The Five (Often Forgotten) Things Every Girl Needs in Her Closet

There are tons of lists on the internet of the 5, 10, 50, or 100 things every girl needs to have in her closet, but I find they're rather repetitive and often straight up unhelpful. A $200 Hermes scarf? On the HAVE TO HAVE list? I think I'm doing okay without it, thanks.

So here is my short list of things that people forget about that can make all the difference when you're getting dressed in the morning. Having them handy can keep you happy every day of the year.

1. A dress you can wear anywhere.

You're traveling and you don't know if you'll be going out for cocktails, spending the day sight-seeing, or crashing in the hotel. You need one thing you can wear and it will work for everything. A lot of women prefer black, but for me, it's a grey jersey tank dress with some well placed gathering. A few accessories and it's always ready to go. I would highly suggest a jersey dress, though--it will travel well, drape beautifully, and be super comfortable.

2. Sunglasses that suit your face.

I have one of the squarest square faces you will ever come across and so I cannot, shocking I know, wear square sunglasses. Aviators usually work best for me but there aren't really hard and fast rules on this that I can see. I am giving you permission to take your best friend to the store and try on sunglasses for as long as it takes. You're welcome.

3.Warm and cute boot/knee high socks.

If you're wearing boots and your feet are warm and not being constantly troubled by ankle socks bunched up around your arch, you will be happy. It's worth it ladies, believe me. Remember: Warm = happy in almost all situations.

4. A couple slips. 

I know, I know. It's 2012 and you're under 40. You don't think you need a slip. But you do. At least one full dress slip, one short skirt slip, and one that fits tighter than a glove but makes your trouble spots completely disappear. Do not underestimate the power of these garments. You're life will seriously not be the same, and those clothes you only pull out every so often? They'll fit every time.

5. A thing that always makes you feel like yourself.

I don't care what it is. But it has to be completely, totally, and quintessentially you. Something that you can throw on/grab when you're wearing sweatpants and a tee-shirt that will make you feel good about how you look. For me it's a worn-in camel leather carry-all that has all my goodies in it, and usually a vintage scarf tied on somewhere. Or a big pair of earrings I made myself. It's a toss up.

So that's my list... What's yours?

peace&love,
Jill

How to Love Your Closet: My Must Haves

If you're just joining us, this is a series on managing your closet so you can get the most out of your clothes. New articles out each Monday! 

So now that you've cleaned out your closet, played dress up, and hopefully figured out how you'd like to fill in the gaps. But if you're a little bit stuck on what you need to make your closet work, here's my ultimate list of must haves: clothes, shoes, and accessories. 

1. A neutral cardigan. This one item will make everything you wear in summer able to be worn in the winter. It's like magic. Get one. Or two.
2. A jersey skirt. I would say one knee length and one maxi, but only because once you have one, you will never, ever want to take it off.
3. A button down that fits you. I won't say it has to be white. Mine's navy blue from J. Crew.
4. A date dress. Cause you never know.
5. A casual dress. Extra points if it's jersey.
6. A black dress. Cliche, but it's true. When you're not sure how dressy to go, you can always wear this. Except maybe not to a summer wedding. Definitely find something else for that.
7. A warm, cute coat. Because it's both warm and cute. There you go.
8. Black, nude, and colored tights. Again with the magical making-summer-clothes-winter-worthy. You can't beat that.
9. Leggings. Because it's like wearing pajamas, but you look dressed up. Only don't wear them alone as pants or I'll have to hunt you down.
10. Heels that you can wear all day. Wedges are great for this, but a lot of them aren't exactly work appropriate. You'll probably have to splurge on this, but it will be so very worth it.
11. Dressy flats. Your feet will thank you at the end of some award ceremony, formal dinner, or night at the club. Promise.
12. Flat boots. So necessary in so many outfits.
13. A HUGE carry-all. To use as a personal item on airplanes and to pack for overnights. Or just to fill up at the library.
14. A clutch. I know it's called a clutch, but get one with a wrist strap or shoulder strap. Then you can still dance with it if everyone's on the dance floor, and security is a worry.
15. A scarf. Warm, statement, woven, or wooly, just find something that you like and that you will wear.
16. A belt that defines your natural waist. To wear with dresses and tunics.
17. A belt that sits well on your hips. To wear with pants, or tunics as well.
18. A signature piece of jewelry. I like earrings, but they're not for everyone. Find your own signature piece.

peace&love,

Jill