As much fun as experimenting with all the latest trends is, these are the pieces every woman needs in her closet.

Invest in these 5 Basics:

5. red pumps

4. white blouse

3. mid-sized leather bag

2. dark wash boot-cut jeans

1. tailored black blazer

Pair these together for a fool proof outfit that looks right every time. When you’re shopping for these must-have’s take your time, try on lots, and don’t buy until you find find truly great pieces.

*

Remember these tips while you shop:

#5 – Red Leather Pumps

Look for genuine leather shoes (they’ll last so much longer) with a heel height you find manageable. I personally feel that slipping on red heels makes me feel instantly sexier, try it yourself! How do you know its leather? Look for the label, usually on the bottom or inside. It will show one of the following symbols for UPPER, LINER, SOLE.

#4 – White Poplin Blouse

When shopping for a blouse fit and material is essential. Look for something luxe like silk, besides being soft and durable its a natural fabric that has thermostatic properties, meaning it will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Its hypoallergenic and highly absorbent, meaning you’ll be comfortable. Make sure the blouse fits your shoulders (test this by raising your arms, if it pinches, its too tight) and doesn’t pull across the chest.  Busty girls, buy some double-sided tape, this way if your buttons gape open a bit you can stick some in there to keep it closed. Avoid Polyester at all costs, where-ever possible I like to choose natural fabrics. All clothing should have a label inside listing the material, country of origin and care instructions. Always check this label before you buy. Keep in mind many things may read “Dry Clean Only” but often you can get away with washing them in cold on the delicate cycle and hanging them to dry. When in doubt, Google!

#3 Mid-Sized Bag

Here is where you can have the most freedom, find a bag that suits your style. Again, genuine leather is your friend (unless you’re a vegan!) because it will last so much longer. Inspect the bag for quality; are the seams sewn straight, is there glue visible, paint that could flake off? Interesting detailing like quilting, studs, chains, will give your bag personality. Choose a neutral color (black, grey, brown or beige) and this will be wearable forever.  However you don’t want to play it safe buy a color you LOVE (I seem to always be buying teal) a punchy bag can add color and personality to an otherwise demure look. Find something that’s big enough to be practical, but small enough to take out. (About the size of a brick.)

#2 Dark Bootcut Denim

Jean shopping can be an absolute nightmare, no one knows your body better than you so dress for your shape. It might be a pain but everyone needs a great pair of boot-cut jeans so invest the time to go try on a large selection. Buy these a bit long and pair them with heels to make your legs look miles long. Look for jeans with a bit of stretch (check the care label for spandex) in a dark wash, and remember that fit in the waist is much more important than length. The hem should hit just at the top of your foot when you’re wearing heels.  Paying to get your jeans hemmed will make a huge difference- keeping you looking tailored and presentable- too long or too short and you’ll look ridiculous. More great tips here.

#1 Black Blazer

The black blazer is the single most important piece you can shop for. It adds instant polish to any outfit and will never go out of style. A single breasted, single button style looks good on EVERYONE. If you are very busty try a style with a waterfall front and no buttons. Make sure it fits in the shoulders and doesn’t pull across the back or at the buttons. Test the mobility you have in your arms; if you couldn’t drive while wearing it then keep looking. 3/4 length sleeves are flattering and functional. Don’t be hesitant to pay more for quality materials, like wool, and dry clean your blazers to keep the shape.

Always remember to buy for the fit you are and not for the size you want to fit. When you’re shopping don’t become depressed about having to go up a size- no one knows what the size label says but everyone can see if you’ve smushed yourself into something too small. Different stores vary so much in their (vanity) sizing that its unlikely you’ll ever be able to say with certainty what size you wear. Still hung up on that ‘medium’ label when you’re sure you should be ‘small’ ? Just cut it out! Literally (and figuratively, you’re beautiful as you are) take scissors and get rid of it. I have clothes from sizes XXS-XXL in my closet, but I’ve  cut out almost all the tags (mostly because they’re itchy) but also because my body image isn’t defined by the size label!

-xo, a