Wardrobe Basics - What Should Be in Your Closet

It's time to clean closets now that fall is just around the corner. The problem is what stays and what goes? What works year after year, surviving all the latest trends? The answer is classics that you can effortlessly wear for years.

Blouses and sweaters are key components to any wardrobe. A good tailored oxford style blouse in white works with a suit or jeans. They're even made in such variations as pin tucked or with pearl buttons. Also the oxford comes in colors if white is too stark for you. Traditionally sky blue or pale gray are perfect because they can work with black, navy or gray suiting. Don't despair of your wardrobe is mostly browns and greens. A pale chocolate or green blouse works with these as well as with neutral colored. twill skirts and pants. You may also want to add a plum or pink oxford for even more dash. Make sure your closet contains the sleeveless version for spring and summer. Have at least three sleeveless oxfords , one in white and two in pastels to go with skorts and shorts. These are also good to pack if you're taking a winter holiday to the islands. Tee shirts are another closet (and drawer) basic. A well made white tee shirt looks crisp and even polished with everything from slacks to Bermudas. Always stock a few in white but also tees in different colors as well. Black tee shirts are another wardrobe classic. You can turn into a rocker chick when you pair them with black jeans. Pair one with khakis and you have a sharp casual Friday look. Just remember not to over wash it as with any colored tee shirt Use laundry detergents that will help your tees maintain their colors wash after wash. Also if tees become too raggedy or stained either toss or put into your good will bag.

Sweaters also play an important part in your wardrobe. Always have a good button down cardigan for work and a chunkier knit one for weekend wear. (these make excellent jackets in transition weather). You can buy or even knit your own in a variety of wools and weights. Pullover sweaters are a must in any four seasons closet. For late fall and winter a good thick wool cabled turtleneck should be a basic. It's versatile enough that you can wear it to the office on cold, snowy days as well as to weekend family gatherings. You should also have finer gauged sweaters, whether with crew or ballet necklines. These can be considered flexible in their usage, They can fit in at any occasion. Most women tend to have them in workable colors like cream, charcoal. navy and plum. Pair them with slacks for office meetings or with jeans and a blazer for a night out. Another must (as well as a luxury) is a cashmere tee shirt. Have one in a neutral color to go with suits or one in a bright shade to pop out at parties. Every store is featuring them, from Isaac Mizrahi's design at Target to the more luxe ones at Barney's New York. Cashmere tees are a worthy investment because you can wear them during three seasons as well as for years. The classic shape and material buck all trends. Another classic that fits into this category is the fine gauged turtleneck They even make a ratty pair of jeans look high fashion. Turtlenecks add old school charm and class to blazers and skirts. Have them in the four wardrobe color basics of black, gray, taupe and white. Navy is another good choice as well and if you want - have a few in different colors for weekend wear. For the warmer weather it's good to own the sleeveless type in light and brighter hues. These can dress up Capri pants and walking shorts., making these acceptable for restaurants and barbecues at your boss' house.

What should go with blouses and sweaters? A good selection of jeans, slacks and skirts. A finely made pair of great fitting jeans is always a closet must. If there's a brand or a style that looks good on you then stick with it, making it your signature article of clothing. Cropped denims are fun weekend wear so own at least a couple of pairs. Other closet staples are twills and khakis. These can be worn also casual Fridays as well to Sunday brunches. Every closet should have winter and summer pairs of slacks. Again have these in the color basics such as black, white taupe and gray to mix and match with different blouses and blazers. The number of skirts owned is up to the individual. Even if you live in pants have at least one or two skirts that you can draw upon for a little change. A good winter standard is a black woolen one. You can top it with a sparkly tank for holiday parties or with a turtleneck and a scarf for office wear. Consider buying a denim or twill skirt of any length. These will effortlessly take you through the seasons and can be paired with any blouse, sweater or tee.

Should today's modern woman own a few dresses? The answer is yes. Every few years donate your old frocks to Good Will and buy some new classics for yourself. Your closet should at least have the LBD , the little black dress. It should be made of a good wool or good wool crepe for winter events. For summer it can be silk or even cotton (and can be a black and white print) Get classic styles such as the shift or an A line to compliment your body type. Another timeless winter classic is the turtleneck dress. Keep a few hanging in your closet. Donate them to charity when they start losing their shape or when the cuffs begin to lose their shape.

As much as fashion guru Tim Gunn pooh poohs sweat suits, they are a vital essential to any wardrobe. Let's face it. We need them for our everyday lives. You're not going to walk the dog, drop off the kids or do Saturday shopping in work clothes. There's nothing wrong with a warm velour suit that's comfy and warm. Yoga wear and oversized fleece tunics should also being hanging amongst office and party wear. Your closet should also contain one good winter bathrobe in chenille, terry cloth or flannel as well as one good summer one in seersucker or cotton. Also have good flannel PJ as well as breathable cotton ones for warm weather wear.

This fall check your closet before you're seduced by trends. Make sure you have seasonless classics ready and if not, then definitely go out and buy them. You want a wardrobe that will be workable for years to come.