We have all read those articles about the essentials for your wardrobe listing the basics and reiterating the fact that we should all dress the same.
But when you really analyze the concept, we are all such individual adults with such different lives, that having the same things in our closet as everyone else just doesn’t make sense.
So what’s a girl to do? My answer is to find the items that make your heart go pitter-patter. You know– the items that you just love.
Quote of the day: “We’re all alive, but we don’t know why or what for. We’re all searching for happiness; we’re all leading lives that are different and yet the same.” Anne Frank
Essentials for Your Wardrobe that aren’t basic
1-Overcoat
2-Jacket
3-Dress
4-Tops
5-Bottoms
6-Boots
7-Summer Shoes
8-Necklace
9-Earrings
10-Scarves
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t have the “basics” in your closet. By this time in our life, I bet we have multitudes of those basics. They are certainly good for a reason.
But after you have those basic essentials for your wardrobe, now it’s time to add the “extra”. And by extra, I mean those more unique and stand-out items.
Do you struggle with the fact that you don’t want to stand out?? It’s common. Yet in a way, it’s heartbreaking to hear women say that. Because every single woman I’ve ever met has information that we can all benefit from knowing.
And when we hide in our clothing, we also tend to hide our knowledge.
The thing is, what is beyond the basics for me, will be TOTALLY different for each and every one of you. I’m not pushing that you copy any of us, just that you explore the kind of “extra item” that will help you get beyond the basics.
Insider tip: This works for every type of clothing style out there. For example, if you prefer the classic styles don’t forget that even Audrey Hepburn stood out. Why? Because she knew how to add some extra with her multiple stranded pearls or sparkle in her hair.



Overcoat for the Colder Months
Even though the colder months are darker and gloomier, that doesn’t mean you HAVE to wear a dark overcoat. Yet that is what I see the most when we are out and about.
Why shouldn’t you have a bright-colored coat or print overcoat that will be a nice change from the sea of black we usually see?
Then again, I’m not here to push you to buy more, more and more. If you already have a black overcoat, then think about adding a bright scarf (along with other tricks I discussed in the blog post) to make it extra.
For the examples, I wanted to show a solid coat, a print coat, and then how to add interest to the dark coat you might already have.
Pictured Above Blog Posts:
Colorful Overcoat is a Must
Winter Coat for Short Women
6 Ways to Add Extra to the Black Puffer Jacket


Jackets & Toppers
One of the essentials for your wardrobe that can transform an outfit is what is commonly called the “third piece”. Most of us know this as a jacket, cardigan, or some type of wrap. In the summer we tend to wear kimonos to keep the sun off our skin but add in some extra interest.
All of these third pieces can be considered your personality piece. It is an easy way to add some interest to the outfit with either texture, shape, or print.
Sure, you still might love having a black blazer as part of your wardrobe, but don’t forget that color is very powerful.
For the examples, we are showcasing both a textural jacket as well as a print cardigan. But the options are endless.
Pictured Above Blog Posts:
Arizona Winter Outfit
Black Booties for Ageless Style


Essentials with your Wardrobe with a Statement Dress
If I read another article that the LBD is the best dress to have as one of the essentials in your wardrobe, I might scream, haha. Sure, we’ve all accepted the fact that a black dress can be versatile. But in all reality, ANY dress can be just as versatile.
In fact, I would wager to bet that the color of the dress that is the MOST versatile for you is the one where the color makes you glow.
Insider tip: Since a dress can be the entire outfit, it’s what I consider easy peasy. That doesn’t mean you can’t add extras to it. But for those of you who don’t love having to wear accessories or a third piece, then this is the answer to looking put together with very little effort.
I hope you remember that dresses do not have to be for fancy occasions only. There are many casual dresses that can be worn any day. Of course, I would even suggest that you can make your “fancy” dress more casual depending on what you wear with it and especially your footwear choice.
Don’t believe me? Then see how we all wore our dresses in 4 totally different ways.
Our examples showcase how both solid-colored or print dresses can be considered beyond the basics.
Pictured Above Blog Posts:
Inspired by the Song, “Lady in Red”
Summer Brights from Day to Night


Beyond the Basics with Tops
Sure, a basic t-shirt is one of the essentials for your wardrobe because they go with that wonderful statement jacket or cardigan. However, there are times you don’t want to wear a third piece, and that doesn’t mean your outfit has to be ho-hum.
A statement top can be so many different things. I am always partial to asymmetrical details, interesting print, or a color that makes you shine.
Even though both examples are showing longer tops, that isn’t essential. What is essential is it makes you feel amazing. Again, I wanted to show how both a print or solid colored option could be exactly what works for you.
Pictured Above Blog posts:
Red, White, and Blue Outfits for Every Day
Hot Pink in Fall


Bottoms
Ahhh, the misunderstood bottoms. So many times women consider the black pants the holy grail of the essentials for your wardrobe. And because of that, the clothing brands keep making them for every season.
Again, I think it’s good to have 1-2 pairs of black pants in your closet, but I would hope you might explore some other options too.
Just because I have shown 2 examples of print pants with this category, doesn’t mean you HAVE to try them. Finding a solid-colored pair of pants where the color is one that makes you smile can be just as perfect.
Insider tip: Don’t forget that skirts are a fabulous option. Skirts are actually easier to find to fit your body because there are fewer fit points. And yes, you can wear skirts casually.
Pictured Above Blog posts:
How to Wear Leopard Pants
How to Wear Floral Jeans


Boots
Now let’s get beyond the clothes and talk about footwear. I’m including both winter and summer footwear because we obviously need both in our closets.
There is a saying out there that shoes can make or break an outfit. Of course, as a fashionista, I believe that with my whole heart. Yet I also know that finding comfortable shoes that are stylish can also be an issue.
That’s why I work with a multitude of comfortable shoe brands throughout the year so that you can find options for your feet.
Boots are definitely one of those essentials for your wardrobe for those who live where it gets cold. Don’t think you can’t wear them in the southern areas too. Heck, I have added more boots since moving to Arizona only because they can be such a stylish component.
For these examples, I’m showing both tall boots (in a color besides black) and ankle boots. There are so many boots including flats, a low heel, or high heels that will “make” that outfit shine, not just functional.
Pictured Above Blog posts:
Simple Winter Outfit
Stripes for Fall


Summer Shoes as Essentails for Your Wardrobe
Summer shoes are no different than boots in the fact that you can find ones that are more interesting than Tevas. Don’t get me wrong, your Tevas can be functional for your hiking adventures. But I bet you go more places than just the trails in the summer months.
Even a trip to the grocery store can be a wonderful time to look your best and wear the fun summer shoes.
Insider tip: If you have sandals that you love, but their arch support leaves something to be desired. I have found these Soles Insoles on Amazon that can be used in multiple shoes. I am wearing them in these red sandals for a day of walking. Then I’m able to switch them out to my Converse sneakers.
The examples shown here are both print summer shoes as heels and as flats. It’s not to say that a yellow pair of sandals wouldn’t be something your closet would love. Just think how they can add a pop of color to almost anything.
Pictured Above Blog posts:
Spring Accessories with Pink and Floral
Styling a Tote Bag


Statement Necklace
A statement necklace is a perfect way to add that extra if you only have those basic t-shirts in your closet. It can be magical by bringing the focus either to your face or down the front of your shirt as a vertical element.
Now when I say statement necklace, it can still be simple yet if it contrasts with the top you’re wearing, it will stand out. And that’s the idea of adding the extras as part of the essentials to your wardrobe.
Lesley is showing the simple yet long statement necklace while Nancy is wearing a multiple strand necklace that acts as a statement especially because it’s a totally different color yet ties in the color of her boots.
Insider tip: Don’t forget that you can layer your necklaces to create entirely different looks, as I experimented with here.
Pictured Above Blog posts:
Wearing Black in the Summer
Elf Inspired Outfits


Essential Earrings for your Wardrobe
For those of you who want the focus near your face, then hopefully you have discovered statement earrings. Even if you have a short neck, you can find stud earrings that have personality and/or sparkle to fit this category.
Heck, with short necks, you can wear long earrings that touch your shoulders. There is absolutely no rule that says earrings have to stop at a certain place on your body.
Insider tip: Remember when choosing earrings that your hair is a factor in the recipe. Your hair can hide the earrings or the earrings can blend too much with the color of your hair. If you are going to take the time to wear earrings, make sure they at least show.
For example, if you have silver or white hair, wearing silver earrings is basically camouflage. Don’t forget you can paint them with fingernail polish to change the color of them.
Pictured Above Blog posts:
Spring Accessories
Accessories with a Crew Neck Top


Magical Scarves
Scarves are truly magical pieces of fabric. Why? Because they can be folded, twisted, or just added to any outfit. They fit no matter what size you are, and they can be worn more than just around your neck.
Most women stress about how to tie our scarves. Many times the amazing part of the scarf is the color or print on it. What I mean is you don’t have to worry about “how” to wear it, just wear it!
Insider tip: Looking for more ways to wear scarves? I’ve listed 25+ ways in this post.
Granted, I pulled two examples of wearing scarves around the neck. These show how you can add a different color to a look, and one even incorporates print mixing.
Pictured Above Blog posts:
Sheer Burgundy Material
What to Wear in Arizona in the Winter
Conclusion–Beyond the Basic Essentials for your Wardrobe
Now you may think this is all fine and good. Maybe you have one of these items discussed in this post. If that’s the case, I hope you wear it, a lot!!
Can you wear more than one at a time? Now that depends on you. The entire concept of personal style is how it should be personal. There should NEVER EVER be a rule to say how you should dress handed down from someone else.
You know yourself the best and my hope is that your style continues to evolve just as we learn something new every day.
Personally, I believe that if our style is stagnant, then our mind remains stagnant. It’s why I love trying new things. Even if I put together an outfit that I end up not liking, I certainly learn from it. So do as your mom always told you and “Just Try It-You’ll Like It.”

My Goal
Thank you for visiting my space on the internet. I like to showcase how it’s never too late to look great for women of any age, size, or working with any budget.
I feel I’m here to help move beyond the fashion rules of yesterday and evolve. Style and clothes are made to give you joy. Not cause us stress because we are worried about what others think.
My hope is that you get ideas and inspiration from Charlotte, Lesley, and myself. It’s not about copying what we wear, but about using what you already have and updating items along the way.
Most of all it’s getting us to think differently and dare I say, have fun?
How You Can Help!
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