few years ago, I bought a pair of kitten heel slingbacks in turquoise suede, with a purse that matched. For me they were daring and sexy and whimsical and, as it turned out, entirely practical.  They give even basic outfits a fashion edge (think little black dress or even dressy jeans with a tuxedo jacket). And let’s not forget that great shoes fit every size.

Neutral Pumps.  With a stable stacked heel and a strap for support, These are great under trousers or with a dress

When it comes to flats, stick with chic. When Crocs came onto the market a few summers ago, my friend thought they were so clever. She bought them in every color…and never wore them except to do her gardening in.  Needless to say, one pair would have sufficed. Nothing is less attractive than big, clunky flat shoes. Opt for a great pair of ballet slippers or sandals instead, to go with your jeans, Capri's, skirts and dresses.  Buy them in the shade you've picked for your accent colour (mine is turquoise or coral), and they'll go with just about everything in your 10 piece basic wardrobe.

Put together a weekend uniform. Women often make the mistake of letting themselves go on the weekend and schlepping around in old jeans and grubby T-shirts. But if the whole idea is that you don’t want to think about what to wear, then having a great weekend uniform is the ultimate no-brainer. Try Capri pants and a fitted T-shirt in the summer; a pair of cords and a button-down shirt in winter. Remember―clothes can be comfortable and stylish.

An Animal Print Scarf or Shawl.  Mine is a classic leopard print, but you can also find these in black/grey/white combinations, or even jewel tones if that suits your colour palette.  I have one that is long and wide,in a lightweight fabric, which is great for tying at the neck, or I can even open it up and use it as a shawl if needed.  I also have a larger one in a heavier cotton blend, to wear over my trench coat in cooler weather, as a wrap over a turtleneck sweater, or as a hood under a winter coat.

A Statement Necklace.  I believe in having basics in your closet and playing with your accessories. The statement necklace can make a simple outfit look strong and feminine.  I collect vintage jewellery, and have several statement necklaces, but I could pick one or two that would work with my newly pared down wardrobe, and put the rest in storage with my dressy clothes that I rarely wear.

Opaque Tights.  A great pair of tights can make your legs look slimmer and help you get away with wearing a dress that's a little too short. Double them up for a more opaque look—and to keep you warm in the winter.  Awesome with boots.  Buy in black, grey, maroon, or plum for maximum wear.  You can also buy them in fashion colours like marigold, purple, red, etc., but remember that we're trying to maximize our wardrobe, while hopefully keeping the total number of items down, so think classic.

An Oversized Watch.  A watch is as much an accessory as it is a timepiece. A gold watch is a great way to dress an outfit up—try leaving it loose so it looks like a bracelet, or buy one with a leather band in your choice of accent colour. 

Flared Jeans.  This is a flattering shape for most body types. Pair them with platforms or wedges to get extra height while keeping the look casual and comfortable

Jean Jacket.  Crisp and classic, a denim jacket is the ultimate spring layering piece. Choose one that fits close to the body for a topper that will ward off chills without adding bulk.  Goes with everything from yoga pants to Capri's, your daytime dress, skirt, or black dress pants