Wardrobe Staples
Just like your home, your wardrobe needs a solid foundation. Without the wardrobe basics, you will struggle to get dressed every day. That’s because you need those essentials to pair with all of the fun, printed, patterned pieces. They are your heavy hitters and again without them… your wardrobe will not function. When I was seeing clients, 99% of the time the issue was a lack of basics. I give out FREE wardrobe basics checklists when you subscribe to my newsletter here if you don’t already have them.
TWO Key Basics
The two key basics in the photos above are the black long sleeve sweater and dark wash skinny jeans. These are two pieces that act as a base for your entire look. Dark wash jeans go with everything. And you can wear the black long sleeve sweater alone or easily layered under other pieces as I will show you below. This cashmere sweater is very soft. The skinny jeans, by Calvin Klein, are flattering high rise and suck in all that loose skin.
Both basics are from Walmart.com! Did you know they sell premium brands on the site now?? You can shop all the high-end brands here.
Look #1 | Poncho & Patent Booties
In this look, I’m wearing the same look from above but with some fun, additional pieces. You can literally build on the foundation pieces. These patent booties are so modern and stylish. Plus, they’re comfortable and affordable. This poncho is another chic piece you can add. And it’s super cozy and warm! I love that it has arm holes so it stays put.
Look #2 | Hoodie & Sneaker Boots
This is one of my favorite looks. It’s casual and edgy. I’m wearing the same skinny jeans and sweater. I added this cool cashmere, star hoodie sweater and fun, comfy, leather, sneaker boots. This is a great mom on the go look for grocery runs, sporting events, carpool, etc.
Look #3 | Cardigan & Scrunch Booties
This last look is pretty and feminine. Over the jeans and sweater, I’m wearing this gorgeous Lord & Taylor cashmere wrap cardigan, a snakeskin print scarf, and scrunch boots. This cardigan is soft, warm, and beautiful. It comes in two other colors. I love the interesting touch the scarf adds to the look. These scrunch booties are a gorgeous honey brown that is a nice color to have during the fall/winter. They are also really comfortable for heels.
For more styling advice, be sure to watch this video featuring 5 style rules to live by. And for holiday, all of my Gift Guides are posted here and Giveaways here. You can subscribe to my weekly newsletter here to get some freebies!
More Favorites!
I realize many of these pieces are sold out already and I am so sorry about that. To make up for it, here are some of my current favorites…in stock!! Many of these would make awesome gift ideas too. Keep scrolling to see my picks…
HUGE thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this blog. All products were picked out and purchased by me. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hey erin,
I am alReady subscribed but cannot find the wardro basics checklist that i downloaded last year when i found you. How can i find it on the site again. I tried re entering my email but it said already subsCribed.
LovE your vIdeos – thanks for bEing so open and real!
I’ll email it to you….
Following you, i Have really learned How to step things Up a notch and add a bit of edGe! The dupe for the chloe purse …every time i use it i get positive comments! In most cases, i just adapt what i see to My comfort level, lifestyle, and age (64). Your information is Very inspiring!!
So glad to hear that!! ~Erin xo
hI ERIN
LOVE THE LAYERING FOR COLD WEATHER INFORMATION – SO HELPFUL FOR UP HERE IN CANADA! YOU INSPIRE ME EVERY TIME I READ YOUR NEWSLETTERS OR WATCH YOUR VIDEOS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL HELPFUL INFORMATION. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY! PS PLEASE SEND THE WARDROBE BASICS WHEN YOU HAVE TIME
SINCERELY,
bUNNY
So glad you’re here! ~Erin xo
Respect your simple style.
Possible to have more of an array of clothing brand’s.
Xoxo from Montreal
Sorreals do rock
Try rudsack leather store
Great pic wiTh your dog!!! Love pic with daughter!!!
Thank you!! xoxo
Hi Erin
I love your website, blog, videos, etc.
You bring a lovely perspective to the whole idea of style. You keep it real.
Do you know that your links to walmart stuff do not work?
I was really interested in a jacket you featured a while ago, and the high end stuff you talked about today.
Your link to walmart goes to a general page that does not help you find anything.
thought you might want to know.
Kind regards,
Amy
You are SO sweet to let me know. I rely on you all to be my editors and extra eyes since I’m a team of very few people. Walmart sells out of stuff so quickly and that’s why the links go to a different page. I’m frustrated about it and have expressed that to the Walmart influencer team. Hopefully, they will stock more! xoxo
What”s the point of showing all the walmart stuff if most of it is soldout. Do you get that much for sponsorship? Erin, I’ve watched you for some time and have enjoyed your content but on my end it is looking like a big sell out. I know you’re going for the big bucks now – the 6 figure and good for you. But for those of us who value integrity in decision making it’s Sad.
Marie… why is sharing a budget-friendly shopping option a sellout? Most of us have a Walmart in our town. It’s accessible, relatable, but most importantly… AFFORDABLE. So many viewers and readers talk about needing budget-friendly options. It doesn’t get much more budget-friendly than Walmart. I’m sorry that the items sell out quickly. I have asked the team to look into this. It’s frustrating for me too. Thanks for the input.
Hi Erin,
I love everything you do and how generously you share your help, advice and images with us.
I’d like more of this outfitting EXPLANATION and advice. It is easy to follow in the way you explain it.
However, the pics and information is not showing properly on my end of opening up your emaiL/looking at the website. Several SENTENCES are REPEATED AND some images are not showing where they should be.
I have never seen this before from you and wanted to let you know. Can you please check it and fix It where needed?
THANKS very much.
Georgina
What are you using to view the content, Georgina?
I love this blog post. I work from my home office So now There’s rarely a day i neeD to get “dressed up”. I love blogs and videos about everYday basics. ????????????
Thanks so much! Me too… very relatable and easy to recreate.
Erin, I have a question, I love your advice, but i’m having a hard time with dressing my age. I am turning 60 this year, i wear a size small, or 6, and can wear most everything you show but, at times my husband (who has a hard time with change) and son, say they don’t like my new clothes. for example( pat in leather calvin klien trench coat, skinny jeans with holes, leather skirt and sweater like your green ones. my question is are skinny jeans without holes ok for 60 year olds.I dont want to try too hard. I guess i’m going to give up wearting leather. Thank you so much.
OF COURSE…and in this post I show you jeans without holes. NO NEED to ever wear trends, Nancy. You wear what you love and feel most confident wearing! Erin xo
Erin, you must have ESP! I was just craving a pair of black patent chelsea boots with a small heel! Many thanks!
These are SUPER comfy too! True to size…
I enjoy reading your blogs and you showing how to put THINGS together.
Your style is a style I am Working towards. The lower price end of your options. Jeans are my biggest challenge. I had the c-sections and they created a mess.
Most jeans hurt my stomach…any suggestions with the lower price per wear?
Merry Christmas enjoy your family.
I hope to hear from you soon.
I think you probably have to wear a band around your incision? Did doc recommend one? I used to wear those high rise shapewear panties under jeans to keep everything smooth.
I subscribed earlier this year. I have never received the spring/summer or fall/winter basic warDrobe list. I travel quite a bit and Believe the list will not only help with shopping but also packing. Please send the two list…..
I’ll email it to you, Pamela. Thanks!