Female : Classic Wardrobe "Must Haves"

I am in the process of purging my life and simplifying....a paring down phase if you will....although, I am pretty sure this is no phase, as I have been focused on simplifying my life for quite some time now.

It is a slow process....Over the years, I have accumulated so many unique pieces that I can't seem to part with.

Do I really need that many clothes? Yes I do....errr....DID.

I am a dress whore and have the closet to prove it. I have about 120 dresses and counting. I am a girly girl and girly girls wear dresses so I had to stock up.

I know what works for my body type and I stick to that formula. God blessed me with hips and a butt so there is no way I will be caught dead in a form fitting pencil skirt or a trapeze dress.

The funny thing is that I purged my closet three months ago yet I still have way too many clothes.

Let's not get started on shoes. As of October 29, 2008, I have about 200 pairs of shoes. Yes I said 200. I don't know where they came from but I can tell you that I don't want to part with any of them. You might say I am a bit of a pack rat.( and cute shoe lover!)

I feel the need to take a weekend and say goodbye to a lot of my clothes and get back to the basics.

So this morning, I am asking this question, "What are the basic pieces needed in a girl's closet?"

Well according to style and fashion guru Tim Gunn, even if you couldn't afford Kimora Lee's wardrobe, it is essential that you have the following pieces in your closet:



Classic Dress Pants

Basic Black Dress

Cashmere Sweater

Classic White Shirt

Day Dress

Great Fitting Jeans- one dress up pair and one casual weekend pair

Sweatsuit Alternative

Tailored Blazer

Coat- a trench or coat that layers easily and creates a waistline

Well-cut Skirt

Black ,White and Brown Camisoles and/or Tanks

Short and Long Sleeve Tees in White, Black, and Brown

Cardigan

Black Turtleneck

Evening Gown

A Bra that fits correctly

Underwear- have enough to cover your wardrobe needs, no panty lines!

Shoes - Flat, mid-rise heel, stiletto in black, brown, and light color

Boots- either flat or heeled depending on shoe height preference

Copper or gold tone shoe- goes great with your spring/summer wardrobe

Jewelry- gold toned jewelry tends to be the most versatile

Classic jewelry- a set that is simple and elegant like pearl earrings or diamond studs

Watch- stick to a classic shape and design so you can wear it with day or evening wear

Shawl & scarves- useful and an easy way to add color or interest to a muted outfit

Sunglasses- good for your eyes and a great way to round out your look

Belts- adds a "finished" look to an outfit; look for thin, wide, hi-waist and hip belts

Purses- a tote, an evening clutch, and standard size purse

Okay I must admit this list is not so basic. If you have the pieces listed, you are set for life. Well sort of.

Since I am sick with the flu currently, all of this is on my mind today for some reason!

I agree with SOME of the list, some of it NOT.

Stay tuned.

~ Kimberly