I had (finally) sat down to describe what makes up my ultimate ten piece wardrobe when my plane hit a rough patch of turbulence over the Rockies. Nothing like an injection of adrenaline to get the mind to focus!. 

Although I’ve highlighted one 10 key piece at a time in individual blog posts, I have yet, until today spelled it all out in one comprehensive post. So here goes.

When you think about what you admire most about another woman’s outfit, what comes to mind? Is it the way she’s not afraid to wear color, or is she a genius at mixing prints? For me, it’s that woman who looks effortless, like she didn’t try too hard. Most of all it’s when she manages to elevate basic pieces in a way that exude both confidence and a carefree outlook.

So, what are these “basics” I’ve been talking about since the day I started this blog?

In my IGTV video I walked through the following key pieces in my wardrobe one by one. Be sure to check it out when you’re done reading the print version.

1.The Blazer

This is going to be your most versatile piece because a blazer pairs so well with the other 9 pieces. Best of all you don’t need one in each color to accomplish that versatility. Of course, if blazers are “your thing” by all means load up. But I like to get by on just 2 black blazers; one in a felt-wool with a shrunken fit (I bought a bespoke one when I was living in Istanbul), and a lightweight wool gaberdine from Calvin Klein for the spring/summer months. If I’m going for a trend then I reach for a Prince of Wales check or Herringbone (actually these are classic fabrics but have been trending for awhile now). I’d like to try the Everlane cotton linen blazer for spring as well.

2. The Button Down

Again, you don’t  have to go crazy here; you really just need 2 or 3 and if you work in a corporate environment chances are you have plenty. My favorites are surprise-surprise a basic white button down from Everlane. Their Japanese Oxford Shirt is perfect for casual days by cuffing the sleeve and popping the collar a la Jenna Lyons. To steal the style of a Parisienne magazine editor I recommend a tuxedo shirt. And if you want to go for edge then grab a black button down; my favorites are from Vince.

3. The Statement Coat

In my book, nothing tops off a look like a statement coat. This is also a place where you can delve into trends. My tried and true statement coats are an oversized classic camel and a leopard print.

4.The Skinny Jean

Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how your look at it, skinny denim is here to stay. So you might as well find the best fitting one at the best price. At risk of sounding like a broken record my top pick is from Everlane (and my review here explains why it’s #damngooddenim). However, my favorite rock star alternative is a wax-coated skinny jean from AllSaints. All Saints is as bad-assery as it gets, especially when paired with the black button down and shrunken blazer. If you live near any Simon outlet you can pick up a pair at just about an All Saints outlet store. Love it or hate it the skinny jean will be the hardest working piece in your 10 piece capsule wardrobe.

5. The Trenchcoat

I also did a review of this classic piece on the blog so I won’t drag on. In that post I remember waxing rather poetically about Audrey Hepburn. And I still can’t help but feel HGL whenever I don a trench coat. And while high end brands like Burberry have cornered the market you don’t have to spend a fortune for one. My favorite is from JW Anderson’s Uniqlo collaboration which is machine washable, reversible, affordable (and still available). This one is a “sleeper” that you should snap up ASAP.

6. The Midi Skirt

Here again I’m feeling a very Audrey vibe; think Roman Holiday. For my sensibilities here is where “when they go high, I go low”. If you want to show some skin, however you can always wear a tank top. Midriff tops go really well with a midi skirt. It’s all about proportions. And that button down? With that collar popped, is an instant classic pairing for a midi skirt.

7. The Breton Tee

AKA the Nautical Tee is a basic that comes in literally ALL price points thus making it an easy piece to elevate. My favorite inexpensive piece under $20 is by Uniqlo – they make a great cotton-linen tank top version. If price is no object for you then reach for the classic from La Ligne (see first image below). This company is the original manufacturer of the French Navy’s Mariniere shirt. Paired the trench coat and midi skirt – ces’t magnifique!

8. The Ballet Flat

This again is one of those pieces popularized by fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn (think Sabrina). And while there are many variations my favorite is the classic almond toe. If you want some edge however, every now and then J Crew releases a pointed-toe version that you want to watch for.

9. The Ankle Boot

I’m a little biased here because I have a weakness for ankle boots. My top go-to styles/finish are Patent, White, Metallic, and Chelsey. Check out my side by side review of the Chelsey style Everlane Boss Boot and Acne Studios Jensen (both on the blog and IGTV (watch here).

 

10. The Classic Pump

Here’s a piece that I actually don’t own yet, although I have come close in the cap-toe slingback  from Vaneli. This Chanel designer dupe is E-VER-Y-THING. My goal one day however is to find the Jimmy Choo-esque classic black leather pump (pointed toe preferred) with less than a 3 inch heel. Let me know if you know where I can find one!

By evidence of this blog post being completed, my plane has landed safely on the runway. Now I can focus on what to wear OFF the runway. Let me know what you think of the list and what items you consider essential to the ultimate ten piece wardrobe.