Getting ready for 2012 - My closet basics...

I wonder if I'm the only one who dreams of that closet that takes me from work to weekend, round the world travel, seasonless and fashionable, my sartorial companion on this journey called life.  It should be like a superhero, leaping to the challenge of every occasion in a single bound and make it all look so incredibly easy.  In preparation for 2012, I want to whip this wardrobe into shape, getting rid of all the clutter, build a solid foundation of basics, bring in those special items that create the WOW, and take this show on the road...in a suitcase.  I figure, if you plan your wardrobe as if you were packing a suitcase, you would choose the minimum of pieces that are multipurpose and fabulous, to make the fiercest impact.  So today I want to take on the basics.  These 9 basics in a core color (a neutral that will work for your coloring as well as your preferences) will work all year round, for all occasions, in every corner of the world.  You just can't go wrong with these pieces, and with this limited amount, you have the makings of a multiuse wardrobe. 

The perfect Blazer or jacket:  (core color)  This topper should fit perfectly around the shoulders and neck, allowing for full range of motion, sleeves and hem the right length for your body type and preference, looks great worn open or closed.  For me, that perfect blazer is a black, hip length, double breasted boyfriend blazer in a size larger than what I normally wear in tops, to give it that slouchy fit.  Even though I wear XS, I have longer arms, broader shoulders and heavier upper arms than what it seems most women my size have.  And because I like to be able to move more freely in my shoulders and neck, for comfort, I'll go up a size. 

                                                 

Cardigan: (core/accent color)  I prefer my basic cardigan in a core color, which, for me, is black.  It should be fitted in the sleeves and shoulders, so you can layer it under a coat or jacket if need be. It should be flattering to the body and long enough to stand on its own as a jacket, depending on the type of bottom you might pair it with, and seasonless.  The ultimate for me is a cashmere, round neck button up cardigan.  This can be worn as a top itself, with nothing underneath.  That's not what I have right now, but I'm working on it. 

Trousers:  (core color) These trousers will take you from work to weekend, through many seasons.  I like a lightweight wool just because I wouldn't have to iron as much, but the draw back is the need to be dry cleaned.  Cotton works well too, except if the pants are black they will fade rather quickly in a regular wash. The style of the pants will be your preference as it works for your body type.  I personally like a tapered ankle length as I can wear them with flats and heels, casual/ work/ night, they can be fitted or slouchy in the thigh as long as it makes my butt look fab.   Although at 5ft. 4in. which would be considered short, I am thin, so I seem taller...so the ankle length visually adds a little weight to me, which I don't mind.

White Shirt:  Can be white or off white, buttoned down, or a Tshirt.  This will go with every bottom in your closet.  Don't spend too much on it, as you will be replacing it often to keep that crisp look.  The most important idea to keep in mind is fit.  I have both a button down shirt and Tshirts.  My crewneck Tshirts I got from Target - I love their fit.  For some reason, I'm not a fan of a Vneck white tee, even though I like a Vneck black/gray tee.  My white button down shirt, I bought at Express.  I like that it's fitted in the body and the arms, the sleeves are long enough, and the sleeves look great rolled up without being too bulky.  Another thing about this shirt that enhances the way it looks on my body is that even though its a button down, the first button starts right at my bust with a V neckline, so it's more open than the standard.  That slight twist makes a world of difference in how the shirt flatters. 

Camisole: (core color) For me, this is a black silk/jersey camisole.  I like that it can go from day to evening, and it won't fade like a black knit tank will.  I'm all about having to replace as little as possible. 

Perfect fit skirt:  (core color)  This skirt should be all occasion appropriate but make you feel as sexy as you are.  Basic and neutral, it goes by unnoticed except for the fit.  The shape you choose will be what is most flattering to your hips and butt.  My perfect shape has always been the pencil skirt.  I have slim hips and a rounded bottom, so I want a skirt that will enhance my sleek curves.  In younger days, I favored a shorter skirt, however, today, sexy for me translates to a knee length, very fitted leather pencil.  The leather might seem like an investment but she works hard for the money - going from day to night, from work to weekend and all seasons because of the light weight.  I have found a love in this skirt, and I think that's how you should feel about the things you choose to surround yourself with.  And btw, I found my skirt at a vintage store so I didn't pay that much for it.  SCORE!!!!

Perfect fitting jeans:  Dark denim in whatever style makes you want to wear them all day, everyday - they're so perfect.  I like dark skinny jeans because I can tuck them into boots, wear at night with sexy heels, and daytime with flat motorc ycle boots or flipflops.  And notice how they are the same silhouette as my choice of trousers.  This consistency will ensure that I can wear them with all my shoes and coordinated tops.

Opaque tights:  I personally don't like black opaque tights because they don't seem warm enough, unless I get woolly ones (which are itchy to me) but I love black leggings or black sheer pantyhose.  I can work the leggings all year round and the pantyhose will warm up a summer dress on freak chillier day. 
   
 

And last, but not least, is the Little Black Dress:  Every wardrobe must have list features this little black dress,so I bought one.  A fitted black sleeveless sheath.  I love the fit of it, I can wear it to work.  The only thing is, that's about it.  For night, I want to look sexy, and I don't feel this dress does it.  Also, for weekend, it is too uptight.  I live in Florida, so for summer it is way too heavy.  So for me, the perfect black dress would be a something in a knit jersey to make it seasonless and work to weekend.  The only thing is I would want it more sexy for night, which a corset dress with detachable straps would be perfect.  For day, I could wear a jacket or cardigan over it to make it work wearable, it would be perfect for the weekend and the bareness of it makes is perfect for summer.  Or I could go with a sheath that has a barer neckline like these two...

So even though this list is so basic, it's the details in these individual basics that help create the backbone of your unique personal style.

All photos courtesy of Net-a-porter.