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As I’ve gotten older (and, hopefully, wiser!) the way I dress myself has definitely shifted. I don’t lean as deeply into trends or try to “keep up” with how others dress. I’ve spent the last ten years or so getting to know my own body type, and how I like to feel in clothes. The two biggest changes I’ve made have been to A. Play with proportion (thinner silhouettes mixed with oversized silhouettes, short vs. long, etc) and to B. Invest in quality over quantity. When I wait to actually buy the “good version” of a piece of clothing, I inevitably take better care of it, and normally the quality is better, too! I’m looking to build a wardrobe where classic and elegant pieces can be mixed and matched together to create lots of different looks. It’s great to have some “fun” pieces, too, but now that I’m almost 40 I want to make sure my closet is full of wardrobe staples I truly love.
I get a lot of questions about my ultimate wardrobe staples, and what I think is “worth it” when building a wardrobe you love and feel great in. Today I thought I’d share 12 simple pieces, with both an “Invest” and a “Save” option. You can decide where your budget is and where you want to invest! As with most things, I find that you do get what you pay for when it comes to long-term expectations. With Wardrobe Staples, I always try to spend at the top of my budget to have a piece that wears better and longer!
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Black Pants
A great pair of black pants is a must in any woman’s wardrobe. They’re versatile, elegant, and can be worn again and again. I chose two options with a flared leg because that silhouette is so flattering!
Slim Exaggerated Knit Flare Pants
$278
This Frame pair of pants is so comfy and elevated! I love that they’re pull on.
Harlow High Waist Velvet Pants
$79
This velvet flare style is equally comfy and cute, but less expensive!
Neutral Trouser
I have been wearing more trousers than jeans recently– I just love the shape of them and how comfortable but pulled together I feel when wearing them! I have found a few neutral pairs that I just LOVE, and I wanted to share a couple of them today!
Paola Cotton Lined Trousers
$230
I fell in love with these trousers. The weight, color, and fit of them are perfect!
Super High Waisted Open Pleated Wide Leg Pant
$88
This Express option is another great neutral trouser at a more accessible price point!
White Button Down
A great white button-down is like having the holy grail in your closet– it can truly transform an outfit and will ALWAYS make you look chic! Here are my faves:
Boyfriend Button-Up Shirt
$258
Frank & Eileen button-downs are the best of the best of the best. Trust me. This is my personal favorite style and one I go back to again and again. Worth the money!
Satin Relaxed Portofino Shirt
$50
I also like this button-down! It’s not quite a dupe for the one above, but fits nicely and is affordable.
Trench Coat
A great trench is a secret weapon in my wardrobe. It always looks good, and can be layered over dresses and even over thicker blazers or sweaters to add warmth. My faves below!
Trench Coat
$1,195.00
My own Investment Trench is a discontinued style by Ba&sh, and this is the most similar I can find. It has the same arm detailing and oversized fit!
Water Repellent Cotton Blend Trench Coat
$100.50
This trench is super cool, I love the black detailing! And it’s at a great price point.
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LBD
A Little Black Dress is a closet hero! I love how they can look completely different when dressed up or down, and that they never, ever go out of style.
Neveah Dress
$775
Ulla Johnson is one of my favorite designers, and I love that this elegant dress can be worn with flats, or dressed up with heels.
Illusion Yoke Crepe Cocktail Dress
$148
This LBD is as classic as they come! It’s covered enough, but has just the right amount of intrigue, and is appropriate for any occasion.
LWD
The close cousin of the LBD, the Little White Dress, is another wardrobe essential! For a LWD, I love something that is feminine and easy in its shape as the bright white color can be a lot to balance. These are my top picks!
Tiggy Lace Mini Tunic Dress
$850
This is the ultimate LWD for me! I love how feminine and pretty it is, and makes a statement all on its own!
Reese Smocked Waist Tiered Mini Dress
$118
This WAYF version of an LWD is just as pretty but MUCH less pricey. It has the same easy style!
Cozy Cardigan
A great cozy cardigan that can be layered over everything from T-shirts to dresses is a MUST. I prefer mine in neutral colors so they can go with more!
Lofty Wool Cashmere Blend Marled Cardigan
$329
Hands down, my favorite cozy cardigan is a cashmere one by White+Warren. They’re so soft and warm, and the quality can’t be beat!
Chunky V-Neck Cardigan
$59.99
This gap cardigan is super cozy and looks way more expensive than it is!
Camisole Top
A pretty, silk camisole top is such a great piece for layering. I have a few in white, black, and champagne colorways and I find myself using them a ton to create outfits! I always feel so feminine layering one under a chunky, oversized cardigan with jeans!
Racer Charmeuse Cami
$175
This is my favorite brand for Camisoles, and this is my favorite style! It comes in tons of colors. Their other options are equally beautiful!
Lace-trimmed Camisole Top
$24.99
These lace-trimmed camisole tops come in several colors and are at an amazing price point for the quality.
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Black Blazer
A great black blazer is such a nice way to “class up” a simple outfit or to make something feel a little more pulled together. I love layering a black blazer over a dress at night for dinner with a great pair of heels or wearing one with jeans and a black Tshirt and a black loafer for a very “model off duty” lewk.
Sedgwick II Jacket
$695
I love the gold buttons on this super elegant black blazer. It goes with everything and adds a touch of glam!
La Quinta Blazer
$71
This slouchy black blazer is a super cool alternative. It runs big so size down at least one size!
Gold Hoops
I wear gold hoops every single day! If you’re looking to find an affordable pair (the exact ones I wear daily) or to upgrade yourself, I have your options below!
14k Gold Diamond Huggie Earrings
$575
These blinged-out huggies are on my wish list! They’re so pretty and you can keep them in daily!
Delicate Collection Demi-Fine Huggie Mini Hoop Earrings
$48
These are the hoops I wear daily in my first two holes!
Gold Chain
My simple gold chain necklace that I wear daily is a family heirloom, but I think a beautiful chain necklace is such a wardrobe staple! They can go with anything and bring a tiny bit of elegance to event the simplest outfit.
14k X-Small Curb Chain Diamond Bezel Necklace
$650
I’m obsessed with this chain that has a small diamond bezel! So beautiful.
Herringbone Chain Necklace
$32
This herringbone chain necklace is a fabulous alternative at a lower price point!
Gold Watch
A simple and elegant gold watch is such a must for a woman’s wardrobe because it’s a timeless style staple! The one I wear daily is a Bulgari family heirloom, but my two picks are below!
Deco Chronograph
$1,995.00
This watch is so gorgeous, and not crazy expensive for what it is. It also looks great layered with bracelets!
Carlie Mini Bracelet Watch
$130
I can’t get over how gorgeous this Fossil watch is for the price! I ordered it as a travel backup for my everyday watch!
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