Okay, here is where I feel like I am playing fast and loose. I am risking all of you who know your body, your budget, your style better than I do deciding to call me crazy and revolt. HOWEVER, please let it be known that this is a flexible suggestion of a “jumping off point” for your no brainer wardrobe. I am all about dressing in basics and mixing and matching them to create really fun outfits. So, check your closet to see if you have the following:
The Essentials
White, Black, and Gray T-Shirts
One Striped Shirt (whatever style looks best on YOU)
One Solid and Neutral Cardigan (could be black, navy, gray, brown, etc.)
Boyfriend Jeans–These are your comfy, wear all the time, worn in perfectly jeans.
Trouser/Wideleg/SuperBell Jeans–Whichever of these type fit your body type best. These are your slightly more put together jeans.
Bright Pants–These pants don’t have to be skinny. They also don’t have to be bright red. But, these are pants that add a bit of spice to your wardrobe. You might try chocolate brown, navy blue, olive green, or a wine color if bright red is out of your style “type”.
Denim Skinnies or Straight Legs–Some women feel more confident in straight leg jeans. I would recommend straight legs for women who are uncomfortable in skinny jeans, and also for women who are older than 40. However, if you are older than 40 and feel confident in skinny jeans…then PLEASE wear them!
Black Skinnies or Straight Legs–The same advice goes for above.
Fashiony Jacket–I prefer a jacket over a structure blazer, even when an inspiration look calls for a blazer. I just feel like I’m playing dress-up in a blazer. You may love blazers, if that’s the case…by all means, wear the blazer!
Flat Riding Boots
Bright Colored Ballet Flats–The bright color is a necessity. :) They make you feel awesome and take an outfit from “eh” to “oh!”.
Explanation and Elaboration
This is not a professional wardrobe, but everyone has to dress down at some point. Also, any piece can be left out if you don’t have it or if it doesn’t fit your taste. This is where I start, and I could build at least 20 different outfits just with these pieces–all you need are accessories. However, in the coming days we will build on this wardrobe and make it even more awesome.
Questions…
Do you already have these pieces or pieces that are similar in your closet? What might you need to find? What on this list makes you cringe or question my sanity? It’s alright…I can take it. Also, I can probably tell you 1000 reasons you would look awesome in that piece!
I’m excited that we are finally getting going on the actual wardrobe. This week is going to be setting up the entire capsule wardrobe. Then, we’ll cover accessorizing, dressing for particular body types, maternity clothes, thrifting, etc. I will do my best to cover all of your questions and make sure you are super excited and super inspired to get dressed this fall! It needn’t take a lot of time, especially once you get your wardrobe pared down and then built up in the right items.
Previous posts in 31 Days to a No Brainer Wardrobe: day 1 a manifesto, day 2 the plan, day 3 defining your style, day 4 picking out pieces, day 5 for all women, day 6 purging your closet, day 7 where to donate, day 8 ask away, and day 9.