👖 9 Essential Pieces Every Woman Needs in Her Closet

There are the 9 essential pieces Allison Bornstein recommends each woman wears in her book 'Wear It Well'

My 9 Essential Pieces

I’ve never been a fan of the capsule wardrobe concept; most people don’t suit the same things. I personally find trying to force myself into a crisp white button down an exercise in humiliation. However, Allison’s identification 9 pieces which will transform your wardrobe really resonated with me because she is so vague. You don’t need a crisp button down, you just need a shirt, and you need to adjust it to your style.

1: White t-shirt

When I want my outfit to feel more chic, simple and elevated, I am always drawn to my lilysilk t-shirt. Unlike other t-shirts, mine is off-white which is better for my summer colour season, and has a clingy fabric which hugs my curves. It also has a wider, more open neckline which is more harmonious with my yin-influenced fram

2: Button down

When I first saw this I rolled my eyes, but with a second look at my wardrobe I realised Allison was right. Although I don’t have the standard crisp, stiff button down, I do have several which are sheer or flowing which are the perfect layer. This one from Ted Baker is a hero piece for me as it has all the colours of my season.

3: Black turtleneck

I don’t own a black turtleneck as black so close to my face is terrible for my softer colour season; however, I do own one in navy which serves the same purpose. I liked her description that you can pair it with just about anything and the look becomes more classic

4: Trench coat

For years I struggled with trench coats as everything on the market at the moment is long and oversized (which my more conspiratorial side blames on the fact that they’re easy to make). However, once I found my perfect, fitted, classic trench it changed everything

5: Sweater

Now as someone in the UK, the idea of a jumper even being a question in your wardrobe was slightly baffling. However, I do think jumpers are often disregarded; it’s much better to have one jumper which is a quality fabric, cost a little more money, is simple and comfortable than three which are cheap. This does not apply to all things; band tees for example can be cheap as chips and still have the effect you want. This silver jumper I picked up when I was working as an intern for a small fashion company ‘Cubic’ in London has always been my go-to.

6: Denim

Everyone needs a perfect pair of jeans which hugs your bum and makes you look fabulous. Contrary to popular belief, your best jeans should not be a comfort item, they should be stiff but look incredible. No matter your style, you can find a pair of jeans which work for you

7: Blazer

Finding your perfect blazer is so much more complicate than the influencers make it. As someone who is quite small and rounded, I like one which is fitted at the waist, is simple, and has a round hem. So many blazers today are made oversized and straight, which is why I hold onto my ones from the 2010s as hard as I can.

8: Trousers

Now in the UK, trousers just means “pants” so I assume Allison is referring to suit-style trousers that we don’t really have a name for. Allison is so correct; having a proper pair of trousers is such a simple way to elevate your outfit. So many of us focus on having blouses, shirts, smart tops to take our looks up a notch, but actually the bottom half can do so much work for you

9: Belt

A good belt is often dismissed, but it’s one of those things that can transform so many of your outfits. Just one quality belt can open up your entire wardrobe to new looks

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