Looking your best and staying on trend can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. However, with the right building blocks any fashionista can pull together an amazing wardrobe full of stylish, classic staple pieces that never go out of fashion. Here are 10 wardrobe essentials that you should stick in your wardrobe if you want to always look on-trend no matter the season.
1. Start With the Basics
Learning the basics should be the very first step when starting anything new. Whether it’s a new skill, hobby, job or degree, the most logical approach is always to begin at the start. Here are some of the basics you should aim to establish in the early stages of taking on something new:
- Understandings – Make sure you have a firm understanding of why you are taking on this new venture. What do you want to gain? What are the basics you need to know?
- Goals – Once you know what you want to gain from this new venture, set yourself some achievable goals. This will help to keep you focused and motivated on your journey.
- Knowledge & Skills – Make out a plan on how to best acquire the knowledge and skills needed in order to reach your desired destination. Learning about the basics can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Establishing a strong knowledge of the basics is the key to success. It allows you to create the perfect foundation to explore and expand upon your new venture. You should always set aside the time to commit to the basics before you move on to the more advanced stages.
It’s understandable that you may quickly become impatient. You want to dive right in and learn the harder stuff, but don’t. Being well versed in the basics will lead to so much more as time goes on.
2. Building Blocks of Style
Styles are complex and malleable, but some basic building blocks can help simplify the process. Form, colour, line, shape, texture, value, and space are the elements of art that make up style. Knowing, understanding, and exploring these elements are key to developing style.
Form is a visual element that describes how a shape looks. A two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object, form is created with width, height, and depth. Forms can be basic, like a circle, or complex, like a figure with multiple points.
Colour is an important aspect of style. Colours have a psychological affect on people, and can be used to create various feelings and emotions. Different tones and hues can also be used to create subtle distinctions between elements and to create balance.
Line is a pathway between two points. Lines can be horizontal, vertical, or angled, and can be used to connect shapes or to create divisions. Lines can also be used to define movement within an image and add texture.
Shape is the result of closed lines forming an OBJECT. Shapes can be geometric, such as circles and squares, or more complex, such as animals and letters. Shapes can be used to create focal points within an image or to make a particular object stand out.
Texture is the feel of a surface. Rough or smooth, bumpy or flat, textures can be used to create contrast between elements or to draw attention to specific areas. Texture can be created by repeating shapes or lines in an area, or by adding in unusual surfaces to an image.
Value is the range of lightness and darkness of an image. Darker neighbourhoods imply shadows, and lighter neighbourhoods imply highlights. Values can be used to create contrast and focus points within an image.
Space is the area between objects. Negative space provides the counterbalance to positive space, allowing for more visual clarity and creating balance between elements. Space can also be used to imply depth or to separate parts of an image.
Working with these elements can create endless variations in style. Uniques styles can be created by mixing and experimenting with different forms, colours, lines, shapes, texture, values, and space. With practice and exploration, anyone can create their own individual style.
3. 10 Essential Pieces Every Fashionista Must Have
1. Little Black Dress
A timeless classic that should live in your wardrobe, the little black dress has been setting trends since 1920 and it is still the go-to party dress for fashionistas. Not only will this dress suit any event, but you can also dress it up or down to fit any scenario.
2. White Shirt
A true wardrobe staple is the white shirt. From pairing it with jeans and sneakers to dressing it up with a skirt or trousers for that sophisticated look, this one piece cannot be missing from any fashionista’s wardrobe. Choose a cut, style and fit that flatters your body type and you are ready to go!
3. Denim Jacket
A take-anywhere must-have, a denim jacket is a versatile piece that will stay relevant for years. Wear it with absolutely anything and it will make your look. You can pop a classic denim jacket over a dress for an edgy vibe or layer it over a sophisticated evening gown for a contemporary feel.
4. Trench Coat
A timelessly sophisticated piece that is perfect for cool weather days, the trench coat is a must-have in any fashionista’s wardrobe. It is the perfect trans-seasonal piece, with its breathable material and light drape, it will keep you warm on cooler days while looking effortlessly stylish.
5. Statement Jewelry
Every fashionista needs to have a few statement jewelry pieces up their sleeve for that special event or day out. A bold bracelet or rings is the perfect accent to any look while a statement necklace is known for making any outfit look more polished. Pick a few statement pieces to make sure you always have the perfect accessory.
6. Neutral Heels
Every fashionista needs a pair of neutral heels that will go with all of her essential pieces. Whether it is a block heel, a stiletto or a wedge, a pair of neutral-colored shoes stands out among the crowd. Choose a classic pointed or round toe to ensure they will never go out of style.
7. Statement Bag
A stylish bag is what makes an outfit look professional and stylish. Whether it is a small clutch or a large bucket bag, have the perfect statement bag at your side at all times. Choose a brightly-colored bag to inject a vibrant burst to your look or select a classic shape and color for an elegance vibe.
8. Sunglasses
A vital summer fashion piece, sunglasses are a must-have. Choose a classic aviator pair for a timeless look or go for a more vibrant and modern style for those sunny days out. Aside from protecting your eyes from the sun, a good pair of sunglasses will bring sophistication and attitude to your outfit in an instant.
9. Scarf
During chillier days, a scarf is a fashionista’s best friend. Pick a unique one that will make your outfit stand out from the crowd. Be it a plaid pattern, a bright colored one or a cashmere statement piece, wear the scarf forever, wrapped around your neck or thrown over the back of your shoulders.
10. Denim Jeans
The most classic and classic piece of all, denim jeans go with absolutely everything. Invest in a few, and make sure you choose the styles and washes that make you feel and look great. Choose between boot-cuts, skinny-fit, straight-cut, boyfriend, cropped, flares and more, to create an instant fashion-forward look.
4. Putting It All Together
Once you have all the pieces for your project, it’s time to put it all together. At this stage, reap the rewards of all the work you’ve done and enjoy the satisfaction of watching your project take shape.
Your first step is planning out your assembly. If there is a sequence to follow, make sure you are familiar with the order of operations. Otherwise, assess which components will need to be attached earlier in the process and which can be completed at the end. Taking this approach will help reduce the complexity of the task.
When you start putting the pieces together, begin by pairing components in an organized fashion. Start with the items that will need the most effort to put together and move to the least. This will ensure that if you run out of energy, you have still completed the more important steps.
Once you start joining the pieces, it is important to make sure the attachments are secure. Pay particular attention when using screws, bolts, glue, tape, or any other method that may require extra effort. To make sure the items stay affixed, use:
- Declutch fasteners
- Countersunk screws
- Locking nuts
- Sealant
For larger projects, test the components as you go. This will ensure that the entire project is sound. Running a test will reveal any errors early on and save you the hassle of having to redo a lot of work.
Finally, make sure you have an organized working area. A clean workplace will allow you to focus on the task at hand and reduce the risk of making mistakes. With these steps, you can be sure the final product will stand the test of time.
No matter your wardrobe style, these 10 wardrobe essentials will make sure you look fashionable and stylish every day of the year. So make sure you stock up on these essentials today and you’ll be sure to make a fashion statement and turn heads wherever you go!