As seen on WOAI TV’s, “San Antonio Living.”
Learn about different fashion styles, body types and what a starter wardrobe looks like in this video! If you are missing pieces, be sure to add them to your shopping list.
WARDROBE CHECKLIST
I, like most of you, walk into a store and immediately gravitate towards the shiniest, brightest, and most interesting clothes, shoes and accessories. And, every season there are new and exciting, trendy temptations to steer you off course. But, before you scoop up your statement coat and slip on sneakers, you must first make sure you have all of the basics covered!
Wardrobe basics are those key pieces you need… in order to have great style. A lack of basics is the most common style issue among my clients. I have worked in more than 100 clients’ closets. 90% of them do not have all of the solid foundation pieces required to have standout style.
The wardrobe basics vary a bit from season to season, but here is a FALL checklist to get you started.
1) Great Fitting Bra
If you have lost or gained 5 pounds or more, it’s likely you are wearing the wrong bra size. Set up a free consultation with a fit specialist at your local department store to be certain of your size.
Also, if ‘the girls’ are low, or lower than they should be, get a bra that offers more lift and support. Nothing is more aging than droopy boobs.
2) Shapewear
I know it’s not the most comfortable thing in the world, but it’s a necessary evil. Embrace it! Shapewear can smooth all the lumps and bumps and make you look much slimmer in your clothes.
If it’s cutting off your circulation, you are wearing the wrong size. It shouldn’t be painful. Actually, it should be rather comfortable.
3) Dark-Wash Jeans
Your dark wash jeans should be dark blue (think navy) with no fading, or whiskering across the front (those faded stripes that look like a cat’s whiskers). The darker jeans are more slimming and also dressier than faded or light blue jeans.
4) Black Trousers
Whether you work at a law office, or you are a stay-at-home mom, every woman needs a pair of black trousers. The style and fabric will determine how dressy the pants are, and whether they are most suitable for the office or running errands. For a more polished look, opt for a tailored, lightweight, wool pair. For your casual outings, try an ankle length, cropped, silky or cotton pair.
5) Black Skirt
The most versatile and perhaps sexiest option for women is the black, pencil skirt. The knee-length pencil skirt is also perfect for the office. If you are bigger through the hips and thighs, you might want to try an A-line or full skirt to hide your problem area.
6) Little Black Dress
The little black dress or LBD is another must. If you choose an option that fits and flatters your body, the LBD will take you everywhere from a wedding to a funeral. It will be one of the most versatile pieces in your closet!
Your LBD is also a great blank canvas to try out your statement accessories. Pair it with your new, amazing, ankle strap sandals, your beautiful red statement necklace or a cobalt blue handbag.
7) Black Blazer
For fall, I would find a knit or wool, black blazer that is tailored for your body. Make sure your sleeves end somewhere between your wrist and your first thumb knuckle. When in doubt, you should also find a blazer that falls to your hipbone. For maximum versatility, make sure the blazer has black buttons, a simple lapel and minimal design details.
The black blazer is incredibly versatile. You will wear it everything from a t-shirt and jeans, to a dress.
8) Black Cardigan
The black cardigan is a great option for all of you busty ladies out there. When you have a large chest, finding a blazer that fit properly is nearly impossible (without tailoring). Enter the cardi… your new best friend!
Try a waist belt over your black cardigan to mix things up at the office.
9) Black Shoes
You really need: black knee high boots, black ankle boots, black pumps and black flats. But, for the sake of simplicity, let’s say at the very least, you need one pair of modern, high-quality, black shoes. And, if you are only buying one pair, make it pointed-toe pumps.
10) White Button-Down Shirt
Your white button down shirt should be tailored to fit your body without a lot of extra fabric. These shirts are great to wear alone or under blazers, dresses, cardigans, etc. If you are like me and you detest ironing, find a wrinkle-free or no-iron option.
I know white button down shirts can be tricky for women who are particularly busty. If that’s the case for you, try a white blouse instead.
11) Impact Jewelry
This does not include the pieces collection dust in your top drawer that your husband bought for you one anniversary. You will get more bang for your buck with a piece of substantive costume jewelry. It is relatively inexpensive and can add a lot of excitement to your overall look. I would invest in a bib necklace, a pendant necklace, a gold bangle, or cuff bracelet, a pair of drop earrings and a cocktail ring. The trend is now dainty jewelry. If you want to go ‘dainty’ layer, layer, layer!
12) Everyday Handbag
Whether it’s real leather or one of the finest fauxs, make sure the bag you are carrying on a regular basis looks expensive. It should also be a relatively neutral color so it goes with almost everything (black, cognac brown, beige). For maximum versatility, you should also look for a bag with minimal hardware and design details.
Once you have everything on this list, then you can add the color, prints and trendy pieces to your wardrobe. You can also slowly start adding the browns… (beige, honey, camel, cognac, chocolate).
I DO realize these are not the most exciting pieces to shop for, but I promise you, having the basics covered will not only make your day-to-day dressing easier, it will also enhance your style!
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