How many times have you gone to your closet, pulled out at least a dozen articles of clothing, but determined that you have NOTHING to wear? If you have been guilty in participating in this craziness at least once in the past week or so, it might be that you are lacking wardrobe essentials. Those pieces that can pull a look together. That form the structure of the overall vibe you are trying to achieve. To feel confident in what you’re wearing and in how you present yourself. All about wardrobe essentials. And how to set this up in your closet.
Wardrobe Essentials SHOULD…
- Show off your best features
- Fit your well (no tugging or pulling while wearing)
- Work with a variety of different pieces
- Create a foundation for your outfit
- Last more than 1 season of wear
Wardrobe Essentials Include…
- Statement bag/clutch (when you effortlessly keep the rest of your look monochromatic, the bag steals the show!)
- White Blazer (Chic with denim – or throw on with a LBD at a wedding for when you get cold at night)
- Scarf (when all else fails, a scarf ALWAYS comes through to perk up the personality of your look!)
- Quality Denim (For how often we throw on jeans, spend a little more to get a pair that fits your fabulously!)
- Plain White (vneck) Tee (BEST layering piece!)
- Embellished flats (adds a bit of sass to your vibe)
- Black cardigan/wrap sweater (Flattering, easy to toss on, perfect from season to season…)

Where to Start?
- Start small with 1 quality wardrobe essential at a time.
- Determine how much you will spend & when (some pieces you will want to splurge more on… so plan to fit into your budget – no one is stylish while in debt!)
- Find a fave store (Nordstrom, for example) to get quality pieces with the support of trained and fashionable stylists!
- Have fun – maybe get that statement bag at a Flea Market or Estate Sale. Make an event out of it!
Have big goals but a small bank account? Take a peek at OhConceptCollection. Although this brand showcases “the modern business woman” – they really are just celebrating classic pieces that will look sleek whenever you wear them. Like THIS black sweater I’m wearing from OhConceptCollection. The leather detailing gives this “basic” black sweater instant sophistication to your style. And because it’s subtle, it wont compete with any statement bags or shoes you pair it with. Belt it or not – either way lends itself to looking lovely!
What wardrobe essential do you want to update right-this-second to your closet?
Get your credit cards ready! More “must-have” pieces…like a chic trench, glamo boho and embellished others!
*Loved partnering with OhConceptCollection for this post, but as always all opinions are my own.
Scarves are always a good idea. I think I have about 30 of them LOL. That way I can change out the colors to match my outfit.
I have really been trying to make my wardrobe simpler and more stylish. I love sweaters like this one with skinny jeans and flats. I really love that scarf though to add some color and pizazz to the outfit! Thanks for sharing these great tips!
I feel like I have SO many clothes, but nothing to wear! I end up with mike the same few things every time, so I think it is time to purge and just keep the basics for a while!
I would totally wear that black sweater! I always pick up open styles sweaters and cardigans to pair with pieces in my closet.
I really really need to go through my closet and purge, I have so much I don’t wear, which makes it really hard to remember those great staple pieces that fit perfectly. And YES statement bags make an outfit! LOVE yours!
I feel like I have nothing to wear all the time. I like the idea of a nice black top paired with stylish sandals and a colorful bag. Thanks for the ideas!
I have a ton of cute scarves! I’d add the white blazer and black cardigan tinny wardrobe! I only have a black blazer.
Were you spying on me this morning??? I literally changed four times. I did wise up, though and took those pieces OUT OF MY CLOSET. I am not making that mistake again. I am going to start with the white Tee and the fabulous purse. 🙂
I don’t know if I have one essential I need to update, but I have been thinking about getting rid of items I don’t love anymore. I would like a few more pair of good jeans since I wear the ones I have a ton.
I really need to have a wardrobe declutter and I do agree I spend so much time in my jeans but don’t really own a proper good pair. Definitely my next investment x
The wardrobe essential I’m dying for right now is a go to pair of sexy shoes. My babies are getting bigger and I think it’s the perfect time to get a gorgeous pair of high heals.
I just bought a few cute scarves! Perfect for this time of the year! I love your floral purse too! It looks so bright and cheerful against your outfit!
I’m always looking in my wardrobe (which is full to the brim!) and decide I have absolutely nothing to wear. I think I just get bored quite easily. It is definitely important though like you say to have those essentials. I’ve got a whole stash of plain white tees and they are an absolute god send!
You’re comment on “fit well, no tugging” rang true for me. I literally just put a pair of yoga pants in the donation pile as I was tired of tugging the band up. I swear my ass isn’t that big but they kept riding down. Enough, into the donation pile they go!
That bag is adorable! I love fun pieces. I am pretty simple with my wardrobe and try to use capsule style as much as I can. My rule is to only buy something if I really love it and if it goes with one thing I already own.
Gorgeous clutch! We all have the “I have nothing to wear” weeks. I’ve been adding more jewelry to make myself feel better about clothing options in my own closet.
I think this makes for a good guide for closet must haves! I always make sure that I have the usual, like jeans and a plain shirt. The others would be a nice addition to any outfit, like a statement bag of a scarf.
I totally agree with the nice pair of denim. I wear denim amost every day so that’s a staple for me!
I need those Tory Burch flip flops in my shoe closet ASAP! I am so addicted to wearing my TB riding boots. When the summer comes, I get so sad I have to wait until fall again. I seriously live in them! I completely agree with quality denim. I no longer purchase a bunch of cheaply made jeans. I’d rather invest in one classic pair that is well made and fits me well. Thinking of the jeans I wore as a teen make me cringe. I really need to look into getting a white blazer. I have a black one, but need to invest in white. Great style tips as always Karen!
I just recently purged my closet and got rid of a lot of stuff that I was holding on to that I don’t even wear anymore. These are staple pieces that you are wearing and they really can be mixed and matched in a lot of different combinations.
I am guilty of saying that I do not own all of these items. I definitely need to look into getting a scarf for sure.
Super cute! I love your style and matches mine perfectly!