Women's Classic and Vintage Wardrobe Must-Haves

No matter your personal fashion sense, there are a few classic items that should be the building blocks of any woman's wardrobe. Without them, you'll be hard-pressed to be well-dressed. With them, you can respond to any occasion with confidence.

In a down economy, it's best to give your local women's vintage clothing store a try. You'll find pieces of quality clothing at a price that's more affordable than the same item would be brand new. The following is a list of the essential items you need in your wardrobe, and your chances of finding them in women's vintage clothing stores.

The little black dress. Ideally, this is a shift dress of about knee-length in a fabric suitable for several seasons. In reality, another style may better suit your body type, so any black dress that is versatile and can be dressed up or down will work. The little black dress should be top-quality, so it's definitely worth checking out a women's vintage store to see if you can find one, especially if you wear a smaller size. Be aware, though, that clothing sizes have gotten larger during the past 20 years; someone who wears a modern size 6 may need a size 10 in women's vintage clothing.

The white shirt. This type of top is the workhorse of your wardrobe and can be worn with anything from a pencil skirt to denim cutoffs. Because the white shirt is so easy to stain, you won't find many in a vintage store. The good news is that the cheaper versions don't differ very much from the more expensive ones, so you'll be able to save money while still looking sharp.

The leather jacket. This is a must-have for the modern woman; it also helps your wardrobe appear less stuffy. This is an area where your personal style can shine through. You will want to buy the best quality leather jacket you can afford, because poorly made leather jackets scream "cheap." You can find nice, classic styles like bomber jackets at women's vintage clothing stores.

Women's shoes. Shoes are an area where you just can't economize, as they affect both your style and comfort. They don't necessarily need to be designer, but they do need to be well-made and able to support your feet. Women's vintage shoes should be changed frequently to let them breathe, meaning you'll need at least three pairs for each season: a heel (somewhere between 2 and 4 inches is probably best), a pair of dress flats and a pair of stylish-but-casual shoes for running errands -- sandals for summer, sneakers for the rest of the year. You will be able to buy nice quality shoes at vintage stores, but finding the right pair might take some hunting.

Women's jeans. Every well-dressed woman needs at least two pairs: one hemmed to wear with heels and one hemmed to wear with flats. You may try on literally hundreds of pairs of jeans before you find the one that makes your body look both curvy and svelte. They won't necessarily be the most expensive ones, either. There are great lines of jeans in chain stores, and you can also stumble upon decent pairs in vintage stores. If you only have the funds for two pairs, starting off with dark rinse straight-legs or slightly boot cut (depending on your figure) are your best bets. Save the bleached and ripped jeans for the fashion victims, and wear jeans that actually make you look hot.

A knee-length skirt. Most fashion guides will tell you this should be a black pencil skirt, but those don't look great on everybody. It's equally acceptable to buy a full skirt in another neutral color, as long as it's versatile. When you have a little extra money, more unique skirts are a great thing to shop for in vintage clothing stores.

A good handbag. In the current economy, the days of the "it bag" crazes are over. It's far wiser to buy two classic, good-quality bags: one in a fall style and one in a spring style. This is one of the best items to shop for in women's vintage stores, especially if you have a designer sweet tooth. You can get a high-end designer bag at a designer consignment store for a fraction of the original price.