Every wardrobe needs a solid foundation that will allow you to create various outfits that fit your lifestyle, just like an artist needs his canvas and brushes to create a work of art. I like to think of such a wardrobe as a creative wardrobe. A creative wardrobe is a wardrobe that allows you to create versatile outfit combinations from a few staple items.
In this post, I am going to show you my top 10 wardrobe staples. In the past, I didn’t like to invest in basic items because I always felt they were “boring,” and there has always been a prettier or more unique item I wanted to buy. As my style evolved, I learned that these items allow my wardrobe to be whole and versatile. Today I’m happy to say that they are an integral part of my closet.
Here are my top 10 wardrobe staples recommendations. They will help you build a wardrobe that allows you to play with your outfits and be more creative with what you have.
Ready? Let’s get started.
Coats & Jackets
Black biker jacket
A black biker jacket has become an item I always enjoy wearing when I go out. It has a very flattering shape that can elevate your outfit, and yet its style is very casual and basic. You can easily clean it and wear it to work and for an activity with the kids. Since it is a timeless item that can stay with you for years, I would highly recommend investing in a quality leather jacket. I bought my jacket at Mango, which always has those classy leather jackets in season. You can also find some links for black biker jackets I found online (including a faux-leather option) below. There are also a lot of second-hand options on sites like Vestiaire Collective.
Trench Coat
Another must-have timeless item in my closet is the trench coat. Trench coats usually come in beige, khaki, or camel. They are resistant to rain and can be perfect for autumn and spring when the weather starts getting warmer. I love wearing this item because it adds elegance and chic to any outfit I choose to wear (even a sweatshirt) thanks to its shape and neutral color. I bought my trench coat at Esprit, but you can find it in almost every high street store. I highly recommend checking out second-hand options through eBay or Vestiaire Collective, where you can even find a real Burberry trench coat, which was the inventor of the first trench coat. Here are links for some alternatives.
Blazer
Black, brown, or plaid, a blazer is a must-have item in a creative wardrobe. You can mix it with a knit or a blouse for a more elegant look or with a t-shirt for a more casual edgy look. Its tailored cut and fabric elevate every outfit and gives you a more polished look. I ordered the blazer I am wearing in the photo above online from & Other Stories almost two years ago. I have since expanded my blazer collection to include a second-hand brown blazer by Massimo Dutti (see in the photo below).
Photo by Ataklit Tes
Tops
Lace Camisole
I love wearing a lace camisole, especially under a knit, blazer, or jacket. It adds a romantic, feminine touch to an outfit, and its silky texture gives a sense of elegance to your look. You can dress it down with a denim jacket or a knit for a casual everyday look, or dress it up with a blazer or tailored trousers for a night out. I have two silk lace camisoles in my wardrobe – a classic black one and a yellow summery one. I bought both from Anine Bing online on sale. I have linked several silk camisoles from Anine Bing, but I advise you to wait for a price reduction to purchase them. You can sign up for her newsletter to find out when there’s a sale. I have also linked some more affordable alternatives.
White t-shirt
As an art lover, a classic white t-shirt is like a canvas on which you can create countless combinations. You can style it with different kinds of accessories such as jewelry, scarves, or add jackets or blazers in almost every color or shape. In my opinion, it’s a must-have item for a creative lady 🙂
Denim Blouse
A denim blouse is one of my favorite items in my wardrobe. You can wear it in many versatile ways – open or buttoned up, layered over a t-shirt or under a knit, tucked in, or left outside of your trousers. Its neutral color allows you to mix it in different outfits and create a casual yet sophisticated look. I chose to wear classic denim on denim look and layered my blouse over a black turtleneck for a warm and chic look in the photo above.
Striped Top
Stripes are one of the most classic prints you can find, making a striped top a classic wardrobe item. You can wear it with a black biker jacket or a trench coat for a casual and effortless everyday look or with a blazer for a more elevated look. I’ve linked some options below.
Trousers & Skirts
Straight leg denim
In the last couple of years, straight leg denim has become a classic item in my wardrobe. Even though I own several denim pairs in different washes, my favorite ones are my straight leg denim in a light blue wash. You can wear them with a knit or a t-shirt mixed with trainers or boots for an everyday look, but also with a lace camisole, blazer, and heels for an evening look. I own two straight leg pairs in the light blue wash – Levi’s 501, which I bought from an online store called Avelina’s Vintage, and Anine Bing’s. You can find Anine Bing’s jeans on her website or Shopbop and Revolve. Since her denim can be quite pricey, I always wait for her online sale every couple of months to find them at a more affordable price. I have linked some options below.
Midi Black Skirt
After not wearing skirts for years, I found this lovely black midi skirt at & Other Stories, and it has become a staple in my closet. Because of its classic shape, you can easily mix it in your wardrobe and dress it up with a blazer and heels or an elegant boot or dress it down with a knit or a sweatshirt and sneakers as I did in the photos below.
White trousers
Left photo by: Ataklit Tes
While there might be a tendency to think that white trousers are a summer wardrobe item, it can work as a neutral item in your winter wardrobe as well. This makes them a multi-seasonal classic staple in your closet. Because of their neutral color, you can easily mix them with items in different colors, and they can add an elegant vibe to your outfit. Since I bought my white trousers from Topshop last summer, I’ve linked some alternatives down below.
These were my top 10 staples for a creative wardrobe, and I hope they can help you build your own smart and creative wardrobe as well.
I invite you to share: What was your favorite item?
If you’d also like me to write another post on accessories that are my creative wardrobe staples or on seasonal staples, let me know in the comments below 🙂
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