Clothing & Accessory Staples that Every Woman Should Own

In the time it takes me to choose an outfit, my boyfriend has showered, done his teeth and hair AND dressed. How? Well – Men don’t buy impractical clothes. The majority don’t buy something because they love how ‘on-trend’ it is, but because it will fit seamlessly in with the rest of their wardrobe, and go with everything they already own.

But, boring as ‘practical’ clothes may be, the truth is, you need to have a wardrobe complete with clothing and accessory basics before you will be able to fully incorporate the trends, so here is my list of essential basics that you should own some variation of. With these in your wardrobe, you should have no problem throwing an outfit together for any occasion!

1. High Quality Scoop Neck T-Shirts – Such as the Daina T-Shirts from Reiss

2. Tailored White Blouse – I love the Stretch Cotton Shirt from Whistles

3. Basic Vest Tops in White, Black and Grey – Such as these ones from M&S

4. Oversized, Colourful Top – Great over jeans or leggings, splash out on this Marni top.

5. Long Sleeve Thermal – I live in my M&S thermal during Winter, so great for layering.

If you work in a formal environment, I’d suggest investing in more quality shirts and blouses in a variety of neutral shades. Opt for easy care items that don’t need dry cleaning. 

For students or if you work in a less formal environment, go for more T shirts and Tank tops to wear with jeans, and layer under cardigans and jumpers.

1. Fitted Pencil Skirt – The Reiss Cherish is an office or interview essential.

2. A Pleated Skirt – Such as the Maria skirt from Whistles

3. Leather and Jersey Leggings – For the best fit, these Baukjen Leather Trousers

4. Mid Rise Skinny Jeans – You’ll always want to wear these J Brand Jeans.

5. Black Skinny Jeans – I re-dye these Topshop Jeans every time they start to fade.

Jeans are worth investing in, as they will never go out of fashion, but don’t break the bank on skirts as there are so many variables for trends to change each season, like length, silhouette, material etc. I also think everyone should own a pair of black leggings for lounging around the house!

1. Black Bodycon Dress – Like this classic from French Connection.

2. Jumper Dress – Mix casual with luxury with this Richard Nicoll Waffle Knit dress.

3. Shift Dress – One day I hope to have this D&G dress in my wardrobe!

4. LBD – Too many to choose from, but this Topshop Chiffon dress is a classic.

5. Off Duty Day Dress – Such as he Lou Printed dress from Jonathan Saunders

Ok this colour palette may look pretty dull, and I’m biased at the moment because I’ve got Autumn / Winter on the mind, but these dresses are so wearable. You can always pop on a black bodycon dress for a night out, and the jumper dress can be worn to relax in the house or dressed up with heeled booties to head out.

1. Fur Gilet – Add warmth & glamour with this Karl Donoghue Shearling Gilet 

2. Quilted Jacket – Invest in some Burberry Brit for your wardrobe – you’ll wear it forever.

3. Neutral Pullover – Chuck the Rag & Bone Claire Pullover over anything for casual chic

4. Leather Jacket – The Opal from Reiss also comes in Black

5.  Tweed Jacket – This Sandro Jacket works over Tees, Shirts and Jumpers

6. Trench Coat – Classic, Iconic, shield from the elements with Burberry London

Living in London, outerwear is something that I like to invest in, as we have to wear it for half the year, and it is always visible. With things like leather jackets and trench coats, I think you should go for the best quality you can afford, however a fur gilet from H&M can look just as great as a more expensive one!

With some variation of each of these essentials in your wardrobe, you should never be stuck for something to wear every again – fingers crossed!

What are your wardrobe essentials? Are there some things which you have bought which you just wear over and over again?