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This article will not be like every other “Closet Basics” article – this one has spice. Trust the process.
Real talk, I write a little too much about fashion, but I’m not mad about it. I love clothing and all that it can offer for my self-expression, serotonin, and love of sequins. I like to show off some of the more ostentatious pieces I’ve found over the years whenever I’m going out or sharing closet hauls with friends, yet I rarely give credit to the articles of clothing or jewelry that are less flashy.
This article is dedicated to the underrated, unsung outfit heroes – the closet neutrals, the plain tees, and the solid sneakers.
Disclaimer! This is not a definitive list, because if it were, it would be terribly long. It is also based on preference. I may suggest some things, but your closet should reflect you, your style, and comfort. I’m leaving this intentionally basic so that anyone can tailor it to their aesthetic and needs, so take it all with a grain of salt. I am no expert and have no intention of telling anyone what to wear (everyone is just too hot for that).
Let’s take it from the top
Having a few classic white, black, grey, and neutral shade shirts are essential for outfit building. They are perfect for layering and go with everything. Basic, nondescript tops can be dressed up or down, too. Try to keep these relatively well-fitting so you can use them in a professional setting, as well. If you’re like me and oscillate between wanting to wear massively oversized shirts or ridiculously form-fitting tops, it can be interesting to determine what size to go with; just pick what feels most comfortable and go with that.
Outerwear can be a girl’s best friend. Think light sweaters, jackets, vests, and blazers. I recommend having at least one neutral sweater for cooler months and a denim jacket for year-round, because everything goes with denim. Blazers are also a must since they are super hot and can be both fashionable and professional.
“Apple bottom jeans…”
In terms of bottoms, one can rule the world with some jeans, a skirt, a pair of shorts, and yoga pants. Denim does the most, so having a pair of jeans and shorts are essential! I love flare jeans and mom jeans because they both suit my body shape. Plus, the vibes. Also, the dress-up or dress-down rules can apply here.
A nice, plain skirt checks the box whenever you want to mix up the business casual look or simply don’t want to wear pants for the day. You can try to find a skirt that suits your body shape or choose one that makes you feel good. For years, I wore mini-skirts that made my wide hips look even wider, which really put me off skirts and certain dresses, but now I have an A-line skirt obsession.
Yoga pants and anything similar aren’t truly a must, but I’m a lazy gal, so for me they are. If you lead a mildly active lifestyle or just really like the comfort sweats and leggings have to offer, consider having a pair of chill bottoms in your wardrobe, too.
A lady’s jewels
Whether you like jewelry or not, having some on hand can be a nice touch to an outfit (or simply required by a job, because societal standards exist). I’ve found that rotating through some simple earrings, a plain necklace or two and maybe a bracelet or a few rings is all you really need.
Don’t get me wrong, I am all about decorating with jewelry. I have…way too much. For the sake of this article, though, we’re going to break the jewelry category down to just the basics.
A small, minimal pair of hoops and a classic pair of studs is all you need for earrings. I love a chunky hoop and am currently over-wearing a set of mini gold hoops from Madewell. Of course, wear literally whatever earrings you want. I have a huge collection of weird jewelry and was known as “the earring girl” all of public school.
Necklaces are a great addition to your décolleté. Feel free to layer with different lengths and add in gems because we love shiny things. I prefer minimal necklaces that hug closer to my neck without necessarily classifying as chokers, although chokers are great, too. Pendants and herringbone necklaces are favorites of mine.
Other great jewelry is rings and bracelets. I’m not the biggest fan of a bracelet, but a cute bangle or chain can tie an outfit together. Personally, I get them stuck in my hair or clothes (every time, without fail).
I do love a ring moment, though. I often wear a variety of mixed metals on my fingers and love midi rings. I always wear my favorites and mix in others that I’ve thrifted or purchased; usually, it’s harder to limit how many I wear. Stacking rings are also super cute. Honestly, run to your nearest vintage store or local shop and see what you like!
other accessories that you just can’t go wrong with
My biggest recommendation: a sturdy, sexy belt. Before you go, Laura – I hate belts, let me convince you of why this is so big on my list. I passionately hated belts for the first 20 years of my life. They felt horribly uncomfortable and dug into me whenever I sat down. I also have interesting proportions and struggled to find belts with enough holes or length.
Enter the leather puncher. I complained about this very thing to my dad one day and he simply stated he could add a few extra holes to my belt with his leather puncher – as if that wasn’t life-changing at all. Now, no matter where my belt falls on me, I’ve got enough range to make the belt work for me. I’ve also started wearing looser pants and loosening the belt for more comfort around my middle, too. Sometimes, you just have to work with it until you find happy ground.
Belts really elevate an outfit, and I will now die on this hill. I love making baggy jeans and a tee look that much better with some leather and buckle. My favorite belt right now is a western-style one I thrifted and looks similar to this. Now, go forth and find yourself a belt!
“…Boots with the fur”
No outfit is complete without a solid pair of shoes. I know I’ve got 30 pairs too many in my closet, but they all serve for different outfits. When thinking about shoes, definitely focus on comfort and durability, but also on how they will look with the clothes in your closet. How often will you really wear them?
I usually cycle through a pair of black Dr. Martens, some colorful Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, and a variety of Vans. Whatever I wear depends on the fit.
I also have some classier shoes for more formal occasions, including a simple pair of black heels, a pair of loafers, and some low-heeled boots. Honestly, your shoe section should reflect what you like best. There’s really no right or wrong shoe, here.
Unless you wear these. Sorry, not sorry.
Some honorable mentions for the list are bags, tights, hats, and sunglasses. Having a few bags that can go with just about all your outfits is crucial to looking put together – unless that’s not your vibe. Either way, we all have car keys and snacks to carry so we might as well carry them in something cute.
Tights are an adorable addition to any outfit, honestly. I love fishnet stockings and daisy print tights, because who knows when you need to serve grunge or 1960s mod lewks. Now, hats and sunglasses are a no-brainer. Wide brim, floppy hats are super fun in the summer and baseball hats are great for when your bedhead is untamable.
And remember, you can never have too many sunglasses. Never.
This isn’t a definitive list of everything you need for your closet, but it’s a start. These suggestions are great for professional and casual worlds alike, making for a durable and efficient closet. Of course, many of these recommendations depend on one’s climate. Definitely alter these according to your weather, tastes, and budget. After all, we can’t be fashionable if we’re uncomfortable or broke.
Now, go pilfer your closet and check to see what basics you have. If there were any that stuck out to you, go get them and treat yourself. Use this article as your excuse to go shopping (not that you needed one, you cutie).