10 wardrobe staples every woman should own
May 16, 2012 16:08:20 GMT -5
Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 16, 2012 16:08:20 GMT -5
10 wardrobe staples every woman should own
By Alison Schwartz, Yahoo! Shopping
Wardrobe staples that all women should own
From the perfect jeans to the Little Black Dress, take your style back to the basics.
Leopard-print and Lady Gaga stilettos and blouses that pay homage to your Aunt Kathy's sparkly blue eye shadow collection — oh my. Pulling off the latest trend, be it an off-the-runway frock or a sequined anything, can be challenging for stylish divas and wannabe trendsetters alike.
But keeping your closet fashionable doesn't require reaching into your pockets for every of-the-moment item of clothing (or braving that sweater you swear Aunt Kathy owned before it was in-vogue). Mastering the basics, after all, is the easiest way to make the world your personal runway — and there are some style staples that every woman should tuck away in her wardrobe.
More from
Yahoo! Shopping:
Summer Sandals Under $50
Hottest bathing suit trends
Eight outfits men love on women
"It's important to have these basics because trend is always changing every season. There's always something new," Caroline Maguire, Bloomingdales.com fashion director, tells Yahoo! Shopping. Another perk: "You can always work the trend back to these items."
Adds Ann Taylor Style Director Andrew Taylor: "These essential pieces serve as the foundation to have in your closet and are the building blocks to create the perfect wardrobe. Once you have these essentials in your wardrobe, you can create different looks and incorporate other styles from your wardrobe to suit the occasion."
These items are usually worth the splurge, but you can still save some of your funds for that fresh-off-the-rack skirt — you don't always have to spend the big bucks. (Taylor explains, "You'll want these pieces to last a long time, so you should make sure they are high-quality and affordable.")
From the dress that always looks hot to shoes that can be your go-to for work and play, Yahoo! Shopping is breaking down the basics.
Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt
Courtesy of Ann Taylor
Pencil Skirt
Take note: "There's almost no better way to look chic, polished and sophisticated," Taylor says of the pencil skirt ($78, Ann Taylor). The perfect fit touches the top of your knees when you pair it with your power heels.
Calvin Klein Underwear Tank
Courtesy of Bloomingdales.com
Layering Tank Top
Putting together the perfect look doesn't have to be complicated — so bring on the layers.
Start your collection with black, white and heather grey, advises Maguire.
"The layering tank is offered in so many brands," she says, so you don't have to dig deep into your wallet. Wear it out under a semi-sheer sweater, and then to bed when you get home. And if you're serious about that last part, try the super-soft (modal and spandex) Calvin Klein Underwear Tank ($28, Bloomingdales.com).
Nicole Miller LBD
Courtesy of Zappos.com
Little Black Dress
A wardrobe staple so iconic, it gets its own acronym. You'll feel sexy but pulled-together in an LBD, whether it's short and sweet or structured and feisty. Perfect for when you're asking your boss for a raise (or celebrating cocktail hour with your coworkers), this classic always makes a big statement.
Keep it classy with this curve-hugging, knee-length Nicole Miller LBD ($255, Zappos.com), a pick from Marie Kojitani, Zappos.com style editor.
"Timeless pieces can be worn season after season," she adds, "so investing in these types of items are worth your money."
Citizens of Humanity Jeans
Courtesy of Bloomingdales.com
The Perfect Jeans
You've probably had the blues since you first fell for denim back in the days you rocked it with your band tees (pre-button down work attire, ahem). But like your Yellow Submarine Beatles shirt, the perfect pair of jeans will never go out of style.
From boot-cut to light and low-rise, "It's endless," Maguire says. Her go-to? A skinny fit that hugs the ankles, she says, like these super-stretchy Citizens of Humanity stunners ($185, Bloomingdales.com). Adds Kojitani: "Whatever style you choose, the dark wash is season-less and can be worn dressed up or down."
Ann Taylor Summer Cardigan
Courtesy of Ann Taylor
Lightweight Cardigan
"Every woman's wardrobe should include a cardigan," Taylor says. "Keep a cardigan on hand in your office for meetings or if the air conditioning becomes too cool." And it doesn't have to be stuffy just because it's safe for work. Top off your outfit with a breezy hot pink or lime touch, like this summer cardigan ($68, Ann Taylor).
Worthington white stretch pants
Courtesy of JCPenney.com
White Pants
Call them your white-hot pants. JCPenney recommends a modern fit that sits just below the waist. Figure-flattering for athletic and curvy physiques alike, try on a pair relaxed through the hips and thighs with trouser-cut legs, like these Worthington stretch pants (JCPenney, $25).
Michael Kors Tote
Courtesy of Zappos.com
Tote Bag
Take your style to-go. "A large tote can hold everything for work while still being fashionable and functional," Kojitani says. And for a woman who has it in the bag — "it" being every lipstick, ticket stub and pair of back-up shoes in between — use a structured style that holds its shape, Kojitani says, like this leather tote from Michael Kors ($348, Zappos.com).
Ann Taylor ballet flats
Courtesy of Ann Taylor
Ballet Flats
No pirouettes, no problem: You don't have to be a ballerina to know what an evening on the dance floor feels like for your feet. Show off your moves (and your style savvy) in a pair of flats "when you're not in the mood for heels," Taylor says.
Channel your inner prima ballerina — grace and all — when you keep it comfortable but feminine in a pair of leather ballet flats ($98, Ann Taylor).
Worthington Blazer
Courtesy of JCPenney
Blazer Jacket
Who said you can't look nice in a T-shirt? A structured blazer can class up just about anything, so throw it over a flirty blouse (or, you know, your jeans-and-a-tee weekend uniform). For some extra spunk, opt for a fun color, like this bold collarless Worthington jacket (JCPenney, $35).
Aqua trousers
Courtesy of Bloomingdales.com
Black Pants
Maguire calls it the "Little Black Pant." The perfect pair is a skinny fit, straight-to-the-ankle, she says, like these leg-accentuating (not to mention slenderizing) Aqua trousers ($88, Bloomingdales.com). Wear them from 9-to-5, and then a little longer when you hit happy hour.
See the pictures at the link:
shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/899/10-wardrobe-staples-every-woman-should-own/
By Alison Schwartz, Yahoo! Shopping
Wardrobe staples that all women should own
From the perfect jeans to the Little Black Dress, take your style back to the basics.
Leopard-print and Lady Gaga stilettos and blouses that pay homage to your Aunt Kathy's sparkly blue eye shadow collection — oh my. Pulling off the latest trend, be it an off-the-runway frock or a sequined anything, can be challenging for stylish divas and wannabe trendsetters alike.
But keeping your closet fashionable doesn't require reaching into your pockets for every of-the-moment item of clothing (or braving that sweater you swear Aunt Kathy owned before it was in-vogue). Mastering the basics, after all, is the easiest way to make the world your personal runway — and there are some style staples that every woman should tuck away in her wardrobe.
More from
Yahoo! Shopping:
Summer Sandals Under $50
Hottest bathing suit trends
Eight outfits men love on women
"It's important to have these basics because trend is always changing every season. There's always something new," Caroline Maguire, Bloomingdales.com fashion director, tells Yahoo! Shopping. Another perk: "You can always work the trend back to these items."
Adds Ann Taylor Style Director Andrew Taylor: "These essential pieces serve as the foundation to have in your closet and are the building blocks to create the perfect wardrobe. Once you have these essentials in your wardrobe, you can create different looks and incorporate other styles from your wardrobe to suit the occasion."
These items are usually worth the splurge, but you can still save some of your funds for that fresh-off-the-rack skirt — you don't always have to spend the big bucks. (Taylor explains, "You'll want these pieces to last a long time, so you should make sure they are high-quality and affordable.")
From the dress that always looks hot to shoes that can be your go-to for work and play, Yahoo! Shopping is breaking down the basics.
Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt
Courtesy of Ann Taylor
Pencil Skirt
Take note: "There's almost no better way to look chic, polished and sophisticated," Taylor says of the pencil skirt ($78, Ann Taylor). The perfect fit touches the top of your knees when you pair it with your power heels.
Calvin Klein Underwear Tank
Courtesy of Bloomingdales.com
Layering Tank Top
Putting together the perfect look doesn't have to be complicated — so bring on the layers.
Start your collection with black, white and heather grey, advises Maguire.
"The layering tank is offered in so many brands," she says, so you don't have to dig deep into your wallet. Wear it out under a semi-sheer sweater, and then to bed when you get home. And if you're serious about that last part, try the super-soft (modal and spandex) Calvin Klein Underwear Tank ($28, Bloomingdales.com).
Nicole Miller LBD
Courtesy of Zappos.com
Little Black Dress
A wardrobe staple so iconic, it gets its own acronym. You'll feel sexy but pulled-together in an LBD, whether it's short and sweet or structured and feisty. Perfect for when you're asking your boss for a raise (or celebrating cocktail hour with your coworkers), this classic always makes a big statement.
Keep it classy with this curve-hugging, knee-length Nicole Miller LBD ($255, Zappos.com), a pick from Marie Kojitani, Zappos.com style editor.
"Timeless pieces can be worn season after season," she adds, "so investing in these types of items are worth your money."
Citizens of Humanity Jeans
Courtesy of Bloomingdales.com
The Perfect Jeans
You've probably had the blues since you first fell for denim back in the days you rocked it with your band tees (pre-button down work attire, ahem). But like your Yellow Submarine Beatles shirt, the perfect pair of jeans will never go out of style.
From boot-cut to light and low-rise, "It's endless," Maguire says. Her go-to? A skinny fit that hugs the ankles, she says, like these super-stretchy Citizens of Humanity stunners ($185, Bloomingdales.com). Adds Kojitani: "Whatever style you choose, the dark wash is season-less and can be worn dressed up or down."
Ann Taylor Summer Cardigan
Courtesy of Ann Taylor
Lightweight Cardigan
"Every woman's wardrobe should include a cardigan," Taylor says. "Keep a cardigan on hand in your office for meetings or if the air conditioning becomes too cool." And it doesn't have to be stuffy just because it's safe for work. Top off your outfit with a breezy hot pink or lime touch, like this summer cardigan ($68, Ann Taylor).
Worthington white stretch pants
Courtesy of JCPenney.com
White Pants
Call them your white-hot pants. JCPenney recommends a modern fit that sits just below the waist. Figure-flattering for athletic and curvy physiques alike, try on a pair relaxed through the hips and thighs with trouser-cut legs, like these Worthington stretch pants (JCPenney, $25).
Michael Kors Tote
Courtesy of Zappos.com
Tote Bag
Take your style to-go. "A large tote can hold everything for work while still being fashionable and functional," Kojitani says. And for a woman who has it in the bag — "it" being every lipstick, ticket stub and pair of back-up shoes in between — use a structured style that holds its shape, Kojitani says, like this leather tote from Michael Kors ($348, Zappos.com).
Ann Taylor ballet flats
Courtesy of Ann Taylor
Ballet Flats
No pirouettes, no problem: You don't have to be a ballerina to know what an evening on the dance floor feels like for your feet. Show off your moves (and your style savvy) in a pair of flats "when you're not in the mood for heels," Taylor says.
Channel your inner prima ballerina — grace and all — when you keep it comfortable but feminine in a pair of leather ballet flats ($98, Ann Taylor).
Worthington Blazer
Courtesy of JCPenney
Blazer Jacket
Who said you can't look nice in a T-shirt? A structured blazer can class up just about anything, so throw it over a flirty blouse (or, you know, your jeans-and-a-tee weekend uniform). For some extra spunk, opt for a fun color, like this bold collarless Worthington jacket (JCPenney, $35).
Aqua trousers
Courtesy of Bloomingdales.com
Black Pants
Maguire calls it the "Little Black Pant." The perfect pair is a skinny fit, straight-to-the-ankle, she says, like these leg-accentuating (not to mention slenderizing) Aqua trousers ($88, Bloomingdales.com). Wear them from 9-to-5, and then a little longer when you hit happy hour.
See the pictures at the link:
shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/899/10-wardrobe-staples-every-woman-should-own/
