If you stand in front of your overstuffed closet every morning frustrated and proclaiming, “I don’t have a thing to wear,” then your wardrobe isn’t working for you. But why it isn’t working?
In this guide you’ll discover everything you need to know about putting together a top notch wardrobe, a wardrobe that empowers you to feel terrific about yourself every day.
Begin by changing the way you think about your wardrobe. Just as it would be unwise to build a house without a solid foundation, so too, it is pointless to attempt to build a wardrobe that works well without a solid foundation of the basics.
The first principle is to create and then maintain a strong foundational or basic wardrobe. This will obviously consist of a number of essential stylish timeless pieces.
Principle number 2 is that your foundational wardrobe, except where noted otherwise, should always be in a basic or neutral colour. The basics include black, navy or brown and the neutrals, gray, camel or tan. Select one basic and one coordinating neutral colour that works well for you.
For example; black and gray, black and tan, brown and camel or navy and camel. By sticking with a single basic colour and a single, coordinating, neutral colours you will be able to look into your closet and instantly see numerous mix and match options.
Here are those wardrobe essentials that every woman must own.
Underwear
Think of your undergarments the same way you do about good skin care. If you neglect your skin, you know that even the highest quality makeup won’t disguise that fact.
Consider how your underwear will make your clothing look on you, not just about how your undergarments look worn alone. Save the sexy, pretty, stand alone undergarments for the intimate moments of your life. Instead select undergarments that fit well and won’t show unsightly lines or bulges when worn under clothing.
Consider your body type and if need be, here is where to do some shape fixing. For example, if you have a slight tummy bulge get a great fitting, full brief with a bit of support at the tummy.
Make sure that you select a properly fitting bra and the correct bra for the type of clothes you will be wearing. Bras that are too loose or too tight will create an unsightly bulge or droop and this will make your clothes appear sloppy and improperly fitting. Sports bras are for sports but will fail to provide you the proper support and clean line you require when wearing a dress or blouse.
When selecting undergarments for your basic wardrobe stick with a beige or nude color bra and several matching pants as you will launder your pants more frequently than the bra. Also select a black bra with matching black pants to go with the little black dress that’s listed later in this article. Choose a separate bra and underpants for your workouts.
Undergarments should never dig or cut into flesh. They should be comfortable. If they aren’t comfortable in a fitting, imagine how they’ll feel after you wear them all day.
Be sure that the material of your undergarments feels good against your skin and that the underwear material won’t stick to or snag on the clothing material you intend to put over them.
Finally, always launder your delicate undergarments by hand and with mild detergent and warm water as this will help them retain their shape and support.
A White Fitted Shirt
This item is always in style and incredibly versatile. It looks great at the office teamed with a dress, trousers or a skirt. It becomes a board meeting winner with a skirt and blazer and works equally well with a pair of jeans.
The Three Piece Suit
When you need that extra dose of confidence, the three piece suit will provide it. It’s guaranteed to make a great impression whether it’s worn to a job interview, to help you land that promotion or to that out of town meeting.
The three piece suit includes a jacket, trousers and skirt making it a perfect traveller. All you’ll need to add for a two day trip are two blouses and a scarf to create two very different looks.
Select your three piece suit in a classic style and it will remain in style for years to come. Remember to stick with a basic colour when making your selection and you’ll be able to mix and match any of the three pieces with other foundational wardrobe items in your closet.
Dress Slacks
So many different looks can be accomplished depending on whether you match it up with a sweater and scarf, your any occasion top and blazer, or your ever faithful white, fitted shirt.
Pay careful attention to your body type when selecting dress slacks and if your not certain what style looks best on you, make sure you try on as many styles as possible including the pleated front style trouser and flat front slacks. Try on the wide, straight or tapered leg styles as well before making your final selection.

Long-line or Pencil Skirt
The long-line skirt compliments nearly every body type. It can be either business appropriate or downright sexy depending on how you top it off. Wear it with an elegant blouse or sleeveless, black, form fitting top for evening or a cardigan set or shirt and blazer for work. The long-line skirt is most versatile in black.
Smart Blazer or Jacket
This one piece, more than any other, will add instant sophistication to just about any outfit, including a pair of jeans. Don’t settle for the boxy type jacket or blazer. While the blazer or jacket is a personal statement piece, the classic style blazer is a perennial and looks best when it has a well tailored shape that follows the line of a woman’s curves.
Versatile Top
This is one of the foundational wardrobe items where you can express a bit of your personal flair. Take the time to find one what works well with your jacket or blazer for work but can carry over into the after work cocktail hour without the jacket. Select a style and color that flatters you and works with the basic or neutral colours you’ve selected for the rest of your foundational wardrobe.
Cashmere or Merino Wool Sweater
A good sweater never goes out of style, especially the cardigan and the cardigan set. So here’s a place to invest in the very best you can afford. A well chosen, well cared for sweater or sweater set has an extremely long life. If you stick with a classic style in a basic or neutral colour and adhere to the cleaning instructions on the label, your sweater could virtually be a wardrobe treasure for the rest of your life.
Day Dress
The day dress hasn’t been popular since the 1950’s and 1960’s. It is however, finally making a comeback because it’s easy, more comfortable than a skirt or slacks and it’s versatile. Choose one in a print that coordinates with your basic colour and neutral colour choice and you’ll have plenty of options to coordinate your day dress with, such as your cardigan, jacket or blazer.
Basic Black Dress
The basic black dress is also known as the little black dress or the cocktail dress.
It was an instant hit when introduced by Coco Chanel in 1926 and today it is still as popular as it was then. Wondering what to wear to your school reunion, office party or a cocktail party? You can never go wrong with your basic little black dress.
Whether it’s long sleeved or sleeveless, one shouldered or strapless, lacey, shirred or ruffled, halter backed or backless, as long as it’s black it’s your basic, little black dress.
Try on many styles and find the one that best compliments your body shape and expresses your personality.
Evening Gown
The evening gown is a woman’s opportunity to show her best physical attributes. So forget about what the movie stars are wearing or what this years designer labels have out and focus instead on your best physical attributes.
If you have fabulous shoulders make sure the evening gown you choose shows them off. If you have a beautiful back then try a back less or back plunging style. If you have terrific legs, select a gown with a slit in the front, back or at the sides. Choose a colour that compliments your eyes, skin tone and hair coloring.
Also pay attention to the drape or flow of the gown when you walk in it.
Evening Shawl
Let’s not forget that it gets chilly most evenings unless you live in an area that’s hot year round. Even then, a light silk wrap or shawl will likely come in handy. You don’t want to destroy the glamour and elegance of your evening gown by tossing your trench coat over it so an evening shawl is a necessity.
A well chosen shawl should accomplish much more than keeping you comfortably warm; it should be the crowning touch of elegance for your evening gown.
If you can manage it, choose one that is pashmina cashmere or even one that is a cashmere and silk blend. It is well worth it as a good shawl will last a lifetime and beyond if cared for properly.
Wool Coat
Classic styling, in black or camel will never be out of style. If made of cashmere or good wool it will assure maximum warmth and softness. Get trendy with winter weather accessories such as hats and scarves. Be sure to get your coat cleaned before you store it away for the summer season and you’ll ensure your coat lasts you for years.
Trench Coat
This coat is simple, pleasing to the eye and always in style. Choose black or camel to top off just about any outfit to perfection. Slip on your sunglasses to capture that alluring element of mystery.
If you live in a four season climate, select one with a detachable lining and it will move with you through the seasons.
Jeans
Today, jeans have a place in the laid back, casual moments of our lives as well as casually elegant ones. You can team up your jeans with your favourite T shirt or your white fitted shirt. You can sophisticate your jeans by wearing them with your boyfriend blazer or go absolutely elegant by wearing it with your versatile top and then topping that off by wrapping your shawl around you for a night on the town. No wardrobe can be complete without at least one pair of well fitting, figure flattering, and comfortable jeans.
The trick is to find the style of jeans that is most flattering to your figure as well as getting a proper fitting. There are places on line that can assist you in accessing your correct size and style.
The label no longer matters as it did years ago. What does matter is discovering the most flattering style of jeans for your body and getting a proper fit. This will guarantee comfort and lasting style.
T shirts or Casual Tops
What would we do without comfortable T’s and casual tops for those funs packed Saturdays and lazy Sundays? It’s good to have at least three different styles of casual tops and include both a long sleeve and short sleeve.
The more mature woman will probably prefer knit casual tops as they tend not to wrinkle and stretch out of shape as easily as the traditional T shirt.
Nightclothes
I know, you think all you need is your old, worn out T shirt to sleep in until that unexpected out of town trip or the overnight stay at your sister’s house.
When such occasions occur you will be happy that you have a pair of comfortable satin or silk pajamas or a cotton nightgown and robe.
Classic Pump
The classic pump is a must in every closet. It will literally go with just about everything in your foundational wardrobe. Stick with a 2 or 2 ½ inch heel and save the three inch or stilettos for clubbing and other occasions.
Many styles have gel inserts at the heels and other comfort features built in for long wear.
Many women make the error of not paying attention to the upkeep of their pumps. One of the biggest fashion errors is scuffed up heels. Make sure to keep your pumps clean and buffed.
Loafer or Flat
A classic loafer is a terrific option to wear with your dress slacks or your jeans. It blends easily with either the tailored look or the casual. Just remember to choose a colour that works well with whatever basic and neutral colour your foundation wardrobe is based on.
Dress Sandal
This is the shoe that will be worn first and foremost with your evening gown. Pull out the stops when selecting this shoe. Choose one in a colour that works with your evening gown and shawl, you could even venture into the metallic tones like silver or pewter, bronze or gold. Select any heel height that will look most attractive on you when wearing the gown.
Cross Trainer
A good, all around walking, exercising and play shoe is a must.
Slippers
Think comfort and only comfort when picking out your perfect slippers. Perhaps you like a slipper that you can easily slide in and out of. Perhaps you prefer one that is fluffy and soft inside and out. As long as it’s comfortable for you, it’s the right choice.
Day Purse
Select an every day bag that works with both your jeans and three piece suit and you will have a purse that will go with practically everything in your closet. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the items you like to carry with you every day. Nothing is quite so style sabotaging as a bag that is overstuffed. Most women admit that their purse is disorganized and often messy. Investing in a purse with built in organizing compartments may cost a bit more but it is worth it as it can make your life a great deal easier.
Evening Purse
Beaded, sequined and metallic are just a few of the options for your perfect evening bag. Evening bags are typically small but can contain the absolute essentials you will need for the evening.
This is a must to coordinate with you evening gown and your basic, little black dress. There is nothing that ruins the look of an elegant evening gown or the glamour of a little black dress then wearing them with your everyday handbag.
Fun Jewellery
A chunky necklace is a must. Just check out the picture link below and discover just how many looks you can achieve with a single, well chosen, chunky necklace and your basic wardrobe items.
Elegant Jewellery
While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, don’t worry if you can’t afford the real thing. It need not cost a fortune to look like it did and for you to sparkle.
Selecting a jewellery set that will set off your evening gown and your little black dress can be less expensive then buying separate pieces. Simple is always the best choice if you are uncertain about choosing jewellery. A pendant necklace and matching earrings for example will compliment most little black dresses without overtaking the spotlight.
Scarf
Express yourself here. Select a printed, embroidered silk scarf that coordinates with the basic and neutral colours you selected for your basic wardrobe. Be as bold or as romantic as you like with this wardrobe accessory. Make it a signature piece
Leather Belt
Belts no longer just hold up your trousers, but can be a fashion statement on their own and when worn over tops and sweaters and teamed up with slacks and skirts.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are something we all should be wearing these days to protect our eyes from the sun. There are styles to suit every facial shape. As with jeans, the designer label matters far less than selecting a frame that compliments your face shape. Be sure to put on your sunglasses when wearing your trench coat to achieve that air of mystery that can be so enticing.