It’s okay to {be basic}.

Blazer. Eyelet sweater. (50% off today) Jeans. (they work great for petites. I sized up 1 size.) Booties. Similar bag. sunglasses. Circle ring. Necklace.

I know we’re all trying to avoid being “basic,” but this post is gonna be a little plug for the basics.  At least when it comes to your wardrobe.  Whenever I get emails asking where to start with building a wardrobe, I always recommend starting with the basics. Basics are the best foundation to build your wardrobe on.  I’ve also called them wardrobe workhorses in the past and honestly when you put them together, they create such a classic look.

I always invest a little more on the basics because I plan to have them for years to come and I want them to last.  Things like blazers and coats, a great handbag, or boots are all items that will get you through multiple seasons year in and year out.

Here are a few of my favorite basic pieces you should consider adding to your wardrobe if you don’t already have them:

A great camel blazer.  I stalked this J.Crew blazer for like a month and a half last year waiting for it to come back in stock in my size, and it was worth every ridiculous minute of that obsession.  (Luckily you don’t have to do that if you’re in the market for one, as it’s fully stocked right now.)  This blazer goes with so many different pieces in my closet, and it’s so easy to throw on in a pinch every time I need to elevate an outfit or just look a little more put together/professional.  I often ask myself how I ever lived without it.  And I really can’t answer… ;-) (kidding, obviously, but it’s seriously such a great blazer.)  But in all seriousness, the great thing about a camel blazer is that it can be paired with both a black color base and a navy.  In other words, you can almost wear it with anything.

Neutral sweaters. I’m a big fan of sweaters in general, but especially neutral ones in colors like black, tan, cream or navy.  They make it so easy to build layers on during the cold months and they’re still great for the transitional seasons (spring and fall) when you need a little warmth, but not quite the bulk.  And basics doesn’t have to be boring, try finding a sweater with a little something more, like this eyelet trimmed one from Loft.  It’s still versatile enough to wear lots of different ways, but that detail just makes it a little surprising and gives it a little something extra.

Neutral boots: think black, cognac, and taupe.  Whether it’s booties, riding boots, open toe- or over the knee, boots are an essential part of the curated closet and they will work harder than most pieces in it.  Seriously though, they literally will.  I honestly try not to buy shoes that are under $100 anymore (unless they were higher first and marked down) because when I do the quality just isn’t there and my feet (and back) pay for it.  Good boots are a worthy investment, just make sure to read product reviews before you buy to ensure you’re getting a good pair and that they are comfortable and will hold up. I buy pretty much all my shoes from Nordstrom because they typically stock pieces that are high quality and the service and shipping can’t be beaten.  They also carry my small size more consistently than anyone else.  And they’ll even stretch your shoes for you in store if you need.

The best thing about building a wardrobe on basics is that you can buy less because the items in your closet work for you in so many different ways.  And it really eases the headaches when it comes to getting dressed because your closet is streamlined.

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