With election day finally here, many Americans are less than enthused over their choices in the polls. But that shouldn’t stop anyone from exercising their right to vote.
In the same way, we all have the opportunity to make an empowering choice each day, except instead of standing in a voting booth to make that choice, we do so standing in our own closet.
Fear not, for today I’m here to help you take a stand and say goodbye to the days of staring blankly in your closet for minutes on end thinking, “I have nothing to wear!”
Instead, start putting your clothes to work for you by focusing on a few wardrobe essentials you know will last and make you feel great, and then building your everyday wardrobe around them.
6 Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own
1. Classic White Shirt
Every woman needs a classic white shirt in her closet. I’m not talking about your dad’s stiff white Oxford; today’s classic white shirt is soft and sculpted to a woman’s body. This shirt is a workhorse and pairs well with a suit for work, and then transitions to evening with a pair of jeans and a statement necklace.
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2. LBD
Like the perfect white shirt, every woman needs a go-to little black dress that makes them look and feel great. But as I’ve matured, so has my idea of the LBD; after all, the last thing my teenage daughter wants is to be seen with me in something too short or too trendy. At the same time, I do see a slight glimmer in her eye when I show up for lunch looking hip and I hear her friends whisper as I walk away, “Your mom’s cool”. This Rachel Roy dress accomplishes all of the above.
Sydney High-Low Dress
I love that I can pair it with a jean jacket and booties for said surprise school lunch with my daughter. I love that it transitions to cooler weather simply by adding opaque tights, knee boots and a moto jacket (see #6 below). And I love that you can’t go wrong by wearing it on its own with a pair of classic black heels for date night. In fact, you might just love it so much that you decide to pick it up in a color other than black (it also comes in Campari, Neptune and Oyster).
3. Cashmere Sweater
Am I the only one who wishes she could dress in a blanket sometimes? While it has yet to become socially acceptable to drop the kids off at school or show up to work in a robe, wearing a cashmere sweater has pretty much the same effect on my psyche.
This classic, timeless look (from Charter Club) feels luxurious without forcing you to sacrifice the family vacation to add it to your closet. I’m particular to the Black Cherry color as it reminds me of my favorite holiday food and drinks (Don’t tell me you don’t ever get dressed with your holiday menu in mind…)
4. Classic Pumps in a Cool Print
Sure, you can’t go wrong with a pair of classic black heels, but if you’re ready to take your white shirt and jeans outfit to the next level (remember the one we put together in look #1?), try these:
When your outfit is classic and understated, a fun print can actually function as a new neutral. If you’re not sure how daring you want to be just yet, try these Daya by Zendaya Kyle Pumps in Black & Silver Mesh. However, if you’re ready to walk on the wild side, go straight for the Multi-Floral.
5. Statement Jewelry
One of the first things I tell friends looking to freshen up their wardrobe is to add a statement necklace. The perfect piece of jewelry will not only transform your outfit, but help you express your personality and stand out from the crowd.
These may not be your grandma’s pearls, but that doesn’t mean you can’t borrow the classic trend and give it a modern twist. Go for a choker with a V-Neck like the cashmere sweater above, or a longer pend’ant necklace with a tunic or the LBD above.
6. Perfect-fitting Jacket
Any stylist will tell you, the easiest way to complete an outfit is with a perfect-fitting jacket. When you slide on the right style, it defines your waist and gives shape to all the right places.
The jacket of choice this fall is the Moto Jacket. I love the idea of going beyond basic black and embracing a simple print like this Moto Jacket. Whenever I see a friend rocking this look, it reminds me once again that the Moto Jacket is the perfect marriage of fashion and functionality.
Of course, underlying all these items is one thing you can’t buy and store in your closet: confidence. If you don’t feel confident, you won’t look confident, no matter what you put on.
So go on, find those pieces that really speak to you. No one has to know what you paid, only that you look like a million dollars.
