Every Girl Should Have...

I've spoken about mixing and matching using staple items in the past, but what if you don't know what staple items to mix and match with?

No matter the season, no matter the trend, these are the top 10 items that every girl should have in their wardrobe, and why.

#1- WHITE T-SHIRT

SO many options come to mind immediately when it comes to the faithful white T. Wear it over or under almost anything, with a blazer, jeans, shorts, even a nice pair of tailored pants. Definitely a must.

#2- MAXI DRESS

Now, maxi dresses WERE a trend, but I think that they are definitely here to stay. Maxi dresses don't always have to be the flowy unflattering type that is the most commonly seen or thought of when we think "maxi". Maxi dresses are like jeans, where you need to take the time to look for the right fit. The right neck does wonders. If you want to draw attention away from your middle, go for dresses with a deep V neck, or a scoop neck. If you're smaller in stature, then go for a squarer neck, with thinner straps. Maxi's are not only fantastic for hotter weather, but you can definitely make them work in winter also. You can pair a blazer with almost any type of maxi dress, add a belt around the waist and a great pair of ankle boots and there is your outfit for a night out in the colder seasons. If you have a maxi that is 1 block colour, you can even pop on a cropped jumper/cropped poncho over the top. Add a statement necklace and you're set.

#3- BLAZER

I seriously can't get enough. Pair your white T with your skinny jeans, add a bright coloured blazer and pop on your heels. Simplistic elegance. Dress up, or if you'd like, dress down you're favourite LBD. I wear a blazer every other day, as long as you have the right length and cut, they work well with almost everything.

#4- LBD

Do I really need to say more? 

#5- GREAT PAIR OF JEANS

I'm not going to talk about a particular type of style, because obviously everyone has a different body shape. Some people might say "you should own a pair of skinny jeans" or "a great pair of wide legs" because that might be what's in style at that time. Skinny and bootcut legs will never date, so stick to these styles if you're not sure what to look for. Jeans can be scary, and as annoying as it is, it's one of those things that you need to give time and attention to, because once you find you're perfect pair, you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. 

#6- CLOSED TOE BLACK PUMPS

Dress up any outfit with these babies. Heels in general are my all time favourite invention. I joke all the time that I was born in heels. But they seriously can make an outfit. There are so many different types, but one style that everyone should make necessary is the black pump. It doesn't matter what material, whether it be patent leather, matt or suede, if you're stuck for a shoe to wear, they will ALWAYS come to your rescue.

#7- BELT

I've spoken about belts before, and I will speak about them again! The right belt can change an outfit. Use a block colour like red, or one with a buckle as the focus. Don't be afraid to experiment with your belt on all of your tops and dresses. You may not think it will work, you may not think it's necessary, but you can even make a belt on top of a V neck T work. 

#8- CRISP WHITE SHIRT

Although you have already invested wisely in a white t-shirt (or 5), a white button-down shirt is also a must. It is one of those items that can definitely be updated to fit into current trends, because it is a classic that will never date. Try to find one that fits in all the right places and hides the not so nice areas. For example, if you have broad shoulders, avoid shirts with wide collars.

#9- TRENCH COAT

Coat trends come and go, but trenches are forever. They are best in neutral colours, like brown, black or beige. Stick to a classic fit  and length, just above the knee. Invest correctly and you will have this coat for years to come.

#10- BLACK TOTE

Everyone needs to invest in a great tote. If you're like me, you change it up every now and then and use a different bag for different occasions. But if you're stuck for what to go for, then your black tote is perfect. It is big enough to fit the essentials, (but not so huge that you look like a celebrity covering a "suspicious bump"). It will obviously fit with every outfit, and can be taken anywhere from the office to the bar.

Word to the wise: Think of the above items as investments. They are building blocks for you to use, to create great outfit's by adding other items within your wardrobe, and using fantastic accessories. These are items that will never date and you will treasure for years to come.