Wardrobing 101: 9 Must Have Items in Your Wardrobe
Have you ever heard “that’s a staple piece” and wondered “what the hell does that even mean?” Well, let me explain in real people terms & give you some examples of what and why you should consider adding these pieces to your closet!
A staple piece is basically a necessity for your wardrobe - the pieces that you wear over and over again because they basically pave the ground your outfits walk on. A lot of the time, one of these pieces can take a simple outfit to the next level, creating dept to your look with you barely having to try (sounds good to me). Below is a list of 9 items you need to have in your wardrobe - if you don’t already, this is the time to go get them! I have included a link below to my youtube channel to see why one of these staples outlined below are so important, which will hopefully inspire you with your looks!
#9: Tight Turtle-Neck
This is hands down my go-to piece for pretty much any look in winter. Why? Because it’s so easy to polish a look with a turtle-neck. Oh, & did I mention turtle-necks just happen to be extremely hot right now? You’re welcome. Turtle-necks are easily the best layering piece - whether you’re a very fashion forward individual who isn’t afraid to rock your silk cami overtop of your turtle-neck, or someone stylish who likes to stick to simple pieces to complete a look (i.e. wearing a turtle-neck under a trench coat with jeans), a fitted turtle-neck is a must have piece. Black is obviously the first colour I recommend adding to your wardrobe, but plan to own a rainbow of different colours & fabrics in the near future (don’t judge me, but I own 6 different fitted black turtle-necks because I wear them so much). This will definitely be one of your easiest & most worn pieces for fall/winter/spring months!
#8: High-Waisted Black Jeans
Whether you're in to crop-tops or not, a high-waisted pair of black denim is always a wardrobe need. I personally wear black jeans once or twice a week, especially with the beige colour palette i’ve been wearing lately. Black is always on trend, and honestly, idk how we would live without multiple pieces in our wardrobe. Yes, jeans can be extremely uncomfortable… but it depends on what denim you’re wearing. My advice - invest in a good pair of premium black denim. It’s easy to spend $50-$100 on a pair of black jeans you bought online, but let’s be real - they fade within the month and you find yourself needing a new pair and cringing at the new washed out colour of your previously jet black jeans. My recommendation would be the Rocket from Citizens of Humanity. Yes, these will run you +$300, but you can expect these bad boys to last you years on years while holding their colour. Not only does the colour hold up, but the rise on these jeans are second to none. However, I do understand that this is not realistic for all of us (it took me three years of buying cheaper black denim that I was continuously throwing away to understand that quality would definitely help with my (excessive) quantity). So, if you’re only planning on wearing your black denim once every week or two, the Mile High denim from Levi’s is also a great go to (I personally own Mile High’s in 6 different washes because I have a minor obsession). High-waisted is great for tucking your shirts in, wanting to bare some skin on top, or to simply tuck your tummy in so you can wear a tighter shirt on top (that is, if you’re like me and have a few extra holiday pounds that have accumulated over the past few months.. spoiler: I’m veryyyy okay with the turkey-to-roll trade-off). Make sure to add this piece to your wardrobe like yesterday if you haven’t already.
#7: Long-Sleeve Collared Shirt
No, I don’t mean your basic “omg, I love Brad Paisley & everything country” plaid. I mean whether it’s a plaid or striped long-sleeve collared shirt (even camo will do the trick), you can do more with this piece than just add Levi’s shorts & cowboy boots. Question: how many crew-neck sweaters/tops do you own? Fun Fact: you can layer your crew-neck overtop of a collared shirt and it’s going to give you a completely different look. One of my favourite looks so far this season was when I paired my Rails plaid shirt with my Brunette The Label crew neck (which kindly noted my hair colour “Brunette” on the front of it). Long-sleeve plaid shirts are also one of my go-to’s on days where I just want to slick my hair back in a bun and throw on a heel/bootie with a pair on jeans and still look chic. Sometimes i’ll do a half-tuck - yes, you heard that right. I’ll leave my shirt unbuttoned at the bottom do I can loosely tuck the left side while the right side hangs low (& yes, I know this is a personal preference and that not everyone likes to hang out with their glass half full)). Another way I wear my plaid is under a leather jacket to give me a pop of colour. Whatever your preference, there are many looks you can try with the right collared shirt! Don’t be shy to pick a colour that speaks to you! Pinks and blues are always great colours to create a fun look!
#6: Graphic Tee’s
To be honest, I don’t know half of the bands on the graphic tee’s I own, but I damn sure rock them anyway! Another piece I love pairing with a leather jacket to give me an edgier vibe and can usually be found for under $10 at your local thrift store. Pair your tee with a skirt, jeans, shorts, or pretty much any bottom you can think of and you’ve instantly changed from “aw, she’s so sweet” to “woah, she might steal my boyfriend”. While we’re not here to take anyone’s man, we’re definitely here to serve looks & feel good doing it. What better reason to add a piece to your wardrobe is there? Oh yeah, and while you’re on your thrifting hunt, make sure to look for an oversized graphic tee that you can wear with knee-high boots, because let’s be serious, this look never reaaally gets old.
#5: Mom/ Boyfriend Jeans
Need. Need. Say it one more time for the ones in the back.. NEED. Tbh, I haaaaated boyfriend jeans for like 5 years before I finally found a pair I could appreciate. Mind you, I loved the look on everyone else, but whenever I’d go shopping for a pair, I found I looked like a 5-year-old-boy with no bum who would sneak kisses on the playground from the girls who thought he had cooties. I wish this was a joke, but I promise you this was definitely a fashion don’t for me. It wasn’t until I found Levi’s 501 and Wedgie fits that I finally could embrace everything it meant to rock a boyfriend jean with some sass. Finding the right fit for you can take time, but it’s important to understand that all jeans will fit differently. Even for myself, some 501’s still look awful on me (saggy bum on 100), and I have 3 pairs of wedgies in 3 different sizes. But, if you try enough on, you will find a pair that work for YOUR body type and make YOU feel good in them. You can pair them with pretty much any shoe (heel, bootie, and sneakers) and any top (crop, sweater, shirt). With so many wardrobing options, you’ll almost always have a new fit!
#4: Jean Jacket
Jean jackets seem to never go out of style. Whether they’re short/long, light/dark wash, they’re always an easy add on to your outfit to upgrade a look. Some Saturdays, I just want to wear a t-shirt & sweatpants to leave the house. My jean jacket has helped me look like a real person at 3pm in the afternoon when I have to run hung-over errands. Whether you’re coming off a good night, of you’re wearing leggings with a scarf - a simple jean jacket will elevate your outfit with ease.
#3: Leather Jacket
Definitely in the top three of this list in regards to a must-have, every girl needs to have a leather jacket in their closet. Bringing a touch of NYC chic vibes, dress your outfit up with this quick throw-over piece. With a few ways to wear noted above, adding a leather jacket over a dress works too. I’m not going to give you a long list of reasons why you need one - if you don’t already have one, just trust me. You’re wardrobe is not complete until you do.
#2: Strappy Black Heels
A single strap. That’s all it needs. This classic heel will become your go-to for a lot of your outfits - especially for those fancier occasions. They’re great because they go with pretty much anything (cutest when paired with a boyfriend jean in my opinion), and will polish your look effortlessly. Realistically, how many times does an event come up, whether it’s a wedding, party, etc, and you’ve found the cutest dress ever but have zero idea what to wear for shoes? Well, here is your answer.
#1: White T-shirt
Hands down number one on the list of necessities. I have about 10, personally, but I have one I prefer over the others any day. Why? Because it’s the perfect one for all of my wardrobing needs - it’s a v-neck, not see-through, and the way it hangs makes my body (and boobs) looks good - what else does a girl need? Take a look at the video below for some of the ways you can easily incorporate a plain white t-shirt into your daily wardrobe for multiple different looks!
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Fall/Winter 18': What's Making A Comeback?
There's so many different trends on social media right now that it’s hard to tell what we can expect to actually see trending this fall/winter. Here’s a look at some of the hottest trends that have made their way back to the scene from previous years, and how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe (without having to step outside of your comfort zone)!
I'm sure you've already noticed the amount of 80’s-90's styles that have been making their way back over the past two years. I think it's safe to say now is the time to raid your mother's closet for some of her vintage pieces since what's old is new again, and I'm loving it!
“The 90’s Called.. They’re Sending Their Trend’s Back”
Two years ago, we watched as chokers took over the world, one neck at a time. This year, the list of old trends that have made a comeback is second to none. I'm obviously loving that I get to relive my inner 90's Backstreet Boys loving, Spice Girls singing, Madonna dancing youth, especially since most of the old-becomes-new again trends were just so down right comfortable. So, what can we expect to see this fall/winter that we've seen before?
CORDUROY
One of my strongest memories is my 9yr old self going to Costco with my mother (yes, Costco was the shxt) and picking out everything that came in corduroy (I had a weird obsession with the way it felt). THANK YOU FASHION GODS for bringing this fabric back into the trending world, although my bottom end isn’t as flattered (seriously, corduroy looks awful on my backside). But seriously, this is by far one of the most comfortable fabrics you’ll wear - that is, unless the fit isn't great. You need to make sure whatever item you're buying in corduroy, especially if you're buying bottoms, fit you properly, or you WILL have a "saggy bum" by the end of the day, and let's be real - no one wants that look.
How to Wear: Pair your corduroy item with a cabbie/captain hat to give yourself a fashion forward look. Whether it’s corduroy shortfalls paired with a mock-neck long sleeve, corduroy pants pair with a long flare-sleeved to, or a high-waisted corduroy skirt that you decide to pair with your favourite bodysuit - there is lots to pair with this fabric!
Tip: Try to pair with cotton/silky fabrics (more on the common everyday side), as corduroy is much of a statement fabric on it’s own due to it’s texture!
LEOPARD PRINT
“Leopard Prints Never Lose Their Spots Or Station In Fashion.” - Unknown
I'm just going to start by stating the obvious - Leopard print never goes out of style. Yes, sometimes the hype dies down and we don't see it as much, but then it fiercely hits the fashion world once again and we're left punching ourselves for throwing away our old leopard pieces that we thought "I'm never going to wear this again". I learned my lesson regarding this print when the trend came back in 2009, and then again in 2013/2014 - I now have about 6 leopard pieces from years ago that I am thanking myself for holding on to through all the moving! Leopard is everywhere this fall, ruling the animal kingdom, so if you have a few old pieces hidding in the attic - now is the time to dig them out!
How to Wear: I will forever pair leopard with red - this is my all time favourite animal print combo. Whether it's a red lip, red leather jacket, red belt or red pants - this colour combo is to die for, and always so easy to incorporate with denim/black when you want to.
Tip: If you’re nervous of bold prints, start small! You don’t have to wear a full leopard print top if this makes you uncomfortable. But, there are other, easier ways to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe if you so choose! Buying a new pair of pumps with a bit of leopard detailing will elevate your outfit and allow you to dabble in this trend — think accessories.
SNAKESKIN
Here's a trend that has slithered its way to the top listed trends for Fall 2018. You may have noticed some celebrities (including Rihanna at Coachella, which hello.....enough said), as well as multiple influencers and bloggers sporting the reptile print since last Spring. However, this fall, snakeskin stands next to leopard on the demand scale, hissing with multiple colour-ways that ensure a look that works for all skin-colours. whether it’s worn on top or bottom - snakeskin seems to be one of the easiest trends to throw on with pretty much anything and look like you're on route to NY fashion week.
How to Wear: I’m lovinnnng snakeskin as a full bottom lately. Try pairing a full snakeskin skirt with with a chunky turtleneck sweater tucked in slightly / snakeskin pants with a crop top, a full-length long-sleeve top, or an open front blazer for a fashion forward look. If you’re really brave, try pairing snakeskin with more snakeskin, using different volumes of print to offset each other!
Tip: The great part about snakeskin is that the print is such an easy add-on to your wardrobe if you don't feel confident enough to wear it as a full statement piece. That is, whether there's a hint of snakeskin on your purse, shoes, or other accessories - you will immediately look like a fashionista for simply having the reptile on your side (or your feet).
PUFFER JACKETS
If you haven't listened to 90's R&B/Hip Hop, you missed out on a ridiculous amount of music videos that could make your grandparents get out of their wheelchair to dance. Whether outside in the pouring rain or outside in a garden (yet somehow there just happens to be a full stage block for the performance), these old school video's were full of choreographed group dances, bright colours, and trends that are everywhere again. It seems like every video I can remember has some member (whether it was the background dancers or solely the lead singer) wearing an oversized/puffer-like jacket. And now....They're back! From Kim Kardashian to all of the imposter Kim Kardashians (via Yeezy's collection), you've probably seen some variation of somewhat puffy x somewhat cropped jackets out there all ready. This fall, expect to see the much more as actual puffer jackets make their way back to us. I mean.. how can we be mad at trend that blesses our neck during nap time #JacketOrPillow? I’m here for it.
How to Wear: We've seen them paired with the infamous cycling shorts trend accompanied by a pair of sneakers and a fanny pack. Other ways to wear include; unzipped with a crop top and high-waisted boyfriend/mom jeans, full zip with a straight-leg/skinny jean, full-zip with sweat-pants (tailored) for an easy, on-the-go Saturday errands look.
Tip: Mind you, there are different variations of puffer jackets - we can expect to see a lot of the shorter, more fashionable styles this year, but we will also see somewhat longer styles this winter as well. Don’t be scared to go with the longer style, not to mention the level of warmth this will provide if you’re looking for a more practical weekly use for this trend - pick a neutral colour and make that puffer jacket your new winter jacket!
NEON
While we're used to seeing darker/neutral colours for fall, I had wondered if we'd see this trend really take off this season or a little later. But, it's safe to say this trend is definitely getting some immediate traction. From dresses to jackets, bottoms to tops, shoes to accessories, New York Fashion week was full of bright, 80's-inspired fits. The Kardashian's especially have been on this trend since before summer, mixing neon x latex to accentuate their famous curves. While I personally won't be squeezing into anything latex anytime soon, I am loving that this fall/winter will be filled with brighter colours. Yellow, Neon Pink, Orange, and Bright Blues are just some of the colours scrolling the market, bringing a ray or two of sunshine around with them.
How to Wear: While Yellow might not work for everyone, there is definitely a neon colour that will make you pop and everyone else say "woww". Take the time to try on different colours that may not be what you’d usually pick out - you may be surprised by what colour actually looks best on you!
OVERALLS/DUNGAREES
Last fall, overalls began to hit the scene (again), while this spring/summer, a large number of shorter versions were worn - from romper styles to dress styles, we can definitely expect to see full length denim & fabric overalls for fal/winter, as well as the shorter versions carrying their way through fall in more winter appropriate fabrics! As an easy throw-on piece, the hardest part will be finding the right fit/wash for you. But, once you do, this easy-to-wear item is a must for your fall wardrobe!
How to Wear: Pair you overalls with a turtle-neck and some sneakers or a sweater and some booties. You can leave one strap up, both straps up, or let them both fall down (pair with a crop-top) for 3 different looks with the same item!
Tip: If you haven’t bought overalls before and are looking for full-length denim, I strongly recommend starting out with a medium wash denim - this way you know you can wear them for pretty much all seasons, and they will pair well with the majority of different colour-trends different seasons may have!
FANNY PACKS
Swooping in like they'd never left - fanny packs are dominating the scene. From high-end to everyday fashion designers, you can pretty much find a fanny pack anywhere you go. We see bloggers and influencers carrying anything from Gucci to Calvin Klein, branding themselves front on with the hottest designers on the market. Whether paired with jeans and a top, or dress and heels, this trend is here to stay for a while. Personally, I'm just excited to be able to carry something on my waist instead of wondering "where is my wallet???" Thank.you.90's.
How to Wear: Guess what…. the best part about fanny packs is you can wear one with pretty much annnnnnnnything in your wardrobe! I’d steer away from wearing one to an extremely formal event. But hitting the town in your black dress?? Hell yeah you can pair this together!
Tip: Keep in mind there are now fanny packs that are more so purses than anything! What I mean is these are sleeker, less chunky/sporty than your typical fanny pack and definitely pair better with your dressier looks if you do plan on wearing one!
PLATFORM SHOES
Probably one of my favourite old-becomes-new-again trends (especially since I'm hanging out down here at a whopping 5'2.5"), Baby Spice would be proud to see this trend climb it's way back up the ladder. Helping us fellow short gals gain some height, we are seeing anything from sneakers to boots come with a much higher all around platform, leaving a more solid base for walking (thank you comfort gods). My favourite brand for platform shoes I've seen thus far is Naked Wolfe (link to leopard track sneakers is available through the picture above), truly bringing us back to the 90's.
How to Wear: This style looks great with a good pair of mom jeans, leather, sweatpants, and many other bottoms. Platform shoes also pair well with dresses and skirts, bringing a more casual look to the forefront.
JUMPSUITS/FLIGHTSUITS
Probably the easiest piece to have in your wardrobe - you can expect to see lots of these for fall. From fitted to old school flightsuit's, this one piece, ready-to-wear item is by far the most convenient item to grab from your closet any day. My favourite part about jumpsuits is despite watching their evolution before my eyes, I'm still in awe every time I notice they align the current with the history of this fashionable style. What I also love about jumpsuits is that there are so many options that you can always find your right fit - you just have to find what style works best for your body type and go from there! With hundreds of prints/colours/styles available, you can always rely on a good jumpsuit for any occasion - casual or fancy.
How to Wear: Jumpsuits & Flightsuits are so easy because they’re a one and done piece! You can always add a leather/denim/teddy jacket to most (I usually lean towards leather) , put accessories are definitely the most important here! Adding long earrings to a strapless jumpsuit, or the right hat to your flightsuit can make all the difference.
Tip: Hair is also one of those things that you can play with to change the look! Don't be shy to experiment this way, allowing you to go from casual to dressy just by changing your hair style!
“Sooner or later, everything old is new again” - Stephen King”