This post has been long overdue, as I have promised to list out wardrobe essentials everyone should own for a little while now! So, before I get started, thanks for hanging in there with me while I took a bit longer to get this post up and running.
To be honest, it took a good bit of time to pick an assortment of wardrobe basics that I found essential to everyday style, but also not an overwhelming amount for you all as well. These are pieces that I consider timeless and essential for building a bunch of different looks by mixing and matching.
Camel Coat – We will start things off with the heaviest layer since we are in the thick of winter here in NYC. I don’t discriminate when it comes to coats, but I must say my camel coat is hands down my most worn. Camel can go with virtually any color, which is why I list it out as a must! This is the investment camel coat I have, but here is a more budget friendly option as well! Such a great and classic layering piece.
Leather Jacket – My biggest tip on purchasing a leather jacket is make sure you find one that is a bit thicker in material. Mine is old from French Connection, but is the warmest thing ever. You don’t have to go the real leather route to achieve this either, just test a few out and see what style you like! I pair mine with dresses and denim primarily. I tried this one on in store and was blown away by the quality for the price. It was very similar to mine that I own (and paid much more for).
Denim Jacket – Similar to my leather jacket (which is my go-to during cooler months), a denim jacket is ALWAYS coming with me during the warmer months especially when the nights cool. It also is my #1 item I pack when heading to a warm weather destination. It can be worn with dresses, skirts, shorts, pants, you name it! I have a few styles and shades, but my lighter one with a bit of distress is the one I wear the most. Mine is old from J.Crew, but here is a similar style of theirs.
Military Style Jacket – Something about this color for a utility jacket is a must for me when it comes to building your wardrobe. I am sure you have seen me style mine a million different ways and this color remains classic and never gets old. Here is my exact jacket.
Neutral, Medium Weight Sweater – Such a great building block to always have on hand. Wear it by itself during the warmer months with a pair of distressed shorts, or layer up a flannel underneath during the fall and finish with a scarf or military jacket I mentioned above. A few favorites are: Alpaca Crew ($95) // Crewneck Sweater ($50) // Pullover Sweater ($39)
Longer White Button Down – This might be one of my favorite layering pieces of all time! Here is the exact style I have, but also found this other version that would work just as well. I prefer the longer length so it sticks out underneath sweaters to created a layered look, or can be worn by itself with a pair of leggings. You can check out a few ways I styled a shirt like this here, here, here + here.
White Long Sleeve Tee – I have been sharing this one non-stop in my Instagram Stories lately (close up details saved in my “try-ons” highlight). Hands down my favorite long sleeve white shirt I have ever found, I bought 3 so I never run the risk of running out AND it is currently on sale for $19!! I am wearing a size small. I like my shirts a bit looser, but I would say this runs tts.
White Tee – I get this question often “my favorite place to pick up a basic white tee”. I have two favorites, this Madewell one (I wear a small) and this style by Lou & Grey (crewneck + V-Neck). Same as the long sleeve, I tend to stock up because I find I wear these shirts ALL the time.
Grey Tee – The absolute BEST grey tee is this ex-boyfriend tee in the greatest heather grey color. I wear a size small (I do not like fitted tees, so find this size works best).
Black Distressed Denim – Favorite pair that I have two pairs of are these high waisted, distressed black denim (more sizes here). I wear them ALL THE TIME. I was so excited to see that they offer a maternity style (more sizes here) as well!
Raw Hem Denim – Truly my favorite place to buy denim is Madewell. Their jeans are amazing, super comfortable and figure flattering. I find myself pulling their denim from my wardrobe all the time. I love a good pair of raw hem denim and this (pre-pregnancy) has been my favorite.
Leopard Flats – One of my most worn pairs of shoes are these leopard flats. I feel like I say this over and over, but I view leopard as a neutral and find that this print goes with so much. I love adding a little touch to my outfit with a shoe. This pair is currently on sale for $65! I found that I didn’t have to break them in at all, others said they did. A little trick is to wear them around your house with a thin pair of socks and they will get worn in in no time.
Neutral, Everyday Sneakers – My absolute favorite pair of every day sneakers that wont break the bank are these by Soludos. I am guilty of owning all three styles (they look good with everything) and love the neutral shades they offer.
INVESTMENT PIECES: Adding this section in as I frequently get asked what designer pieces I have invested in and feel like are a good investment.
Gucci Slides – I wanted these Gucci Princetown Loafers for well over a year and started saving up for them and then Matt surprised me last Christmas. While they are an investment, they are such a classic shoe that can be worn over and over again. My favorite shoe for travel or just running out and about in the city.
Designer Bag – Once again, something I thought about for awhile, saved up for and don’t have one single regret is this Givenchy ‘Medium Antigona’ Leather Satchel. It is such a high quality, the structure of the bag holds up beautifully and it can fit everything I need when running out and about. When investing in a designer piece, I tend to stick with a neutral as I know I will get the most wear.
Designer Heels – Last, but not least, I don’t think this one is a “must,” but adding it because the two pairs of designer heels I am listing here I have gotten a TON of mileage out of. I decided to invest in a nude and black pair of Louboutin heels for special occasions and have absolutely loved them. To be honest, I can last about 4-5 hours in them before I need a “break” so I wear them when I know I wont be constantly on my feet for 8 hours.