Ahh yes, the ‘top 10 things every closet should have’.It’s THE list to beat all lists, and if you just had THOSE things in your wardrobe, you’d be set!Right?

Um, well, kind of.I don’t even want to admit how many women’s closets I’ve been in over the years (which sounded really funny in my head – as I typed it).I wish there was a magical list that would work for every woman, every lifestyle, every budget, every climate.Even Tim Gunn has his list of 10 things.I think all stylists, wardrobe consultants, image consultants (whatever label you want to put on us) – we all have a list.

My list is a guideline to get you thinking about making the most out of what you have in your closet.

Think of those 10 things as the bones of your wardrobe.The things all outfits you pull together come from. Your lifestyle is specific to the wardrobe you need to build.For example, there is no reason a woman who works out of her home, who never goes to social events, who is uncomfortable in skirts – should stress about adding the LBD to her collection of 10-things.

Keeping practically in mind, here is my ‘starting point’ list of 10-things:

Pic 1 – Nordstrom

Pic 2 – Nordstrom

Pic 2 – Berek Casual pants

Pic 3 – White Linq Tee, Black Papillon convertible skirt and necklace by Just Be Designs

BOTTOMS

Jeans – everyone needs to invest in a nice pair of jeans. Something in a dark wash, with no distressing, or aging.Make sure they are hemmed appropriately for your shoe height.

Dress Slacks – generally, I suggest black trousers because they are so versatile. Something that has a plain front and back.No bells and whistles.

Casual Pant – think nice sweat pants….only nicer.Something you can comfortably travel in.I have a pair that is velour (nice velour, almost velvet; not 70’s creepy guy velour). I can actually wear them with a silk blouse and heels, and then turn around and wear then with a t-shirt and lounge on the sofa. Versatility – NICE!

Skirt – something easy to wear, flippy, that you can dress up with a nice top, or dress down with a t-shirt. Even something that can be pulled up and worn as a dress – this option makes this one piece even MORE versatile (as shown in the photo).