Not so much anymore. It's probably just the evolution of my own personal style (and age and maturity, but let's not think about that), but now I find the same pieces to be sophisticated and chic. Sure, they still aren't as exciting to shop for compared to sequined dresses and snazzier items, but I wear them constantly and I love their simplicity. Because of this, I've gone from trendier cheaper things from places like H&M, to a main focus on quality. Since sweaters, button down tops and the like are so simple, poor quality stands out much more with them than in some busy top with a crazy cut. And because they're classic and worn often, it makes better sense to buy the higher quality versions. A craptastic white button down from F21 will be made of poorer materials, not fit as well, and won't hold up. Below is a list of items I find essential for a basic wardrobe foundation. They go with everything, require little to no effort to throw in the morning, and always look expensive and stylish. From here, you can leave as is or add the fun stuff for days that require a little more pizzazz - Miu Miu yellow pouf skirt, printed maxi dresses. These are just my basic necessities.
Silk button downs
Solid colors, collar styles varying. I have point collars, rounded collars, and collarless. They can be worn casually with cuffed denim, slightly dressed up with skirts, under dresses, worn with trousers or cropped pants professionally, etc. The possibilities are endless.
Everlane is great for affordable versions, and Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, TJ Maxx and the like sell Equipment Signature, Brett, and other popular styles for about $60-$90. No need to pay $200 for the same top at Bloomingdales.
Fine knits
I've been on a cashmere kick, and have started with the super basics - an oversized black v-neck by some no-name on Gilt, and a cream colored v-neck from Uniqlo. They say cheap cashmere isn't worth it, that it isn't as finely milled, but Uniqlo's versions had decent reviews, so I went for it. They have a giant selection of colors and I bought mine in a large, since I wanted an oversized, roomier fit. I'm pretty new to the cashmere world, so we'll see how these hold up. If poor, then I'll save up and invest in some Brora or some brand known for its high quality.
La Robe Noire
I dislike the term "LBD," but whatever you want to call them, they are a necessity. No matter your body shape or size, there are countless ways to make black dresses work for your personal style. You also can't deny that black makes everything look more expensive.
Half of my closet is black, and about a quarter of that is made up of black dresses. They're mostly classic styles - a-line, shifts, little to no prints. My favorites are from Comptoir des Cotonniers and a pleated skirted version from Zara that everyone and their mother had when they were in store. I actually loved the Zara version so much I hunted down the same one in red on Ebay.
Good flats
Every brand makes flats, but not every brand makes them well. A lot are too wide, unrefined, and overall look poorly made. For me, I find it imperative to invest in great flats. As much as I love my heels, I tend to wear flats more often (work, shopping, anything that requires excessive walking).
Repetto is the original. I have a red patent pair from my trip to Paris in 2009, and though now totally beat up, they still look great (as long as you don't investigate them too closely). The toe is the perfect almond shape - not too round or square or pointy. It's slimming and very feminine on the foot. To some people, they may look like any basic ballet flat, but they so are not. They are much superior than your average no-name ballet flat. They also run small, so best to try on in person. I was fitted to a 38, when my typical shoe size is a 6-6.5.
For a slightly dressier ballerina, Ferragamo Vara flats are tres chic. Available in several colors, materials, widths, and even customizable, they are super versatile. I will say though that the sizing is a bit off. I have the patent "new bisque" pair in a 5.5, which is rarely ever my size. Apparently I have narrow feet (read: bony) but still fit a regular width in a smaller size, so be sure to try these on in person before buying. I actually love these so much I plan on eventually getting them in regular black, patent black, and patent red. The slight heel also makes them more exciting than your average flat.
And of course, Chanel makes a great flat. The basic tan/black toe ballerina is on my must-have list.
Quality black bag
I don't think anyone can argue the importance of a great black bag. Doesn't matter the brand, as long as the quality and style is there. I prefer mine with gold hardware, made of amazing leather.
My black bags are the Chloe Paraty and two classic Chanel flaps. The Chloe may eventually look passe, but so far, so good. I've had it for three years, worn it almost daily, and it has held up great, and goes with almost all outfits. The Chanels... well, no explanation needed. I bought mine vintage from the mid-90s since I can't afford brand new ones and can't support the ridiculous price increases. Benefits to vintage Chanel aside from price:
- 18k gold-plated hardware (new ones don't have this)
- Supposedly, the new ones have parts made in China and overall are of poorer quality than vintage
- Discontinued styles - one of mine is the jumbo with the giant ass gold CCs
Great jackets/coats
Ah. There is little that beats a perfectly fitting jacket or coat. The classic styles are always the best to invest in, of course. Trench, peacoat, basic blazer. Interestingly enough, Zara's coats and jackets fit me better than any other high end brand I've tried. The shoulders are PERFECT. My current two favorites are a red jacket and a brown coat, and though I haven't worn the red yet, the brown always gets me compliments. I had been searching for a great red jacket for a few years, so I was uber excited when I found one at Zara a few months ago. I'm ready for real fall temperatures to bust it out, but I live in LA and it's still high-70s. Lame.
Well-fitting jeans
Any brand without all the tacky stitching or embellishments. Thanks to Emmanuelle Alt, Topshop's Baxter jeans are my favorite to cuff and they're only $70. They're the perfect relaxed skinny jean. Rag & Bone jeans are also great for your basic, full-length skinny jean in a great wash.
Shoes
Heeled sandals and pumps: black, nude. Single-soled or slight covered platform. Comfortable, genuine leather. Mine are Louboutin Decolletes, Zara, Aldo (Isabel Marant Poppy wannabes but SO comfortable), and Schutz.
Clean, streamlined, minimalistic boots. Stuart Weitzman 5050 in nappa or suede.
Quality jewelry
This is where I need the most help in. This help will come with more money. Quality jewelry for me unfortunately also means significantly higher costs, and this is a category I don't like settling on. One of my jewelry dreams? A gold Rolex with white face. I can't even get myself to buy more inexpensive gold watches, because I feel it'd just be a temporary solution. And I'd rather wait for the holy grail.
Accessories
Black belt with gold hardware. Brown belt. Some scarves. It's really all I need.
And as I've posted before, none of this matters if the fit isn't there and your beauty routine isn't perfected. Great hair, skin, and makeup. It should look natural and healthy. If it doesn't fit right, pay the extra $ and go to a tailor. It is well worth it. If you have both of these, your simplistic, high-quality wardrobe will just accentuate your natural beauty. It's what I feel a wardrobe should do, anyway. People shouldn't notice your wardrobe more than they notice you.
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