Core Pieces Part 2

A few weeks ago I wrote about your closets core pieces. Due to my excessive gab, I stopped after the first five pieces. To recap, the first five core pieces were:

1.  Jeans

2. Solid Tank Tops

3. Statement Necklace

4. Black Blazer

5. Classic Pumps

As promised, here are the final five core pieces:

6. Ballet Flats

7. Oversize Watch

8. Button Down Shirt

9. Black Skirt

10. Little Black Dress

Ballet Flats:

Black Flats: Coach Size 9.5 $40              Cheetah Flats: Kensie Girl Size 9.5 $16

As glamorous as heels are, they just aren't practical for everyday wear. Therefore every closet needs a cute pair of ballet flats. Ballet flats are the solution to the need for cute shoes that you can actually walk in! Like shopping for heels, it is important to buy flats in a color that goes with a majority of your wardrobe, but keep in mind that a fun color or floral pattern can brighten up most outfits and is a nice change from a simple black or brown shoe.

Oversize Watch:

Xoxo $15

Now I know what you're thinking “who actually uses a watch these days?” In a world where our cell phone is almost always in our hands, a watch may seem like a superfluous piece. However, there is just something so classic about a large menswear inspired watch. Simply adding a watch can make a casual outfit look more put together, and a formal outfit look more stylish. Sometimes it's the small details that make an outfit incredible.  Take your time looking for a watch and make sure to buy one you love. And don’t worry if it’s hard to read, it’s more of an accessory than a tool anyway.

Button Down Shirt:

          Pink Button Down: Ralph Lauren Sport Size 6 $18       White Button Down: Calson Size XS $6

Very few things are as chic and versatile as a well-tailored button down. Paired with dark jeans and heels, a classic white button down can be stylish and playful, but on the other hand, a white button down can symbolize power when paired with a black pencil skirt. Although I believe it is essential for every woman to have at least one white button down, a well-tailored button down is stylish in any color. The most important thing to look for while shopping is fit. Make sure the shirt hits you at the right places and shows your figure to its best advantage. Also have fun with how you pair your button down. A button down can be chic and formal, but also playful and funky when paired with the right pieces.

Black Skirt:

Black Skirt: J. Crew Size 8p $20

Every woman in the corporate world knows that a well-fitting black skirt is a must have. That being said, I believe it is also necessary in every wardrobe. Even if your job doesn't require you to wear business wear, there are many situations in life where business wear is needed.  A black skirt is an easy answer to every wedding, Christmas party, and interview that you will have to attend. Some style blogs say that every woman should own a pencil skirt, but I don't believe this is necessarily true. I believe it is important to own a skirt that best flatters your body. I recommend trying either an A-line skirt or a pencil skirt, and remember to be conscious of the length.

Little Black Dress:

There is something so effortlessly magical about a little black dress! I think a woman’s closet is truly lacking if she doesn't have one.  The beauty of the LBD is that it becomes a blank canvas on which you can create your style.  The LBD can be transformed into many different outfits by simply changing the accessories, footwear, and outerwear. The key to the perfect LBD is fit. The dress should showcase you and your best assets while still being sophisticated. Also remember versatility. You can always add a shrug or a jacket to a sleeveless dress, but you wouldn't want to wear a long sleeve dress in the summer.

So there you go!  You now know the top ten core pieces that will transform and double (if not triple) your wardrobe. Assess your closet, see where you are lacking, and then head to Hut No. 8 to fill in those gaps. And come back in two weeks to read our next blog!