The ‘essential’ wardrobe items you may not need (and some that truly work in every wardrobe)

“Wardrobe essentials you need in your closet now”

“Items of clothing everyone should own”

“Clothing staples every woman should own”

“Wardrobe essentials you need for endless outfits”

“Clothing essentials that should be in every woman’s closet”

You’ve heard and read it all before, right? These are the items we’re told time and time again that we need to have in our wardrobes to make them feel complete or “perfect”, yet I have found that oftentimes many of these items only work for certain style personalities or lifestyles, and despite claims to the opposite, they’re really not pieces that truly work in every woman’s wardrobe.

If we took every single article, blog, video, etc., to heart and purchased all of the “must-have” or “essential” items from every list, we would likely be completely overwhelmed with our wardrobes and wouldn’t even know where to start. So many of these resources seem to have a “one style fits all” mindset and don’t consider the multitude of different style personalities, style preferences, and lifestyles that are completely unique to each woman.

With all of the different suggestions and choices that are thrown at you, it can be difficult to know where to start or which “essentials” really will work for you.

Well, I’ve done some of the hard work for you. I’ve looked up ten different resources all claiming that they have the essential and must-have items that every woman needs and, not surprisingly, the suggestions varied from one resource to the next. Some of the suggestions were fairly vague and allowed for different style preferences and individuality (e.g., everyday bag), while others were more specific (e.g. printed wrap dress).

After reviewing the lists from each resource, I’ve taken the top seventeen items (many of which showed up on basically every list) and broken them down into two separate categories — items that don’t necessarily work in every woman’s wardrobe and items that do.

The seventeen items are:

1. Trench coat

2. Tailored trousers

3. White t-shirt

4. Ballet flats

5. Everyday bag

6. Tailored blazer

7. Denim jeans

8. Little black dress

9. Wrap dress

10. Denim jacket

11. Layering tank tops

12. Button-up shirt

13. Knit dress

14. Everyday accessories

15. Layering turtleneck

16. Slip dress

17. Leather jacket

Can you guess which ones will be in each category?

Let’s start with the items that don’t necessarily work for every wardrobe. These are the “essential” items you may not actually need. For each item, I’ve provided some suggestions for alternatives you might prefer or different styles you might want to try.

1. Ballet flats

• Ballet flats can work for most people, but that doesn’t mean you have to have them, especially if they’re just not a style or aesthetic that you prefer. Ballet flats traditionally have a more rounded or cap toe and, personally, I prefer something that has an almond or pointed toe because it lengthens your legs and is often more flattering on the foot. You might prefer a loafer or (going even more casual) a sneaker – something that is more comfortable for you and that you can wear for hours without hurting your feet.

2. Trench coat

• A trench coat has a very specific style vibe which just doesn’t suit everybody. Now, don’t get me wrong… I think that absolutely everyone could wear a trench coat because it is classic and timeless and can be worn with almost any outfit, but I understand that not everyone wants to wear a trench coat. If that’s you, don’t worry about it! Choose a piece of outerwear that you feel comfortable in and will actually wear, rather than having something that looks great in your wardrobe but that you never actually reach for. You might try a barn jacket, a leather jacket, or a bomber-style jacket instead.

3. Tailored trousers

• While I do love a good pair of tailored trousers, I know that not everyone feels the way I do about them. For some people, they’re just too formal or too crisp. You might prefer something more casual, such as denim, or you might prefer relaxed trousers (think, fancy sweatpants), which you might find more wearable for every day compared to the tailored version.

4. Tailored blazer

• Even though blazers are a workhorse in so many wardrobes that doesn’t mean you have to have them in your wardrobe. Perhaps you know that a tailored blazer wouldn’t make any sense for your current lifestyle or maybe you feel that they’re too structured or too formal for you. Rather than a tailored blazer you might prefer a knitted blazer (much more relaxed than a traditional tailored blazer) or even a knitted cardigan.

5. Leather jacket

• Just like the trench coat, I do think that everyone could wear a leather jacket because there are so many styles and cuts that there’s probably something for everyone, but I know that not everyone wants to wear a leather jacket. A leather jacket has a specific style vibe that may not work with everyone’s style personality. You might prefer a more tailored jacket (like a trench coat or tailored blazer), or something more casual like a knitted cardigan.

6. Little black dress 7. Knit dress 8. Slip dress 9. Wrap dress

• I’m grouping items 6-9 together simply because they’re all dresses and not every woman loves wearing dresses or feels her best in a dress. I do think that there’s probably a style of dress for every woman out there, but it would be too much to suggest that every woman needs every style listed here. You may have and love a little black dress, while others may prefer a little blue dress. You may love your summery, feminine wrap dresses, while others may prefer a simple slip dress that they wear every season. Or you may be someone who avoids dresses altogether! If that’s you, but you still want to have an easy one-and-done outfit, maybe try a jumpsuit or a matching top and bottom set.

10. Denim jacket

• I know, I know… this is such a staple in so many wardrobes, but (don’t hate me!) I just feel that it’s one of those items that really isn’t an essential for every wardrobe. It can definitely be one of those items that helps an outfit feel more casual (e.g., pairing it with a crisp pair of tailored trousers), but you could get the same effect by wearing a casual leather jacket or bomber-style jacket with the same pair of trousers. A denim jacket can work in most wardrobes, but don’t feel that you have to include it in yours simply because you see it on a “must-have” list.

One reason that many of these items don’t necessarily work in every wardrobe is that so many of them fall more into the category of wardrobe staples rather than wardrobe basics.

You can read my full post here where I go into detail about the differences between these categories but simply put – basics work in every woman’s wardrobe, regardless of style preference or lifestyle, while staples are more specific to each wardrobe and may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

(Check out my Pinterest board Wardrobe Staples for styling inspiration and ideas.)

Overall, the biggest reason most of these don’t work in every wardrobe is simply down to style preferences and lifestyle. Just because these items show up on a list telling you that every woman needs them, doesn’t mean you should include them in your wardrobe if you know that they don’t really suit your style or your lifestyle.

(Even if you don’t think that some or any of these items suit your style personality, there’s nothing wrong with trying them on just to see. Who knows, you might find that you are a leather jacket kind of person, after all! Just make sure that you’re honestly assessing whether you’re purchasing something because someone told you to or because you know it will be a positive contribution to your wardrobe.)

So, now that I’ve discussed the items I don’t think work in every wardrobe, let’s get into the ones that I think do!

1. White t-shirt

• A basic t-shirt works for any and every wardrobe. Specifically, a white t-shirt because the white is going to brighten up so many outfits and go with even more compared to a darker colored t-shirt. There are so many different styles to choose from so there’s something for everyone – oversized, slim, boxy, cropped, v-neck, scoop neck, crew neck… the list goes on and on! (If you have experience with white t-shirts and know that it’s just an accident waiting to happen, try something slightly darker that will still go with basically everything but won’t leave any tell-tale stains!)

2. Denim jeans

• Denim jeans come in so many different styles, cuts, washes, fits, etc., that there really is something for everyone. You can choose a dark wash, medium wash, light wash, distressed, black denim, or white denim, whatever your preference is. You can go with baggy, cropped, mom fit, barrel leg, skinny, flare leg, straight leg, wide leg… again, the list goes on and on! If you prefer denim skirts to jeans, this still applies. You can find denim skirts in virtually any length, any wash, any style, and almost any price point.

3. Button-up shirt

• This might be controversial, and you might be thinking that you’ve tried button-ups and they don’t work for you, but hear me out. Even if you’re only wearing an oversized button-up as a beach or pool cover-up, there’s a place in every wardrobe for a button-up shirt. If you find that they’re too rigid or structured for you, try an oversized one in linen or a linen/cotton blend, something that’s softer and more relaxed than a traditional stiff cotton button-up. You don’t have to wear them the traditional way – i.e., tucked in all the way around and styled with trousers and belts. In fact, I think they look better when they’re worn slightly oversized and styled very casually.

4. Everyday bag

• This will look different for everyone, which is why I like that it was included on several of the lists I looked up, and why I’m including it here. Your everyday bag might be an oversized tote, or a smaller crossbody bag, or even a backpack. It might be your favorite luxury handbag or an old reusable shopping bag. There’s so much room for personal preference, yet overall, this is still very much an item that works in and makes sense for every woman’s wardrobe.

5. Layering tank top

• Layering tank tops are invaluable pieces to have in your wardrobe because, as the name implies, they can be used for layering (like wearing under (or over) your button-up shirt, under a sweater, or even under a dress), but they can also be worn on their own, making them highly versatile, practical, and functional. Similarly to t-shirts, layering tank tops can be found in a variety of styles including racerback, scoop neck, mock neck, etc., making them pieces that easily integrate into every woman’s wardrobe.

6. Layering turtleneck

• Similar to layering tank tops, a layering turtleneck (one that is more fitted to the body) works well in every woman’s wardrobe because of its versatility. It can be worn under dresses, jackets of every kind, sweaters, or button-up shirts. It can be dressed up or down, tucked into trousers or jeans, or worn over a fitted slip dress. The outfit possibilities are endless.

7. Everyday accessories

• These are the items you probably reach for every day (or, at least, most days) and may include your favorite sunglasses, your signature jewelry, or a well-loved watch. The options are limitless and can easily be tailored to your style preferences and lifestyle.

The reason these all work in every woman’s wardrobe is because they are much more broad categories (compared to specific styles or pieces) and there is so much room for individuality. You can choose the color, the shape, the style, the cut, the wash… each of these items is highly versatile, practical, and functional making them ideal choices that will work in every woman’s wardrobe.

(Check out my Pinterest board Wardrobe Essentials for styling inspiration and ideas.)

Okay, that was a lot! Are you still with me?!

Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list of every single item that anyone could ever think about possibly purchasing, owning, or wearing. These are simply the top items that I have found are consistently marketed to women as being the “essential” pieces they need.

I’m not here to tell you which pieces you “need” — you have enough people and companies doing that already! Rather, I’m telling you which pieces may not necessarily work for everyone and which ones I believe do, so that you can make a more informed decision when you’re trying to decide what should go in your wardrobe.

As with everything else that I write about, I’m always thinking about it from the perspective of having a well-rounded wardrobe. One that is practical, functional, and versatile. One that makes sense for your lifestyle and suits your personal style. Only you can be the judge of whether some, or any, or all of these items make sense for you and your day-to-day life.

Let me know if you agree with my lists or if you would swap some of the items from one list to the other. Reach out any time by submitting a question or comment through my contact page or email me directly at hello@awellroundedwardrobe.com.

Amber

Hi, I’m Amber

Creator and founder of A Well-Rounded Wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to start building a wardrobe from scratch or simply want to fine tune what you already have, you’re in the right place. Start exploring.