Investing in a quality piece can actually save you in the long run.
As the co-founder of the fashion and lifestyle site Coveteur, I’ve peeked into a lot of closets over the years and spent maybe too much time thinking about women’s clothing. Over the years, I’ve learned that focusing on a few, favorite pieces can be a much better approach than simply buying every cheap, trendy item that catches your eye.
While some pieces might be a bigger investment than others, having these key items will save you time and money since you won’t always be running out to look for something to wear or for something that matches what you already have.
Here are my picks for the tried-and-true women’s wardrobe essentials that every woman should own.
The Denim You Feel Best in
Everyone should have one pair of jeans that — no matter what — you can put on and feel good. Some days, no matter how hard you try, an outfit just won’t come together. When this happens, go back to your favorite jeans and pair them with a plain black or white T-shirt. You can’t go wrong, and you’ll leave the house feeling great.
The Perfect T-Shirt
While it may take some time to adjust to paying over $50 for a plain T-shirt, it is well worth the splurge. Having a great basic that you can pair with skirts, pants, or jeans really alleviates a lot of stress in the morning. Plus, if your cheap shirt falls apart in the wash, fades, stretches out, or shrinks up, you will end up spending more money re-buying poor quality T-shirts over and over again instead of just investing in a couple more expensive ones.
A Low-Heeled Black Bootie
Throughout my career, I have spent many hours scouring the internet and brick-and-mortar shops alike for the perfect black boot — the one that goes with everything, the one you can walk around all day in but can also wear at night. Come fall, I rely on a classic bootie to pair with leather pants for work or long-sleeved dresses for a night out.
A Comfortable Pair of Heels
There is nothing worse than hobbling around all night in shoes that don’t fit correctly or are too high or too narrow. On top of the pain, it’s money wasted on a pair of feet destroyers – not to mention the money you will spend on replacing them. Finding a good pair of heels that you can actually walk in will make your night more enjoyable. Even if you have to shell out a bit more money upfront, you’ll save in the long run because you will wear them again and again.
A Properly Fitting Pair of Pants
This may seem like a given, but in many cases, it’s simply not the case. Having a go-to pair of pants that fits you perfectly is key when you have a big meeting or evening event to attend. You can feel confident that you look polished and presentable, and you can focus on putting your best foot forward. I also believe it’s worth it to spend the extra money for a tailor to get them just right.
A Bodysuit
While this may make some of you gasp, trust me when I say I wear my basic bodysuits more than anything else in my wardrobe. They go with everything, they look super polished, and they are surprisingly more comfortable than you would think.
A Statement Coat
When the weather gets cold, your coat is essentially your outfit since it is what most people will see you wearing. Investing in one that makes you feel great every time you put it on — and stands out from the sea of black parkas — will put a spring in your step even on the snowiest of days.
The Wear-Everywhere Bag
If you choose to invest in a luxury designer handbag, I firmly believe it should be as functional as it is beautiful. We rely on our everyday bags to take us to work, the gym, dinner, airplanes — the list goes on. I tend to find one that has a long strap in addition to handles, which makes a big difference. Make sure to consider the bag’s weight, too. Remember, if you are investing in it, you should be able to easily carry it around all day.
Chic Travel Pants
While the thought of sitting on a plane in uncomfortable clothing only adds to your travel anxiety, it is also important to look and feel your best when you land at your destination. Choose a pair that’s still comfy, yet a step up from plain sweatpants.
An Everyday Piece of Jewelry
Over the years, I have found that although I like to think I am going to switch my jewelry every day, that’s unrealistic. Instead, I have now switched over to investing in a piece of jewelry I love and wear every day that goes with absolutely everything. It’s nice to have one piece that brings you joy and makes you feel good every time you look at it.
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