20 Basics for Every Woman's Closet

1) An LBD- Of course an Little Black Dress You need something that works for everything. Funerals, concerts, fancy dates, the office or a day at the park- an LBD has got you covered. I like this one in particular for the hemline- it is respectable to enter a church in, but not so long it seems out of place in a casual setting- and for its sleeves. Sometimes you just need something a bit demure (see above church example). 

2) A Solid Colored Dress- I love color, but for foundation pieces neutrals are going to get you more milage. One exception though, is a solid colored dress. Every closet needs a pop of color and, frankly, sometimes black can be a little too somber. Going with a solid color though, allows you to mix and match with things so much. Put it on and feel instantly cheered. Afraid of committing to something so bold and bright as a red or mustard color? Try white or blue.  

3) Cambray Button-Up- Really, you might be thinking? A denim shirt? But first off- Cambray is a much softer and more wearable fabric. Take your time and wait till you've found a shirt that feels good to the skin. Secondly, it  goes with everything and can be added with most outfits to give an "effortless" feel. It gives a casual feeling to more  formal clothing with the fabric, and its classic structure keeps a casual look from getting too sloppy. If you still aren't into cambray, a check or plaid patterned button-up can often achieve the same effect. 

4) Camisoles- Have multiples of these in multiple colors. You can use them for everything. 'Nuff said.  

5) White Button-Up - The classic of all classics. Wear it buttoned to work. Leave it unbuttoned over another shirt for a day around the house. Add a tie for a menswear look; a ribbon around the neck for a girly one. Tie the ends into a knot for a sexy tomboy feel.  Pop the color to show you too are a Rebel Without a Cause. Tuck it in; leave it out. It all looks good.

6) T-Shirts- They are like camisoles and you will use them all the time. Get multiples in multiple colors but I'd at least have one- one perfectly fitting not-too-loose, not-too-tight one in white.  

7) Brenton Striped Shirt- Ever since Chanel made these fashionable for more than just sailors to wear, they haven't gone out of style. Put one on to feel instantly chic in that not-trying-too-hard kind of way.  

8) Silk Blouse- Though a solid colored silk blouse also works, a simple pattern (one that is not over large, as the size of a pattern- if too small or too large- I think can looked dated quicker) adds versatility and interest. It can become the focus of the outfit, or can act as a neutral if more vivid pieces need to take center stage.  Plus, silk looks feminine and refined, and feels fantastic.  

9, 10 &11) Sweaters- I chose three sweaters here, which might seem like overkill, but each plays a valuable part in your closet.  A black turtleneck is timeless and looks great at every age. If turtlenecks give you a headache, try ones with cowled necks instead. A  sweater with a classic shape can be layered over anything and looks good alone or with cuffs and collars peeking out from under it.  I would also go for a chunkier knit and a slightly boxier shape over a tightly clinging one to leave more to the imagination. The last type of sweater to have in a closet is a cardigan or shrug. It can any be any color. It adds versatility by not completely covering the layers under it, and can be more easily removed if temperatures change. 

12) Tailored Trousers-  These can tan, brown or black. They can be wide-legged a la Katherine Hepburn, or cigarette pants a la Audrey Hepburn or anywhere in between, so long as they are flattering to your size and shape (tailor if needed). Every woman needs at least one pair of pants that are job interview/business meeting appropriate, even if your career is something where people dress casually. Because you never know when  opportunity knocks.  

13) Jeans- Everyone should own at least one pair in a flattering shape. Dark wash jeans almost always have a slimming effect. Colored jeans are also a good option; they are fast phasing out of being a trend into things everyone of every age wears. The key to colored jeans (or any clothing, really), is just make sure they fit- and don't forget these to can be tailored. You can be weekend-ready in jeans and a T; wearing them with boots makes any girl ready to commune with nature; and a add a blazer to head to a coffee date with friends.  

14 &15) Skirts- A lot of women overlook the value of skirts in favor of either pants or dresses. But skirts are easy to move in, and as separates allows for a lot or mixing and matching with other closet items. A Pencil Skirt  is a very work-appropriate skirt (but also one that can make you look sexy depending on what it is styled with). This pencil skirt is grey- with only a simple detail to give it a little pizzazz, but this could also be a great piece to add a splash of color to your look with. Go for a bright solid color and pair it with a neutral colored top for a cheerful outfit. The other skirt I would make sure to have on hand is any Skirt with a bit of movement to it. Here, I chose a chiffon maxi, but you could also do a tulle skirt or a circle skirt. I'd keep things at least knee-length. Between these, you have the chance to create two very different shapes.  

16, 17, & 18) Shoes- I love me a good shoe, but should push come to shove, I think any lady can get along with these three (well, and possibly a sneaker for exercising). Black Heels will take you to work, take out to town, take you to funerals, weddings and everything in between. I'd get ones that don't have too high of a heel, a closed toe and a classic shape. You also need an alternative to a heel, something you can walk in. I could walk all over cities in Ballet Flats and have my feet not hurt. I love to have a pair in red ( I think every woman should own a pair of shoes that makes her feel like she's Judy Garland), but practically speaking black ones can do no wrong. They go with everything. Lastly, have some Boots. Everyone looks good in boots, and they are good to have when out of doors and in winter too!  

19) Grey or Black Blazer- Another piece I feel people should have for work and job interviews alone. Whether you go with like colors or have a blazer in a different shade than your bottoms, you still will always give a good air of professionalism. They can also be mixed with almost anything. Blazers over a dress or with jeans make any look feel effortlessly cool.    

20) Tweed or Brown Blazer- I can hear what some of you are thinking, "But Kristian, it's not my style; I like to feel feminine!" It can be good have some more androgynous items in your closet though. I love bows and polka dots and twirly skirts too, but there are times when less can be more. Mixing elements- rough with the soft, masculine with the feminine can give visual interest while keeping things understated.