If you build a wardrobe full of versatile items, you’re going to maximize your potential outfits AND your wallet. This used to be a hard concept for me, because I’m a bargain shopper and I used to love quantity over quality. As I’ve become a little older and wiser however, I’ve come to realize that spending $100 on four items that will last me three months, doesn’t make much sense compared to investing in one quality item that can last three years. I’ll tell you, when I finally grasped this concept, my life changed haha. Now I focus on wardrobe basics that will last me years, and that elevate my closet and help me maximize my outfit potential. Sound interesting? Keep reading 🙂
*This post contains affiliate links. All content and opinions expressed are my own.*
A White Blouse – The #1 Closet Staple
It might not sound like much, but a white blouse is where it’s at. You can literally make an infinite number of outfits with a white blouse because it goes with everything. Pair it with pants, denim jeans, a skirt, shorts, layered with a dress, or even by itself if over-sized. With so many styling options, how could this not be the #1 item every woman needs to have?
For me personally, I like my white blouse to be slightly non-traditional. If it’s a button-up, I want it to be a little sheer. That way I can layer a lace bra underneath to edge up the look. If it’s a traditional blouse, I want something like billowing sleeves, or a richer fabric, like silk. Something that elevates a basic piece while still allowing it to be versatile. The blouse I’m wearing in these photos is polyester, but it has an expensive texture that makes the fabric look extra chic. Pieces like this can get a little spendy, so check online stores like Saks Off 5th or Nordstrom Rack for deals!
Accessories that Elevate your Wardrobe Basics
The last three items on my list are all accessories. If you have these three things and a white blouse, you can put together any number of chic and versatile outfits! The three accessories I have as my wardrobe basics are:
- Chic sunglasses – the style you should get will depend on your face shape, but try to opt for oversized or cat-eye if you want something timeless.
- A neutral purse (or seven…) – most of my purses are white, beige, black, grey…because these colors are the easiest to pair with my outfits. Here’s a tip that will instantly make your outfit look more chic and put together – match your bag to your shoes. And what color are most of your shoes? Proooobably neutrals. Your welcome.
- Gold jewelry – opt for simple to maximize versatility. My favorite pieces are knuckle rings, dainty layering necklaces, and small gold hoops.
All of these pieces will help to elevate your looks, and they don’t have to be super expensive. Saks Off 5th, Nordstrom Rack, Forever XXI, and Amazon are a few of my favorite places to shop for wardrobe basics (see the post I did about the affordable accessories I purchased on Amazon!). What are some closet staples you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments!
xo,
B
I love love love your purse. And the style goes so well together. From the glasses to the well-chosen colors, you look amazing. There’s a flair of ’70s that I really find refreshing.
My wardrobe is missing a few essentials. I don’t have a white blouse and i prefer white gold or silver to yellow gold.
White gold/silver looks great on cooler skin tones! Unfortunately it doesn’t look great on me but I know some women who really pull it off!
Thank you Charlotte!!
I don’t know much about fashion but I would have to agree that a classic white blouse should always be in a woman’s wardrobe because they seem the most flexible. I have seen women travelling that were able to use it for formal events, exploring churches, or just cruising around popular tourist things!
It’s probably the #1 staple! Def a must have 🙂 Thanks for reading!
I’m constantly torn between buying cheaper clothing so I can afford everything I need at that moment, and waiting to buy each item so I can buy something that is more quality. It’s definitely a process, but I’m getting there!
Girl, the struggle is real, I feel you!
I love your outfit so stunning and gorgeous and the purse so cute. so beautiful dear.
Aw thank you so so much!! <3
I love your purse here, yes I am missing something from here in my wardrobe but will fill up the gap soon.
Thanks for reading girl!
I have to admit I’m not so good at the whole ‘wardrobe basics’ thing, often they don’t really fit my style! I do love a good shirt though, I just tend to choose classic patterns (my absolute favourite is a vintage Liberty fabric shirt from the 1970s, it’s totally timeless and works both when I need something smarter as well on more casual occasions!) x
Oh I love vintage fashion, that shirt sounds so perfect!
A white blouse is a must! I think I have about 4 of them and I don’t have any trouble switching from casual to formal with a white top. I will have to take that advice of matching your purse color with your shoes!
Thanks for reading Kristine!!
You are looking fab girl!! I agree a white shirt is always good as can be dressed up or down such a chic look x
Thanks so much Melanie!!