Here are my top 5 basics that form the foundation stones of every wardrobe.
1. Underwear
The foundation to all outfits, underwear should be the best quality you can afford and most importantly be well fitting. Good underwear makes your clothes look better, which in turn helps you to look your best.
A basic underwear capsule wardrobe includes:
Sports bra & pants; strapless bra; T-shirt bra, selection of undies that are not visible under clothing; plus a selection of well fitting bra & pant sets that are feminine and pretty.
Please take the time to be fitted properly next time you shop for a bra. There are hundreds of places to be fitted properly including my favourite local Petticoat Junction in Eltham (Vic). The staff there are helpful and knowledgeable and have a fantastic selection of bras to choose from. I am also a fan of Intimo Lingerie as they are comfortable to wear and good quality.
Having a selection of neutral coloured singlet tops and long sleeved tops in your wardrobe is not what I would call fun, but they are very practical.
You can wear long sleeved tops under clothing for warmth in the cooler months, and they are great for layering your winter looks. Tanks are fantastic to wear under low cut tops for a little modesty. Basic neutrals (grey, nude, cream) are a must, plus choose a variety of colours that suit your skin tone. One of my favourite brands for under things is Love & Lustre, but you can find these items almost everywhere (Target, Giordano, Supre, Dotti, Myer, David Jones, Witchery).
3. Tights
Having a selection of good quality tights and footless tights on hand is a definite wardrobe staple. A simple dress can be layered up with tights and a long sleeve top for cooler months, or with footless tights for spring / autumn. I prefer at least 120 denier, as I feel that thicker tights always look new and never stretch to show skin on the knee when you sit or kneel. I wear 200 denier in winter as they are warm and cozy.
Choosing footless tights over leggings is also a preference of mine as I feel they keep their shape a little better than leggings and do not go baggy at the knees and fit your ankle snugly.
For more info on tights, read my previous post 'A Tight Squeeze'
Although I think it important to have at least one piece of shape-wear in your wardrobe, they are not for everyday use as they tend to make you sweat in all the wrong places! They are however perfect for smoothing lines in evening wear, dresses or knit dresses.
I personally prefer the high waisted short style as they does not show any lines whatsoever. Another style I really like is the slip dress, as they are fantastic under dresses and don't make your crotch sweat.
Depending on the brand and 'tightness' of the shape-wear, I choose one size up from what I usually wear as I don't want it so 'suck me in' as much as just smooth the surface. Shape-wear is sometime really hard to get into if it is too tight, so going one size up can save hours! Many stores sell shape-wear. Triumph have some great styles, as do Target.
5. Black Pants
There aren't many women out there that don't have the need for a quality pair of well fitting black pants. Choose a style to fit and flatter your body shape (not too big or not too small). Almost all retailers sell black pants, so my advice is to try on many and buy the best quality you can afford.
Miscellaneous basics to have on hand:
In addition to wardrobe items, I find it invaluable to have these little gems on hand.
Anti-Static Spray, Basic Sewing Kit and a Lint / fluff remover. At some point during the day you are going to need to un-stick, re-attach or de-fluff yourself!
These are my picks for the top wardrobe basics - what are yours?
What basics do you have in your wardrobe that you can't live without? Leave a comment and let me know.
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