THE ESSENTIAL WARDROBE

1. Crisp white shirt:
   Whether it’s a crisp, white button-up or a casually chic white tee this is a classic and necessary piece in any wardrobe. Think of it as a blank slate for adding any myriad of accessories to turn from basic to beautiful.  
2. Little black dress:
   The ubiquitous LBD. You would be hard pressed to find ANYONE in fashion that doesn’t consider this a “must-have” for any women’s closet. The perfect LBD should make you feel Old-Hollywood glamorous. It should be able to go from day to night, from work to cocktails and meeting to Gala with a mere change of accessories. A simple shift dress worked wonders for Jackie O. and you surely can’t go wrong with an empire waist and A-line skirt or a sweetheart neckline and cap-sleeves. 
3. Trench coat:
   Unlike a heavy winter coat, the trench coat is great for going from spring showers to snow showers with an easily removable lining that most come with. Combed sateen can work for all seasons and while a basic black or khaki is sure to get you far this is also a great piece to take a color risk in. A deep plum or even a metallic gold, silver or copper will work with most items and look fresh and trendy.
4. Studs:
   Stud earrings are PERFECT for adding just a bit of jazz to any ensemble. Diamond, or CZ, studs in any color add the perfect amount of sparkle to a plain tee. Oversized or standard pearl studs are a classic look for any occasion.
5. Hoops:
   Hoop earrings look great with any face shape. They automatically draw the eye down, drawing the focus toward your amazing face. Your wardrobe is not complete without a pair of silver or gold hoops.
6. Jeans:
   The perfect pair of jeans, some women will spend their whole lives searching for them. The best pair to get is boot cut, dark wash and perfectly tailored. Designer jeans are great if you can afford them and several stores will do the tailoring for you, but if you don’t want to commit to those Abercrombie, Gap, Express and Old Navy make excellent jeans at great prices.
7. Wrap dress:
   We can thank DVF for bringing this into women’s closets everywhere. You just cannot go wrong with a wrap dress. The style is just phenomenal on every figure and the neckline creates the perfect opportunity to showcase a fabulous statement necklace. These dresses are especially wonderful for traveling. Just toss it in your bag and pull it out for an instantly chic look. A wrap dress is great for experimenting with prints. Geometric, animal print and floral never go out of style.
8. Bangles:
   Bangles in varying metals or styles are perfect to throw on at whim to add some character to your ensemble. They add a youthful and bohemian vibe. Toss them on with a basic white shirt to add some flavor or throw them on with your favorite LBD for a night on the town.
9. Chains:
   Easily-layered chains are a great investment. Layered necklaces are an easy and chic way to add a little contrast and depth to your ensemble. You can create a whole new look by adding layers of metal chains. A sweet pearl necklace can be made rocker-chic just by paring a couple chains.
10. Cocktail ring:
    A cocktail ring adds instant fabulosity to anything. Just one, bold cocktail ring in your wardrobe will go far.
11. Sunglasses:
    Sunglasses are important for adding drama and portraying a little bit of a mysterious vibe. It’s best to stick with a classic Wayfarer, aviator or oversized black sunglasses.
12. Scarf:
    Scarves also possess a remarkable ability to transform an outfit. A great scarf can work year-round with the right things. Just imagine your perfect jeans, white shirt, hoop earrings and bright scarf together. Perfectly polished for daytime and throw on the layered chains and cocktail ring to take out on the town.
13. Hobo:
    A bag that can carry your notebook to work and then carry your magazine on the weekend. A great hobo should be able to fit a water bottle, notebook/magazine, wallet and cosmetics without bursting at the seams. A solid color in leather is usually a safe bet and a well-made one will last for years. Keep the embellishments on the outside limited; rosettes, fringe and sequins may not always be in style. Equestrian-inspirations are more likely to stick around.
14. Clutch:
    This bag should be your “go-to” when you’re going out. Small enough to fit a cell-phone, lipstick and credit cards, this bag should be able to blend seamlessly with just about anything in your wardrobe. This is another great place to take a risk. The size makes it fairly unobtrusive and thus able to withstand sequins or feathers or bold colors without appearing gaudy.
15. High-waist skirt:
    A wonderfully-fitting, high-waist skirt in either an A-line or tulip is perfect for throwing on with a basic shirt or sweater to create an entirely new piece. Get in a basic color: black, navy or dove gray to pair with a fabulously trendy or bright top.