Wardrobe Staples I won't do Without

Wardrobe staples I won't do Without

I have never seen myself as particularly fashionable, get bored very quickly looking at the clothes in fashion magazines and have never been able to see myself in the latest "look".  I have always bought clothes to last and am ashamed to say I do have the odd thing in my wardrobe which shouldn't really be there.  However, years ago a friend who owned a designer recycle clothing business said to me "If you haven't worn it for 12 months, throw it out".  That was good advice and I have sort of adhered to that theory. 

However,there are certain every day items in our wardrobes which shouldn't date, like jeans for example.  I know the cut changes, but not that dramatically each year.  I will never forget going to see Neil Diamond's "Hot August Night" at Western Springs (with Raewyn actually) in the early 1970's and all around us was a sea of denim.  It was so noticeable the critic who wrote the review of the show commented on it in the Herald the next day. 

Anyway, here is my list of staples which live in my wardrobe.




Jeans.
The colour, fit and shape have changed over the years and God bless the person who put elastin into denim.  The only problem now is that one pair of jeans will not do.  We have to have casual jeans, dress jeans, black denim jeans, etc.  At least that's what the shop girls delight in telling me!

Shirts
A good white shirt is a must.  I always have at least one white shirt in the wardrobe, but once again comes the dilemma;
short sleeve, long sleeve, summer weight, winter weight, casual or corporate - the list goes on.  I have a few James Perse shirts now and I love them all.  They are costly but the fabrics are great, they have interesting detailing and are a good fit.

Skirts
Skirts are great in summer and of course look great with a cotton shirt.  They can be dressed up with heels or down with Tee Shirts and sandals.  For winter a pencil skirt, boots and a good coat or jacket will take you anywhere.

Leggings
I love the person who invented leggings.  Personally, I don't always love the way they are sometimes worn, but for winter, a tunic top, leggings and boots are great.

Boots
No wardrobe is complete without boots these days.  However, how many pairs do you really need? Heels, flats, suede, casual, dressy, patent, ankle boots, knee boots.  I get very confused!  Evidently, riding boots and jodhpurs are all the rage this winter in Europe.  You could see the trend here last winter with all the flat boots adorned with buckles, etc.

Long Cardigans
I can't do without my long cardies.  A few years ago I wouldn't be seen dead in a cardigan, so how did they slip into my drawers without me noticing?  Nothing like a long cardie to layer over the tunic and leggings on cold winter days.

Trackpants
Now this is really embarrassing and what a fashion sin, but I love to come home from work and get into my Nike velour trackpants, tee shirt/hoodie and sneakers.  Comfort first, I say.

Long Tee Shirts
Long sleeve for winter and short sleeve or sleeveless for summer.  Go with jeans, leggings, trackies and skirts. How easy is that!

Rain Jackets
There are so many gorgeous raincoats around these days, the colours are fabulous and the detailing is too. I have to stop myself from buying them. I'm sure they aren't even rainproof, but who cares if they look good.  Gone are the days of cashmere coats and heels for me, that's for sure.

Summer Sandals
There are some great sandals available these days, flat and with heels.  Either look great with skinny leg or straight leg jeans and a shirt or tee shirt.

Belts
Clothes may maketh the man, but belts definitely maketh the outfit.  Need I say more?

So that's it really.  I think I've just talked myself into clearing out my wardrobe again. Oh dear, I didn't think my wardrobe could be that simple, but these are the items I wear over and over again.  Will just have to take advice from Raewyn and throw out the other 75% I don't wear!  The trouble is, I might need them one day.  Yeah right!