Do you want to look stunning yet remain comfortable while still expressing your individual style? Achieving a chic and fashionable look requires careful consideration of your wardrobe essentials. In this article, you’ll discover what key pieces you need to add to your closet for a fashionable lifestyle.
1. The Beauty Found in Basics
The essentials of a wardrobe can be like an old friend; timeless, reliable and elegant, and usually relatively inexpensive too. But there’s often no need to spend a fortune to create a curated wardrobe – why not invest in basics? They can be incredibly chic and provide the foundation for outfits that look stylish and fabulous.
Basics are the wardrobe pieces that can easily be mixed and matched and allow you to create lots of different looks. Consider classics such as a plain white t-shirt, a pair of jeans, black trousers, a denim skirt and a white shirt. These items alone can provide you with a huge range of outfit ideas. Why not pair your plain white t-shirt with some high-waisted jeans, a statement belt or some chunky bangles for a fabulously classic look and team with heeled ankle boots and a backpack. If you pair the white shirt with the denim skirt, it can be dressed up with shiny accessories for a more evening look.
Simple striped or checked shirt also make for a great basic. Versatile and effortless to wear, a shirt can instantly add structure and elegance to your style. Layer it over a t-shirt to make a classic denim shirt and jeans combo to wear during the day – the perfect transitional look for day to night. Dress it up for the evening with a pair of wide leg trousers and some chic court shoes.
The power of accessories
Accessories are a great way to take your basics to the next level of chicness. Statement earrings, hat and scarf can really add some personality to a basic ensemble. Layer different necklaces and stack contrasting bangles for a seriously cool look.
From a timeless statement blazer to a fabulous v-neck T-shirt, there is so much beauty to be found in basics, often for very little cost. Adding a few simple key pieces to your wardrobe can instantly transform your look.
- Plain white t-shirt
- Jeans
- Denim skirt
- White shirt
- Striped or checked shirt
2. The Crucial Closet Cornerstones
When it comes to creating a swoon-worthy wardrobe that effortlessly melds the timeless classic elements with modern, on trend pieces, there are mail two closet cornerstones that no closet should be without:
- The First: A classic white shirt
- The Second: A chic black dress
A white shirt can be dressed up with the addition of a blazer and skirt for the office, or down for the weekend with jeans and a loosely knotted neckerchief. And, look closely, and you’ll find there’s a world of materials, silhouettes, brands, and prices to choose from – so finding the perfect classic white shirt is more than achievable!
A black dress, meanwhile, is the ultimate go-to for formal events, relaxed everyday errands, glamorous dates, and everything in between. Choose from the iconic sheath silhouette, the ever-so sexy bodycon, the slinky slip, or a timeless classic fit and flare.
And if you want to stand out from the sartorial crowd, be sure to mix-and-match textures. Think monochrome lace and tulle, leather, and velvet – distraction dressing at its very best!
3. Wardrobe Must-Haves for a Stylish Life
Life can be full of hectic days, never-ending to-do lists, and too much to fit into too little time. But this doesn’t mean you have to forego the chance to be stylishly-dressed. To make life a little easier, here are some wardrobe must-haves for keeping your look up-to-date.
Timeless Separates: Tops, bottoms, and accessories in classic and neutral colors can easily & quickly be mixed and matched for unique looks everyday. A few pieces in simple colors such as navy, black, and white, will never go out of style.
Statement Pieces: Add a little flair to your wardrobe with a few expressive accents. Try brightly-colored tops, interesting prints, or bold accessories. Whether it be a floral chiffon blouse or a pair of coral earrings, having one or two pieces that make a strong statement can add stylishness to any look.
Investment Pieces: The trick to dressing well is to invest in quality clothing pieces that will last over time. Pieces such as
- tailored trousers
- a well-fitted blazer
- a timeless trench coat,
or both functional & stylish items such as a stylish handbag, can dramatically elevate any outfit.
Multi-Purpose Accessories: Versatile accessories such as gloves, scarfs, and jewelry can add an effortless chicness to any outfit. Look for items that serve more than one purpose–hats and jackets with detachable scarves, belts that can be worn multiple ways, and multi-stranded necklaces that can be worn long or short. With creative and clever styling, you can get double the value out of the same piece.
Make sure to invest in , and you’ll be sure to have always have something put-together to wear.
4. Mastering the Signature Look
Every good fashion designer has a signature look. It is the style of clothing they are known and admired for. When you find your signature look, it can catapult your fashion career to the next level. Here are some tips on how to master the signature look.
Get to Know Your Personal Style – The first step in mastering your signature look is to get to know your personal style. What do you love to wear? What silhouettes do you feel most comfortable in? What’s the statement you’d like to make through your wardrobe? Take some time to reflect on what you like and why, how it relates to your lifestyle, and how it makes you feel.
Create a Design Mood Board – A great way to hone your signature look is to create a design mood board. Start collecting photos, sketches, and fabric swatches to visualize the inspiration behind your look. This is also a great way to experiment and explore different silhouettes and color combinations without actually having to create the final product.
Craft Quality Pieces – Once you’ve created a mood board to get the creative juices flowing, it’s time to craft the pieces. When it comes to making quality garments, quality fabrics, fit, and design details are all important. Invest in quality materials and workmanship to ensure each piece reflects the quality your customers will expect.
Fine-Tune the Details – The devil is in the details! Once you’ve created a garment, examine every aspect closely. Are you happy with the color and fabric? What about the proportion and construction? Are you achieving the look you’ve envisioned in the design process? Final touches such as adding pieces like ribbons, buttons, or beadwork can make all the difference and help refine your signature look.
These wardrobe essentials for a chic fashion lifestyle will carry you through from the office boardroom to a night out with friends. So don’t wait – start building your wardrobe today and enjoy the fashionable life!