10 Essential Elements for the Stylin’ Woman’s Wardrobe

* Received a promotion but your style needs a raise?
* Dining with your in-laws but feel like a style outlaw?
* Invited to a soiree but your wardrobe looks more sorry than soiree?
You’re not alone. But there’s no need to panic. You’re sure to go from drab to fab if you follow this Wardrobe Want List:

1. Top Tops

A simple white shirt is a style classic. It can be casual or chic depending upon the items you choose to pair it with. Noted fashion designer Carolina Herrera wears her iconic white shirts with everything—from skinny pants to elegant taffeta evening skirts. Choose a button-down model, preferably one with French cuffs, and accessorize it with quality cufflinks for a classic look. Or pair it with jeans for a less formal occasion.

For summer, stock up on T-shirts in black, white and cream with scoop-neck, V-neck or jewel-neck silhouettes.A scoop-neck top that ends on or just below your breastbone can often be more versatile than a V-neck or jewel-neck top. And it’s less fussy than the more formal button-down shirt. It also serves as a great canvas for signature accessories. However, a V-neck version draws the eye toward your face and is universally flattering.

Likewise, be sure to have several cashmere sweater sets—a sweater and cardigan–in the same neutral tones for a winter take on the T-shirt. Instead of donning the sweater sets together, mix and match for a more modern look.

2. Sharp Pencil Skirt

The classic, slimming pencil skirt is a must in any woman’s wardrobe because it flatters every figure. Choose one in a neutral-toned, lightweight fabric such as gabardine or lightweight wool that can transition through at least three seasons.

The ideal pencil skirt skims your curves better than a straight skirt or the classic A-line version. But be sure the hem length is appropriate to your figure and your venue. A hemline that hits just above your knee is best. If your personal and/or professional lives call for a more conservative look, hem your skirt mid-knee. But do shy away from the newer, trendy midi-skirt lengths that tend to shorten your torso and give you an OL (Old Lady) look.

3. Personality-plus Jacket

Buy the most beautiful jacket you can afford! It’s the “completer” piece to any outfit. You can wear a fabulous skirt, dress or pair of slacks and a drop-dead gorgeous top and look great. But when you add a your personality-plus jacket, the combo will make you a stand-out in every crowd!

Think classic design and figure-flattering details that give you the illusion of an hourglass figure. Whether it’s an iconic Chanel-style or basic Boyfriend jacket, a classic blazer or even a tuxedo-style version, your jacket will take your outfit to the next level.

 

4. Perfect Pantsuit

This wardrobe must-have will go anywhere, anytime!The pantsuit pieces don’t have to be in the same fabric, although it’s always good to have at least one three-piece suit—a skirt, pant and jacket—in the same color and kind of fabric that can be mixed and matched with other pieces. But a lovely, neutral-toned jacket in black, brown, beige or gray with non-matching coordinated slacks works equally as well, depending upon your personal and professional needs.

Always choose a fabric that skims your body and allows ease of movement and a softness that says corporate but not cloying. Pair the jacket with dress jeans, a super-slim pencil skirt or a favorite dress for “wardrobe wow!”

 

5. Dress Jeans

Jeans are today’s go-to basic. They work well at a picnic or a play, a ballet or a ballgame—depending upon their color and style. Rather than the stonewashed, whiskered, light-blue casual versions appropriate for hanging out, dress jeans are usually deep blue or black and either “skinny,” “straight leg” or “boot cut” in profile.

The most flattering styles boast at least 5% stretch fabric so they conform to your curves. And they go anywhere, whether paired with a T-shirt and a sporty scarf or a silk blouse and a Chanel-style jacket.

 

6. Classic Coat

You can wear the most elegant outfit but if you don’t have an equally elegant coat to pair it with during the cooler months, your outfit will lose its luster. Every woman should have a classic Trench Coat in her wardrobe, no matter what the length or color. Classic beige is the most traditional and is a quality wardrobe staple that never goes out of style. But choose one that best fits your personality and your pocketbook.

Another must-have is a full-length, classic-cut wool coat for winter if you live in a colder climate. It not only provides warmth but style, as it serves as an outfit on its own when paired with signature scarves, hats and gloves. You may want to even belt it for a fashion-forward look.

 

7. LBD—The Little Black Dress

Fashion icon Coco Chanel made this wardrobe item de rigueur during her reign as a fashion innovator, and it has held sway on the Top 10 Wardrobe Must-Have List for almost a century. Choose a chic, high-quality, short black cocktail dress that suits your taste and lifestyle. Then wear it with signature jewelry, scarves or jackets to switch up your look.

Or really shake up your style and wear a “LBD” in a bold signature color!

8. Prestige Purse

You deserve to carry the most beautiful handbag you can afford! This is one area of your wardrobe where you should never skimp. In fact, if you have to choose whether to spend money on lots of clothing or a quality leather bag, choose the latter. It’s an investment that, when amortized, will cost less over time than a less-expensive, less-chic version.

If you’re on a budget, consider purchasing a high-quality handbag in black, gray or brown that works with almost any outfit. If you have a little more budgetary wiggle room,rev up your wardrobe with a bright colored handbag whose color make your outfit pop.

And always choose a fabulous purse that is proportionate to your figure, shape and size. A petite woman will disappear when carrying an overlarge handbag, and a plus-size woman may appear even larger  when carrying a tiny clutch.

9. Lingerie to Love

Are you wearing the wrong bra? 85% of all American women are! A good bra can make you look taller, younger and thinner. So be sure to get an annual fitting by a professional to determine if your bra is giving you adequate support and coverage–not to mention a flattering profile. A properly fitted bra should fit flat against your skin without overflow or gaping, and the front center should lie flat against your breastbone.

If you’ve developed pesky muffin tops, Buddha belly, tummy bulges or thunder thighs, consider shapewear. It smooths the lumps and bumps that come with age. Rather than hide them, smooth them out with shapewear so that clothes glide over your natural curves.

And remember that practical doesn’t have to look passé. Opt for pretty as well. One style secret of the eternally sexy French woman is wearing beautiful lingerie even when no one is around to admire it. Lovely lingerie allows you to feel more beautiful, creating a confidence and charisma that men find irresistible. So indulge yourself and purchase the prettiest lingerie possible. Your image is worth it—from the inside out.

10. Fabulous Footwear

High-quality footwear can make or break any outfit, so purchase the highest-quality leather shoes, ballet flats and heels you can afford. Although every wardrobe should include styles in basic neutral colors like black, brown and beige, consider amping-up your wardrobe by choosing shoes in one of the new Crayola box colors or jungle- and floral-print versions to spice up your style.

And your footwear folio should also include a pair of knee-high boots in black or brown to wear with pants and skirts alike. Wear them with tights under skirts or over slim-legged pants. The classic riding boot is currently a Fall favorite, so get on your style horse and ride the trend wave.