The Wardrobe Essentials Every Professional Woman Needs

The perfect closet—one you love—is this possible? Yes! All it takes is three simple concepts: basics, timelessness, and silhouette.

I know it's a struggle...every blessed morning. Staring into the closet, staring, staring. Hoping something will look different to you or that you'll have a clothing epiphany. However, just like yesterday and the day before that, you have the same stagnant, two-dimensional wardrobe, with a lackluster assortment of tops, trousers, and shoes. Your frustration level is climbing.

Life is short, so buy the shoes.

So, how do you pull together outfits that you love to wear that can coordinate easily with other pieces of clothing? Two words: closet essentials.

One of the easiest ways to get the most out of your wardrobe is to fill it with basic pieces. Why? Because core essentials are the basis of your closet. You can't bake or cook without basic ingredients, right? Same idea.

Once you have rounded out your assortment of basics you can add trendier items. Ultimately making it super easy for you to pull outfits together.

Here are just a few of the closet essentials:

Of course, you need to keep in mind what your industry deems as acceptable dress-code. Some industries expect suits and blazers, while others have a more relaxed dress-code policy. You can review what I recommend for your industry in my article, "Outfits to Fit Every Industry."

A wonderful way to make the most out of your closet is to fill it with timeless pieces. I am not talking about "dated" or "old" clothing. I am most certainly not condoning hanging on to workwear from the early 2000s either or from the 1990s as some of my clients have. I am talking about well-made garments that rarely go out of style—items that are made of sustainable material and good quality fabrics that will last. Usually, these kinds of pieces cost a bit more, but because of the care that goes into making them and their timeless style, you will be wearing them for many years to come, which ultimately saves you money.

Arianna Huffington has written an article on Thrive Global about the importance of having a simple, classic wardrobe that is easy to manage. She explains how this will open up more time for productivity, creativity, and recharging:

Save money and time.

What makes this an important element in how clothes look on you? Think of the outline of your body. Picture yourself in an outfit, then in terms of the garments drape and fit, envision the outline of your body. What does it look like? Is it flattering? Does the outfit accentuate the best part of you?

Clothing should not be too baggy or oversized for your frame.

When you purchase clothing that is made from quality fabric and is sewn nicely, it should fall beautifully over your body. Your clothes should have some structure to accentuate your shape and create an illusion of a waist and a long leg-line.

I want to point out that I am not speaking of clingy fabrics or tight clothes.

I am merely saying that your body shouldn't be lost in your clothes…you may think baggy clothes will cover up your problem areas. It will, in fact, do the opposite. Wearing baggy clothes will only give you the potato sack effect and add pounds. And, yeah, we don't want that!

Curating a wardrobe that you feel fantastic in will take time. There are budgets to think about, setting aside time for shopping, and life's general craziness.

Just be patient, be true to yourself, and don't forget…

Life is short, so buy the shoes.

Fashion is Confidence, Expressed Through Style~ FJ