I went down a pants size and now I can’t fit into any of my clothes. It’s the perfect time for me to build some essentials from square one. What are the top essential staple pieces I need to buy to get me through the winter?? —Elizabeth, Georgia
Congrats on the weight loss Elizabeth! Here are my suggestions for staples that are perfect for colder months. To see more essentials, and how to wear them different ways, check out all 11 month of my ttF Fashion Staples Series.
1. Sweater Dress
This fashion staple is so incredibly versatile you can wear it four times a week and nobody would notice that you were repeating the dress. For work, wear it with a blazer and tights. For the weekend, layer a vest on top or a chunky scarf with flat boots. For night, embellish it with a statement belt, necklace or earrings. Add color with tights. Dress it down with a denim jacket. You can even wear it as a top by layering a voluminous skirt on top. The possibilities are truly endless, especially if you go with a sweater dress in a neutral color.
Try These:
Gap Cowlneck sweater dress, Bop Basics V Neck Sweater Dress, BCBGMaxAzria Turtleneck Dress.
2. Dark Denim Straight Jeans
While I’m a fan of both the skinny jean and the wide leg, if you can only choose one, I say go with straight. They’re slim enough to tuck into your boots. But they’re wide enough that you can wear a heel underneath without looking top heavy. If you do a dark wash, you can wear them from the office to the weekend to a dinner date.
Try These:
J Brand Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans, Gap Real Straight Jeans, Citizens of Humanity Taylor Trouser Jeans.
3. Black Blazer
As I showed last month, a black boyfriend blazer is an ideal piece to use for polishing an outfit. It dresses up a simple pair of jeans and long-sleeve tee. You can make it into a suit with slacks or a pencil skirt. You can wear it with a mini dress to balance out a shorter hemline. Just make sure to choose a jacket tailored to your frame to show off your figure! Tailoring is so important in a blazer so spend a little more with this staple. As long as you care for it, you can have it for years. I’ve been wearing my Theory jacket for six years now.
Try These:
Elizabeth and James Slick Suiting Elizbeth IV Blazer, Bop Basics The Fiance Blazer, Theory Gabe B Blazer.
4. Audrey Hepburn LBD
Everyone says you need a LBD. But if you can only have one little black dress to start with, follow in the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn and make it classic. I prefer a high-neck sheath for the winter. For the office, you can use your blazer, or layer a long-sleeve knit or turtleneck underneath the dress. At night, make it fancier with a bold statement necklace, add brooches or have fun with betls. For brunch, pair it with tights and a cardigan and wear it on a dinner date with chunky boots and a leather jacket.
Try These:
Jessica Simpson Tulip Tank Dress, BB Dakota Meadow Dress, Anne Klein Bi Stretch Dress.
Now that you have four staples to get you started, fill in the holes with less expensive accessories. Go to Forever 21 and Target and pick up statement jewelry, colorful scarves, festive tights and embellished belts to make different outfits. Fashion should be fun so don’t stress, play dress up in your closet and enjoy!
Do you have a fashion question? Ask me in the comments below or just fill out this form.
This is so helpful, thanks!
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