5 Essentials For Every Girl's Closet
There are a few articles which every girl needs, great pieces for mixing-and-matching and creating a quick and easy outfit:
1. A nice winter coat.
- An elegant coat makes any outfit look nicer, whether it be a dress or yoga pants. During the winter months, a fancy-looking (although not necessarily fancy-costing) coat is a staple.
- I wear a Cole Haan single-breasted coat like this one from their signature collection, which I bought online from Macy's at a reduced price. This is my favorite coat I've ever bought and I always feel good wearing it. Sleek and classy, the long, belted silhouette keeps the coat from looking puffy and me from looking abnormally large as I have in many other coats.
2. At least one pair of tall, interesting socks.
- The key to a successful ensemble is the extra mile: one added touch to tie the outfit together. One great ingredient is a pair of long socks: no need to buy boot socks, any fun pair will do. Wear with boots, high tops, oxfords...any kind of shoe-- with jeans, with leggings, with a skirt...the options are endless. Textured socks, colorful socks, laced edged socks-- all great options. Special socks always add an extra touch of style and the combination possibilities are infinite!
- My go-to pair of stylish socks to spruce up any outfit are actually recycled: an old pair of Irish dancing "poodle socks" from when I was competitively Irish dancing, about five years ago. I wear them with combat boots, high-top faux-Oxfords, sometimes Vans, and more, and I always receive compliments.
3. Simple black leggings.
- I don't believe in wearing leggings without a long sweater, long shirt, flannel tied around the waist, or something else to cover-- personally, I don't think leggings alone are flattering for anyone. However, leggings are perfect for cool or cold days under dresses, skirts, long sweaters, etc. Easy to put on, comfortable, and easy to move in. Wear with a long, chunky sweater or oversized jacket, layered with a knit infinity scarf and boots for an effortless and cozy look. Always keep a pair of these handy.
- Just be sure to monitor whether or not your leggings are wearing thin and replace them when necessary! No one wants to see through your clothes.
4. A big sweater.
- I love the casual, thrown-together look, and the most important part of this style is the outerwear, what goes on top of the base of the outfit. Oversized sweaters are a key element in achieving an effortless look. Keep it slightly long, so as to keep open the option of leggings (see above). Minimalism: the goal is always to keep options open for outfit combos. Cable-knit pullovers, thick cardigans...there is potential in every style. Pick whichever looks best to you.
- I prefer my staple sweaters in shades of beige or creme for maximum outfit-making and matching ability, and I pair them with leggings, jeans, dress pants, dresses, skirts...anything goes! A sweater can fit into any situation. Over a collared shirt or tee, with a big scarf or chunky necklace, almost anything can work if you mix it correctly.
5. A basic black dress.
- Versatile and easy to customize, a "little black dress," although cliche, is truly a great item to own. There is so much you can do with a plain, black dress-- add a denim vest, add a belt, add a sweater, add patterned tights or leggings (although maybe not all of these at once). One dress can easily become ten or more outfits, which is great for travel.
- I love the mock-turtleneck style, and so my go-to basic dress has a mock high neck, and is free-hanging (waistless like a t-shirt dress) and comfortable. I can add a belt to change the shape, add a colorful jacket, add a sweater and/or scarf, etc. A plain black dress is a clean canvas; it can become anything.
Obviously, this is not a complete list, but simply a few things which I think are absolutely essential for any girl who wants to look stylish. Comment below your fashion essentials!
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